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Volume 5 Number 1 2011
CONTENTS AND ABSTRACTS
Martin H. Villet (South Africa) African Carrion Ecosystems and Their Insect Communities in Relation to Forensic Entomology (pp 1-15)
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Invited Review: African carrion communities contain representatives of the same families that occur in carrion communities on other continents. Checklists and identification guides are tabulated, and the natural histories of core members of the terrestrial community are outlined. Because of strong phylogenetic trends in the biology of the families, the species are effectively ecological surrogates of their relatives elsewhere. These phylogenetic trends also allow the definition of a set of guilds of functionally equivalent species that unify the study of carrion communities world-wide, and a revised suite of guilds is described with both synecological and forensic purposes in mind. Although the decomposition process has been arbitrarily subdivided into stages, they have little direct relation to the dynamics of the carrion community, and should be treated as landmarks rather than phases. Community turnover follows a qualitatively predictable succession, with the greatest species richness and diversity around the ecotone-like transition from ‘wet-phase’ to ‘dry-phase’ carrion habitats. These habitats are differentiated along interacting ecological gradients of dietary quality, competition, and risk of predation, which are important to the core guilds. Competition and predation have strong effects on population dynamics of community members, but link particular species only weakly, so that the succession pattern largely reflects the autecology of the individual species. Discrete waves of species are absent, which increases the temporal resolution, and therefore the forensic value, of the succession as a ‘clock’. The forensic significance of various aspects of community and trophic dynamics are discussed, and means of applying ecological theory to investigations are reviewed.
R. Henry L. Disney (UK) Forensic Science is Not a Game (pp 16-22)
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Opinion Paper: With reference to specific cases involving the author, who is not a forensic entomologist but a specialist on Diptera, especially Phoridae, some of the pitfalls and limitations in the use of entomological data are highlighted.
Yelitza Velásquez, Anabel Martínez-Sánchez, Santos Rojo (Spain) A Preliminary Analysis of Early Colonization of Pig Carcasses by Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Iberian Peninsula (pp 23-25)
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Research Note: An important goal in forensic entomology is the identification of necrophagous species that breed directly on corpses. In the Iberian Peninsula (Southwest Europe), there are few studies on carrion-breeding blowflies using pig carcasses as a model for study. In this work, we compared Diptera colonization in the early stages of decomposition in autumn and winter. For each season, a domestic pig (Sus scrofa) weighing approximately 20 Kg was used. The carcass was exposed in a semi-urban area at the Campus of the University of Alicante (Southeast Spain), for 10 days. After this period, the pig was covered with a net in order to avoid further insect colonization, whilst allowing the development of species that had already begun to breed under natural conditions. Several samples of immature stages were collected daily and reared under controlled conditions (23°C, 60-70% RH and 14:10 L: D photoperiod). The results showed different carrion-breeding species for the two seasons. In autumn, we found Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya albiceps, Chrysomya megacephala, Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria. However, in winter, only Calliphora vicina and Calliphora vomitoria emerged. Chrysomya albiceps was dominant in autumn and C. vicina in winter. Natural openings of the head (eyes, nostrils, mouth and ears) were the first sites to be colonized, followed by the anus. This study constitutes the first record of Chrysomya megacephala developing in natural conditions in Europe, confirming the forensic importance of the oriental latrine fly in Europe.
Divya Prakash, N. N. Nawani, B. P. Kapadnis (India) Indigenous and Recombinant Chitinases as Biocontrol Agents against Plant Pathogens: A Comparative Study (pp 26-32)
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Mini-Review: An increase in urbanization and industrialization has increased the demand of rapid and sustainable agricultural practices. Alternate practices offering better agricultural productivity are necessary to meet the world food demand. Biological control offers a suitable substitute towards chemical pesticides which have their drastic effects on both man and environment. Several lytic enzymes play a key role in these alternative strategies on control of pathogens and pests. Chitinase is one such enzyme complex that has been effectively used in biological control. These enzymes breakdown chitin efficiently into N-acetylglucosamine and its oligomers called chitooligosaccharides. Chitin forms the exoskeleton of arthropods, nematodes and cell wall component in fungi. Due to this, chitin has been targeted for the development of biological control agents against plant pathogens. Plants have known to implicate chitinases in defence against plant pathogens thus chitinases provide an alternate solution to harmful chemicals to combat plant pathogens. This review throws light on the current status of agriculture and further deals with chitinases native to many plants and genetically modified ones, which have been designed in defence against many plant pathogens.
