Host specificity of Metriona elatior, a potential biological control agent of tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum, in the USA

The leaf beetle Metriona elatior from Brazil-Argentina was screened in the Florida (USA) State quarantine facility as a potential biological control agent of tropical soda apple, Solanum viarum, a recently arrived weed species. Multiple-choice host-specificity tests were conducted in small cages (60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm) using 95 plant species in 29 families. Adults fed heavily on the main target weed (S. viarum), and on turkeyberry, Solanum torvum (noxious weed of Asiatic origin); fed moderately on red soda apple, Solanum capsicoides (weed of South American origin), and eggplant, Solanum melongena (economic crop); and fed lightly on aquatic soda apple, Solanum tampicense (weed of Mexican-Caribbean-Central American origin), and on silverleaf nightshade, Solanum elaeagnifolium (native weed widely distributed). M. elatior adults laid 84 to 97% of their egg masses on S. viarum, and 3 to 16% on S. melongena. Non-choice host-specificity tests were also conducted in quarantine in which M. elatior adults and neonate larvae were exposed to 17 and 19 plant species, respectively. Tests with the neonates indicate that this insect was able to complete its development on S. viarum, S. torvum, S. melongena, and S. capsicoides. Although some adult feeding and oviposition occurred on S. melongena in quarantine on potted plants in small cages, no feeding or oviposition by M. elatior was observed in field experiments conducted in Brazil. Surveys in unsprayed S. melongena fields in Argentina and Brazil indicated that M. elatior is not a pest of S. melongena in South America. The evidence obtained from the South-American field surveys, Brazil open-field experiments, and Florida quarantine host specificity tests indicate that M. elatior causes significant feeding damage to S. viarum, and does not represent a threat to S. melongena crops in the USA. Therefore an application for permission to release M. elatior against S. viarum in the USA was submitted in October 1998.

Insecticide selectivity to two species of Trichogramma in three different hosts, as determined by IOBC/WPRS methodology

BACKGROUND: The use of Trichogramma species is a potential key strategy in integrated pest management. However, its effectiveness depends on the use of chemicals that do not interfere with parasitism and parasite population growth. Here, a study was made of the effects of synthetic insecticides on Trichogramma pretiosum and Trichogramma exiguum in different hosts (Ephestia kuehniella, Plutella xylostella and Spodoptera frugiperda) and the influence of International Organisation for Biological Control (IOBC/WPRS) methodology in selectivity studies using different Trichogramma species. The insecticides used were commercial formulations (triflumuron at a concentration of 0.2 mL L-1 water, etofenprox at a concentration of 0.47 mL L-1 water and endosulfan at a concentration of 7.5 mL L-1 water); the control treatment consisted of distilled water. Eggs attached to cardboard cards were offered to parasitoids inside glass cages. Parasitised eggs, parasitism and adult emergence rates and parasitism reduction were evaluated.RESULTS: Endosulfan and etofenprox, classified as class-4 toxic products, were extremely toxic to the parasitoids. Triflumuron, classified as a non-toxic product, was selective to the parasitoids in eggs of all hosts.CONCLUSIONS: The methodology recommended by IOBC/WPRS influenced results regarding the use of different species of parasitoids, and the use of a single parasitoid species in their experiment is questionable. (C) 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

Free activity in the cage associated with body weight and restoration of bone structural and mechanical properties in growing rats after hindlimb unloading

We investigated the importance of daily free activity in the cage and body weight gain during the recovering of bone structural and mechanical properties in growing rats after hindlimb unloading. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control (CG, n=24) and suspended (SG, n=24) groups. Animals from SG underwent a four-week hindlimb unloading period by tail-suspension. Animals from CG and those from SG after release were kept in collective cages and sacrificed at the age of 12, 16 and 20 weeks. Both femurs were removed and its area, bone mineral density (BMD), resistance to failure and stiffness were determined. Four-week hindlimb unloading decreased (p < 0.05) body weight (CG, 373.00 +/- 9.47 vs. SG, 295.86 +/- 9.19 g), BMD (CG, 0.19 +/- 0.01 vs. SG, 0.15 +/- 0.01 g/cm(2)), bone resistance to failure (CG, 147.75 +/- 5.05 vs. SG, 96.40 +/- 5.95 N) and stiffness (CG, 0.38 +/- 0.01 vs. SG, 0.23 +/- 0.02 N/m). Eight weeks of free activity in cage recovered (p > 0.05) the body weight (CG, 472.75 +/- 14.11 vs. SG, 444.75 +/- 18.91 g), BMD (CG, 0.24 +/- 0.01 vs. SG, 0.22 +/- 0.01 g/cm(2)), bone resistance to failure (CG, 195.73 +/- 10.06 vs. SG, 178.45 +/- 8.48 N) and stiffness (CG, 0.56 +/- 0.02 vs. SG, 0.47 +/- 0.03 N/m) of SG animals. Body weight correlated strongly with bone structural and mechanical properties (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, free activity in the cage associated with body weight gain restored bone structural and mechanical properties in growing rats after hindlimb unloading.