Appanna Vikram (Canada), Habiballah Hamzehzarghani (Iran) Integrated Management of Sclerotium rolfsii (Sacc.) in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Pot Culture Conditions (pp 33-38)
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Original Research Paper: Collar rot of groundnut caused by Sclerotium rolsfii is a disease of significant economic importance in groundnut-growing areas of the world. In the present trial an integrated approach was followed in pot culture conditions for assessing management of S. rolfsii in groundnut using different biocontrol agents, chemical treatments and organic amendments. The trial was designed as a randomized complete block containing eight treatments at 45 and 90 days after sowing each replicated three times. The treatment combinations were: 1) untreated control; 2) inoculated with Pseudomonas fluorescens FPD-10; 3) P. fluorescens FPD-15; 4) Trichoderma harzianum; 5) neem cake; 6) Captan; 7) P. fluorescens FPD-10 + T. harzianum and applied with neem cake + Captan and 8) P. fluorescens FPD-15 + T. harzianum and applied with neem cake + Captan. All treatments were inoculated with S. rolfsii and Bradyrhizobium sp. NC-92 at the time of sowing. All treatments tested recorded significantly lower percentage of pods infected with S. rolfsii and resulted in higher pod yield compared to untreated control. The highest pod yield was recorded in plants receiving P. fluorescens FPD-10, followed by combination of different treatments with FPD-10, combination of different treatments with FPD-15 and P. fluorescens FPD-15. Although individual applications of either T. harzianum or neem cake or captan did not give similar results as single inoculations of either FPD-10 or FPD-15, it did significantly reduce the pod infection caused by S. rolfsii and improved the pod yield. Since most of the treatments tested in this trial reduced pod infection and increased pod yield it is necessary that these treatments be tested under field conditions before they can be exploited in a commercial set up.
Justin N. Okolle (Malaysia/Cameroon), Abu Hassan Ahmad, Mashhor Mansor (Malaysia) Evaluation of Selected Insecticides for Managing Larvae of Erionota thrax and Effects on its Parasitoid (Brachymeria albotibialis) (pp 39-43)
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Original Research Paper: Banana skipper (E. thrax) is an important folivorous insect pest of Musa spp. Mortality effects of Dipel® (Bacillus thuringiensis), Capture 605® (cypermethrine), and Wesco Malathion 57® (malathion) were evaluated on larvae of E. thrax (laboratory and field studies) and on a major pupal parasitoid (B. albotibialis) of E. thrax (laboratory studies). For young instar larvae, Capture 605® and Wesco Malathion 57® caused 100% mortality after 12 h while Dipel® caused 100% only after 30 h. For mature instar larvae, Capture 605® caused 100% mortality after 12 h while Dipel® and Wesco Malathion 57® caused 100 and 92% mortality, respectively after 30 h. After 6, 18, and 24 h, mortality of mature instar larvae caused by Dipel® and Wesco Malathion 57® were not significantly different. Based on direct exposure of adult parasitoids to the treatments, Capture 605® and Wesco Malathion 57® caused 100% mortality after 24 h while Dipel® caused 45%. Generally, Capture 605® and Wesco Malathion 57® were harmful to the parasitoids while Dipel® was harmless. Athough Capture 605® caused highest mortality of E. thrax larvae in the field (90% after 6 h and 85.3% after 24 h), that for Dipel® and Wesco Malathion 57® were not significantly different. This research therefore shows that B. thuringiensis (a microbial control agent) could be used as an important component for integrated management of E. thrax.
Hamida A. Osman, Abd El-Moneim Y. El-Gindi, Mahmoud M. A. Youssef, Hoda H. Ameen, Nagwa A. Abd-Elbary (Egypt), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan), Asmahan M. S. Lashein (Egypt) Protection of Pseudomonas fluorescens Against the Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita; Role of Enzyme-induced Resistance in Eggplant (pp 44-47)
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Original Research Paper: A Pseudomonas fluorescens culture was applied at different dilutions to attempt to induce resistance in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) cv. ‘Baladi’ against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita. The efficacy of this culture, when applied as a soil drench or root dip, was compared with inoculated non-treated plants under greenhouse conditions. P. fluorescens was able to reduce nematode parameters at all dilutions and in both types of application. The S/2 dilution (108 CFU/ml/2) was the most effective in reducing nematode reproduction as measured by the number of developmental stages, galls, egg masses, females and larvae/pot (percentage nematode reduction was 66, 68, 63, 74 and 72%, respectively) when treated as a soil drench compared to the untreated control inoculated with M. incognita only. This was followed by P. fluorescens at a concentration of S/10 (108 CFU/ml/10) which significantly reduced the same parameters by 61, 58, 55, 63 and 32%, respectively compared to control inoculated with M. incognita only. These treatments (S/2 and S/10) were higher than those treated by root dip in most cases. Also, plant growth criteria improved in treated plots compared to controls. The activity of three enzymes (peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and chitinase) increased in treated plants exposed to S/2, S/10 and S/20 compared to the inoculated non-treated control. P. fluorescens thus induced resistance in eggplant against M. incognita.
Nariman A. H. Aly, Laila M. Abdelaty (Egypt), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan) PCR-Based Identification and Detection of Cry1 Genes in Some Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates (pp 48-54)
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Original Research Paper: PCR amplification was performed using two universal primers (Un1 and Un2) designed from among the conserved regions of cry1B and cry1Aa genes. A total of 14 and 5 fragments were displayed among different local Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) isolates using Un1 and Un2, respectively. Each isolate differed from the others based on specific amplified patterns of PCR products. Genetic distances calculated from amplified fragments revealed three and two clusters with Un1 and Un2, respectively. Nei’s genetic similarity index showed some isolates to be similar while others to be divergent. Furthermore, two pairs of specific primers were designed to identify cry1B and cry1Aa genes among 14 local Bt isolates. Analysis with cry1B primer showed that a 1.35-kb fragment was amplified from seven isolates, while with cry1Aa primer a 1.30-kb fragment was amplified from five of the seven isolates. SDS-PAGE protein profiles of some local Bt isolates, two Bt standards and a commercial product revealed a total of 37 protein bands, 21 of which were commonly detected in the seven Bt isolates, while the remaining 16 bands showed high variability among the isolates. Protein analysis of the seven isolates showed that both the total and the variable bands were higher in the five isolates containing the two genes (cry1B and cry1Aa) than the other two isolates containing the cry1B gene only. Some unique bands with different density and intensity were detected among the 14 isolates which discriminated them with different characteristic protein profiles, even those isolates with no known or identified d-endotoxin genes.
Amel Ben Hamouda, Mohamed Ammar, Mohamed Habib Ben Hamouda (Tunisia) Effect of Olea europea and Cestrum parquii Leaves on the Cuticle and Brain of the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria Forsk. (Orthoptera: Acrididae) (pp 55-58)
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Original Research Paper: Olea europea (Oleaceae) leaf powder added at 2% in an artificial diet resulted in a partial inhibition of cuticle genesis of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. This inhibition was expressed by cuticuline and wax layers narrowing the epicuticle which may explain the soft aspect of integument and the persistence of juvenile colour until mature stage. Whereas, brain structure at this stage, does not show visible modifications. In the case of Cestrum parquii (Solanaceae) leaf powder at 2%, the cuticle structure of 5th instars larvae was highly modified. In the absence of exuvial space, the layers of new procuticle were partially developed and the old cuticle partially reduced. Regarding the brain cells of treated locust, we notice the occurrence of well developed vacuoles and its pycnotic nucleus. Between these cells, gigantic vacuoles flood the brain. These observations show the toxic effects of Cestrum leaf powder.