Maternal antibody transfer to broiler progeny varies among strains and is affected by grain source and cage density

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of broiler breeder dietary grain source and cage density on maternal antibody (MatAb) transfer to progeny in 2 genetic strains (A and B). Broiler breeders were assigned to 16 litter floor pens and fed either corn- or wheat-based diets. Breeders were administered 4 live vaccines against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). At 23 wk of age, pullets and cocks, which reflected the full BW distribution from each treatment, were moved to a cage breeder house and placed at 1 or 2 hens/cage. Breeders were artificially inseminated at 44 wk (experiment 1) and 52 wk of age (experiment 2). Eggs were collected for 8 d, incubated, and placed in individual pedigree bags at d 19 of incubation. Blood samples from 5 chicks per treatment combination were collected at hatch in both experiments. Spleen and bursa were collected from the same chicks for histomorphometry analyses in experiment 2. In the second experiment, 12 chicks per treatment were placed in cages. Progeny were provided diets based on the same grain (corn or wheat) as their parents. Serum samples were collected at 5, 9, and 13 d of age and analyzed for anti-NDV MatAb. Data were analyzed as a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design considering strain, dietary grain source, and cage density as main factors. Interaction effects were observed in breeders and progeny. Experiment 1 showed that strain A chicks had lower levels of MatAb when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage rather than 1 hen/cage. The MatAb levels of strain B chickens were not affected by cage density in either experiment. Experiment 2 demonstrated similar effects of cage density on MatAb levels and the area of bursa follicles for both strains. Progeny of breeders fed corn-based diets had smaller spleen white pulp only when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage compared with 1 hen/cage. The results of these experiments suggest that breeder strain and cage-density conditions affected MatAb transfer to progeny and embryo development of spleen and bursa.

Effects of Passiflora edulis on the Metabolic Profile of Diabetic Wistar Rat Offspring

Dry extract of the genus Passiflora has been shown to help control glycemia and lipid levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of passion fruit (P. edulis) on the biochemical profile of offspring from diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. The diabetes group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels greater than 200 mg/dL; the nondiabetic (control) group consisted of 10 rats with glucose levels less than 120 mg/dL. After the diagnosis of diabetes, the mating phase was started. By day 21 of pregnancy, the offspring were born; the dams were kept in individual cages with their offspring until the weaning period. The offspring were then divided into 4 groups (n = 15 each): G1 were offspring from control dams, G2 were offspring from treated nondiabetic dams, G3 were offspring from diabetic dams, and G4 were offspring from treated diabetic dams. For 30 consecutive days, G1 and G3 offspring were treated with vehicle (oral gavage) and G2 and G4 offspring were treated with passion fruit juice (oral gavage). After 30-day treatment, the animals were anesthetized and killed, and blood was drawn immediately for analysis of the biochemical profile (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose). The G2 and G4 rats showed significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and an increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The use of passion fruit juice improved lipid profiles, suggesting that this plant may have beneficial effects in the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemias and hyperglycemia.

Salga seca e úmida de filés de pacu (piaractus mesopotamicus)

The goal of this study was to evaluate the process of salting and dry salting of fillets in pacu (P. mesopotamicus), from cultivation in cages. Fillet with skin were salted at a rate of 40% of salt in relation of the initial weight, for a period of 10 days. After processing, were evaluated for microbiological and centesimal composition of fillets subjected to salting and determining the concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) and calculation of income. The centesimal composition were evaluated the protein, ether extract, moisture and ash of the raw material fresh and processed products by salting. The microbiological analysis included the determination of coliforms at 45 degrees C, Salmonella and Staphylococcus coagulase positive. The pacus subjected to umided and dry salting were within quality control standards established by the legislation. The content of umided, protein, lipids and chlorides showed differences (p< 0.05) between the processes of salt. However both forms can be used for the development of technological processes of low investment by encouraging new options for fish consumption.

Parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos, balanço de nitrogênio e metabolizabilidade da energia bruta em suínos alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes balanços eletrolíticos

The aim of this study was to evaluate different dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on the blood biochemical parameters, nitrogen balances and crude metabolizable energy of swine in the initial phase. Sixteen barrows were used, averaging 27.95 kg of initial weight, allotted individually in metabolic cages in a randomized blocks design with four treatments (DEB of 160, 208, 257 and 305 mEq/kg) and 4 replicates. The blood biochemical parameters analyzed were chloride, potassium, sodium and urea in blood. Urine pH was also evaluated, and the parameters evaluated in nitrogen (N) balance were N intake, fecal N, N excreted in urine, absorbed N, N retention, retained N/absorbed N and total excretion of N. The gross energy digestibility and metabolizibility coefficients were determined, and the respectives values of digestible and metabolizable energy. The values of urinary pH increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increasing levels of DEB, ranging from 6.90 to 8.03. The results for chloride, potassium and nitrogen balances of variables and gross energy were similar (P > 0.05) between the evaluated DEB. A linear increase (P < 0.01) was also observed for sodium concentrations in blood serum due to the increase of DEB, with values of 2.91, 3.03, 3.27 and 3.18 g/l, respectively for the different treatments. Urea levels in blood serum increased linearly (P < 0.01), with values of 26.21, 28.64, 34.32 and 32.89 mg/dl. It was concluded that increasing the dietary electrolyte balance, from 160 to 305 mEq/kg resulted in higher concentrations of urea and sodium in blood serum, and higher pH values in the urine of swine in the initial phase.

Desempenho produtivo de tilápia do Nilo alimentada com níveis de colina na dieta

Growth performance of Nile tilapia fed graded choline levels in the diet. A 109-day feeding trial was undertaken aiming to evaluate the growth performance of Nile tilapia fed graded choline levels One hundred and ninety-two (initial-weight 4 0 [plus or minus] 0 15 g) fingerlings were distributed into 32 net cages (200 L each), four cages per treatment and six fish per cage, placed in eight 10001, aquaria in a closed recirculation system The treatments were assigned to the tanks comprising eight treatments and loin replications arranged in a completely randomized experimental design Diets were supplemented with choline chloride to provide 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg of choline per kg of feed and an unsupplemented diet No significant differences were observed in growth performance, survival, apparent feed conversion, liver and fillet ether extract, hepatosomatic index and plasma lipid concentration, among treatments Choline levels did not improve growth performance, possibly because the amount of choline in the diet had already met fish requirement

Utilização do colágeno cromatado como indicador em estudos de digestão com caprinos

The objective of this research was to study the feasibility of utilizing chromated collagen as an external indicator of digestibility by comparing it to acid insoluble ash (AIA) and indigestible acid detergent fiber (IADF) as internal markers, and to the total collection method. Six castrated Alpine breed kid goats with an average weight of 33,4 kg were used. They were housed in metabolism cages. Feeding was based on 60 g/kg PV 0,75 of a pelleted ration per animal, supplied daily in two meals (7 am and 4 pm). The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments and six replications. The results permitted the conclusion that the chromated collagen was the best of the indicators studied, and therefore, is one more indicator which can be used. The AIA and IADF were less efficient and underestimated the digestibility of the feed.

Aditivos na ensilagem do capim-elefante. III. Valor nutritivo e consumo voluntário e digestibilidade aparente em ovinos

The intake, the apparent digestibility and the nutritive value of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silages prepared with the addition of 0, 8, 16 and 24% of ground ear corn with husks, wheat bran and saccharin, dry weight of additive/wet weight of green chop upon the silage were evaluated. A randomized block design with three replications, in a factorial arrangement (3 additives x 4 levels) was used. As experimental silos, 200-liter plastic vessels were used. Sheep weighing approximately 50 kg, kept in individual cages, receiving water and mineral mixture ad libitum, were used to measure the intake and apparent digestibility of silages. There was a ten-day period of adaptation to the experiment conditions. The voluntary intake of the silages was determined by the mean of the intake observed in the last three days of a ten-day period. The fecal collection period lasted for seven days. In this period the animals were fed 80% of the observed intake obtained in the previous phase. The dry matter intake increased as the levels of the additives in the silages were increased. The digestibility of the wall cell components decreased as the rates of the additives in the ensilage process increased. The silages prepared with wheat bran or ground ear corn with husks showed higher nutritive value than the ones with saccharin.

Parasitism of Greenbugs (Homoptera: Aphididae) by Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Grain Sorghum: Implications for Augmentative Biological Control

Field cage studies were conducted to describe the relationship between the percentage of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) parasitism (as measured by aphid mummies) and densities of greenbug, Schizaphis graminum Rondani, on grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor L. In 1993 and 1994, a biotype E-susceptible grain sorghum hybrid was grown in field cages and L. testaceipes adults were released after each plant was infested with 20 biotype E greenbugs. The release rates were 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wasps per plant in 1993, and 0, 0.16, 0.33, and 0.5 wasps per plant in 1994. Greenbugs and mummies were counted 1-2 times a week on all leaves of 2-4 randomly selected plants per cage. A release rate of 0.33-0.5 wasps per plant infested with 20 greenbugs maximized the number of mummies produced and prevented the greenbugs from reaching an economic threshold of 1,000 greenbugs per plant. Peak numbers of mummies occurred ≈400-500 DD (10°C base) after the initial wasp release. Regression analyses showed that the greenbug population started decreasing when the percentage of parasitism (as measured by mummies) reached 20-30 %. Greenbugs in the absence of wasps significantly reduced yield in 1994, but not in 1993.

Preferência alimentar de adultos de Diabrotica speciosa (Ger.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) por genótipos de feijoeiro

Tests were carried out to evaluate resistance of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Diabrotica speciosa (Ger.) with the genotypes Goiano Precoce, Jalo Precoce, PR 95105146, PR 95105142 (Andean domestication center, AN), Emgopa 201 Ouro and IAPAR 57 (Middle American domestication center, MA). The experiments were conducted in 1998 and 1999, at the farm of UNESP-FCAV, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The genotypes were planted in pots and 20 day-old leaflets were collected and foliar disks were cut of for the test. Two trials, a no-choice test and a free-choice test, were set up in BOD. In free-choice test, two disks of each genotype were kept in a 140-mm-diameter petri dish (total of 12 disks), where 12 adults were confined. In no-choice test, two disks of one genotype and two insects were placed in a 60-mm-diameter petri dish. A field experiment was conducted when 400 adults of D. speciosa were released. Fifteen leaflets per plot were collected 30 days after planting and the leaf area consumption was evaluated. A no-choice experiment was carried out with 20 day-old genotypes protected in individual cages and infested by 10 adults, for 72h. The MA genotypes were the most preferred on feeding tests conducted at BOD, field and individual cages, while the AN genotypes were less eaten.

Susceptibility of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to pellitorine, an amide isolated from Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae)

The acute toxicity of pellitorine, an amide isolated from Piper tuberculatum (Piperaceae) which is studied as a biopesticide in European corner borer, was evaluated on larvae and newly emerged adults of honeybee Apis mellifera by means of contact and ingestion bioassays. Workers in the larval and adult phase were separated in groups, which received pellitorine in different concentrations. The larvae were maintained in their own original cells, receiving feeding and normal care from the nurses. The adults were confined in wooden cages with screens, receiving artificial diet made up of sugar and water (1:1). The concentrations of 40, 200, 1 000, 5 000 and 25 000 ng a.i./individual were obtained diluting pellitorine in 98% ethanol. LD10 values of 39.14, 36.16 and 13.79 ng a.i./insect were determined for larvae, for adults by ingestion and adults by contact, respectively. The honeybee larvae were shown to be highly susceptible to the amide pellitorine.

Resídue de polpas de frutas desidratadas na alimentação de leitões em fase de creche

It was evaluated chemically and biologically the powdered fruits pulp residue, used in human food industry. In the digestibility study it was used 12 commercial hybrids barrows piglets, with initial weight 12.2 ± 1,6 kg, allotted in individual cages. The treatments were a basal and a test diet. In the test diet the fruits pulp residue replaced 30% of the basal dry matter. The following values were obtained: dry matter 89,54%, starch 71,1%, glucose 5.4%, fructose 2,2%, crude protein 5,33%, gross energy 3771 kcal/kg, apparent digestible dry matter 96,01%, digestible energy 3448 kcal/kg, metabolizable energy 3389 kcal/kg. By bromatologic results and metabolism study, the powdered fruits pulp residue was characterized as an alternative to be evaluated in piglet diets. In the performance assay 90 piglets with initial weight of 6,60 ± 0,76 kg were allotted in a randomized block design, with six replications and three animals per experimental unit. The treatments were levels of powdered fruits pulp residue (0. 25, 50, 75 and 100%) replacing the corn of the control diet. The studied phases were initial-1 (14 days), initial-2 (21 days) and total period. On the performance there was no difference between the studied inclusion levels. For meal diets, the fruits pulp residue can replace the corn.

The role of workers in transferring queen substances and the differences between worker castes in the leaf-cutting ant, Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

The present study focused on the relationship between the queen and workers in Acromyrmex subterraneus brunneus colonies mediated by the possible transfer of substances from the fertile to the sterile caste. The queens were submitted to different situations of physical limitation, i.e., they were kept isolated in cages with holes that only permitted the entry of workers but left the queen isolated. A tracer (water-soluble dye) was applied to the pronotum and gaster of the queen and its dispersal among workers was analyzed. The results demonstrated that the minor sub caste (0.7-0.9 mm) passed on the dye through allogrooming and self-grooming, or transferred the dye through trophallaxis to the major sub caste (1.2-2.0 mm) when they were not in direct contact with the queen. These findings indicate the communication and probable transfer of substances from the queen to the workers, as well as a substance transfer between workers.