Ashwani Tapwal, Upender Singh (India), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan), Gurpreet Singh, Shipra Garg, Rajesh Kumar (India) In Vitro Antagonism of Trichoderma viride against Five Phytopathogens (pp 59-62)
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Original Research Paper: Fungal diseases are of concern in forest regeneration as they occasionally pose a serious threat causing considerable mortality in nurseries. Seedlings are generally susceptible to diseases due to the tenderness of their tissues and are often difficult to establish. The use of biocontrol agents is an important alternative to conventional chemicals in the protection of crops against weeds, insects, and diseases in both agriculture and forestry. The success of biocontrol and increase in the yield depends on the nature of antagonistic properties and the mechanisms of action acquired by the organisms used. Both fungi and bacteria are able to synthesise a wide range of metabolites with fungicidal and bactericidal ability. In this study, Trichoderma viride,evaluated under laboratory conditions against some common phytopathogens belonging to different groups of fungi,effectively inhibited the growth of the tested pathogens in dual cultures by hyperparasitism and by secretion of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. In the dual culture experiment, maximum inhibition was recorded for Fusarium oxysporum followed by Rhizoctonia solani and least for Alternaria zinniae. The volatile metabolites of T. viride were most effective against F. oxysporum and least effective against R. solani; an almost reverse situation was observed when non-volatile metabolites were examined.
Sahana Vishwanath, Shivapura Channegowda Chandrashekar, Meenakunte Doddamuniappa Rajanna, Defedar Hanumanthaiah Tejavathi (India) Histopathology of Banana Infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (E. F. Sm.) Synd. & Hans. (pp 63-66)
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Original Research Paper: Fusarium wilt is a severe disease of banana plants caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. The objective of this study was to trace the pathway and colonization in roots and rhizome of the highly susceptible banana cultivar, ‘Nanjangud Rasabale’. We observed that the entry of the fungus into the roots is primarily through the rootlet, progressing upwards to the rhizome and pseudostem. External symptoms of characteristic yellowing of the lower leaf sheath were observed only after 90 days after inoculation though internally the colonization of the fungus had occurred as early as 45 days after inoculation. Longitudinal splitting of the outer leaf bases just above soil level was seen only after 150 days after inoculation. Formation of chlamydospores, microconidia were observed in root and rhizome sections. Macroconidial formation was observed in only preserved root and rhizome samples.
Reham I.A. Abo-Shnaf, Amal H.M. Romeih, Marguerite A. Rizk, Mourad F. Hassan (Egypt) Do Two Predatory Candidates Have the Ability to Restrict Some Piercing and Sucking Pests on Rose Bushes in Egypt? (pp 67-70)
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Original Research Paper: The effectiveness of the indigenous predatory mite, Euseius plumerii Abo-Shnaf & Romeih sp. n. and the predacious insect, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) was measured to suppress the populations of Tetranychus urticae Koch, Macrosiphum rosae (Linnaeus), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) throughout the period 2006 to 2008. An experiment was done on rose plants (Rosa hybrida) cv. ‘Huddly’ in about one feddan (4000 m2) at the Orman botanical garden, Giza governorate by using a rate of 1 of each predator to 5 prey of T. urticae. As a result, both cited predators reduced all stages of T. urticae. At the same time, the predatory insect decreased the populations of the other insect pests, but the situation was reversed by the predatory mite, as it failed to reduce their numbers.
Ikbal Chaieb, Sonia Bouhachem-Boukhris (Tunisia), Benoit Nusillard (France) Asymmetrasca decedens Paoli and Zygina flammigera Fourcroy (Hemiptera: Typhlocybinae), New Pests in Peach and Almond Orchards in Tunisia (pp 71-73)
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Short Communication: Serious damage caused by cicadellid insects have been observed for a few years in peach and almond orchards in Tunisia. A survey of leafhopper species in the region of Mornag, in the Tunisian North East, shows the presence of two major species feeding on these cultivated trees: Asymmetrasca decedens and Zygina flammigera. The first was previously reported in 2007 on grapevine in the Cap Bon region, but not as stone fruit pest, while the second species is new for the Tunisian fauna. Almond trees seem to be more attacked by cicadellid than peach (67% on almond and 33% on peach). A. decedens is more abundant than Z. flammigera (82.2 and 79.5% of A. decedens and 15.9 and 19.3% of Z. flammigera in peach and almond, respectively).
Lassaad Mdellel, Monia Ben Halima-Kamel (Tunisia), Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva (Japan) Effect of Host Plant and Temperature on Biology and Population Growth of Pterochloroides persicae Cholodv (Hemiptera, Lachninae) (pp 74-78)
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Research Note: This work aimed to study the population behaviour and distribution of brown peach aphid (Pterochloroides persicae) on different host trees. Five host plants were identified (peach, almond, plum, apricot and apple) and two behaviours were observed in which aphid could be maintained all-year round on peach in irrigated orchards and a sub-humid climate on four Prunus genus in dry fields and an arid climate. Population dynamics showed that aphids first appeared onroots and then moved up to cover the collar and the trunks where populations behaved differently. The effects of host and temperature on biotic potential were studied under controlled field conditions. Adults were reared individually at different temperatures (15, 20 and 25°C) on peach, almond, plum and apricot tree branches. 20°C is the best temperature for the reproductive potential of P. persicae and peach was the best host for P. persicae in terms of mass rearing.
Arnab Bhattacharya, Animesh K. Datta, Aditi Saha (India) Asiatic Fungal Weevil (Eurymycter napinatus)-transmitted Fusarium thapsinum Infection in Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. (pp 79-80)
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Research Note: Fusarium thapsinum infection (characterized by macro- and microconidia morphology along with growth characteristics on PDA) transmitted by Asiatic fungal weevil (Eurymycter napinatus) is first reported for the species Uraria picta (Jacq.) DC. (Family: Leguminosae, Papillionoidae; an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine) from control, M1 and M2 populations (grown as a rainfed kharif crop – May to November) in random plants. Symptoms noted were drying up of apical buds, downward spiral curling and stem rot in the near vicinity at the onset of flowering. Microscopic examination showed degeneration of parenchymatous pith and anthers, browning of vascular bundles and pollen grain degeneration, agglutination and sterility with progressive infection. The infection did not impair the productivity of the affected plants as frequent lateral buds were produced (uncharacteristic to the species morphology) on the side of the infected buds.
Pritam Chattopadhyay, Shrikanth Gorthi, Sandipan Chatterjee, Sukanta K. Sen (India) Characterization of Bacterial Isolates as Natural Biocontrol Agents of Bollworm from an Epizootic Pest (Heliothis armigera) (pp 81-85)
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Research Note: In an attempt to screen biocontrol agents, nine bacterial strains were isolated from a dead lepidopteron pest Heliothis sp. (bollworm) of a heavily infested pea field of the village Khalad, Pune, Maharastra, India. The collected epizootic Heliothis sp. specimens were brown in color with a blackish alimentary canal, clearly visible from the ventral side. While testing their pathogenicity, isolates AB2, AB4, AB7, and AB8 were found to be pathogenic to Heliothis armigera following Koch’s postulate. Through a biochemical assays and 16S rRNA gene sequencing the isolates were identified as Serratia entomophila (AB2), Cronobacter sakazakii (AB4), and Salmonella choleraesuis (AB7 and AB8) belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The isolates are the first report as bacterial entomopathogens of an insect epizootic from India.
Jatin Soni, Meena Thakur (India) Effect of Biopathogens on Honey Bees (pp 86-90)
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Research Note: The bio-safety of some entomopathogenic bioagents viz. Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis and Verticilllium lecanii, was tested in a honey bee colony by three different methods i.e. the “strip method”, the “spray method” and the “feeding method”. The bioagents were tested at 108 spores/colony in strip and spray methods and 107 spores in the feeding method. No significant differences were observed in brood and adult bee mortality when these biopesticides were used, whether in strip or spray form. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the number of incoming and outgoing bees before and after the application of biopesticides whether using the strip or spray method. However, in the feeding method significant differences were observed in bee mortality under caged conditions by V. lecanii and B. bassiana according to LT50 values, although no significant differences were observed with M. anisopliae.
Ashutosh Sharma, Pratap Kumar Pati (India) First Record of 28-Spotted Ladybird Beetle, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (F.) Infesting Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal in Punjab Province of Northern India (pp 91-92)
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Research Note: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is an important medicinal plant that is used to treat a large number of ailments. The present report records for the first time the presence of 28-spotted ladybird beetle on the leaves of W. somnifera plants in the Amritsar District of Punjab Province within the Northern Region of India. All stages of the insect life cycle were found on the leaves of W. somnifera. The larvae voraciously fed on the leaves, leaving behind a fibrous skeleton, reducing the commercial value of the plants. The pest was identified as Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). |
