Relationship Between Performance of Carob Moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Phytochemical Metabolites in Various Pomegranate Cultivars

Physicochemical Properties of Sugarcane Cultivars Affected Life History and Population Growth Parameters of Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefebvre) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The use of resistant cultivars is an efficient management strategy against S. nonagrioides. The effects of different sugarcane cultivars, CP48-103, CP57-614, CP69-1062, CP73-21, SP70-1143, and IRC99-02 were evaluated on the oviposition preference (free-choice assay), life history, and life table parameters of S. nonagrioides at 27 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16: 8 (L: D) h. The longest and shortest developmental times were on cultivars SP70-1143 and CP48-103, respectively. The oviposition preference of S. nonagrioides was the highest on cultivars CP48-103 and CP69-1062, and negatively correlated with the shoot trichome density and shoot rind hardness of the cultivars. The highest intrinsic rate of increase of S. nonagrioides was on cultivar CP48-103 and the lowest was on cultivar SP70-1143. The shortest mean generation time was on CP48-103 and the longest was on SP70-1143. The results indicate that cultivars CP48-103 and CP69-1062 were susceptible, and cultivar SP70-1143 was partially resistant against S. nonagrioides. This information could be useful for developing integrated management programs of S. nonagrioides, such as the use of resistant cultivars to reduce the damage caused by this pest in sugarcane fields.

Interaction between biological parameters of Panonychus citri (Acari: Tetranychidae) and some phytochemical metabolites in different citrus species

The citrus red mite, Panonychus citri McGregor, is a key pest of different citrus species in various parts of the world. Considering the key role of resistant host plants in integrated pest management strategies, we evaluated the effects of five citrus species including grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), tangerine (Citrus reticulata), orange (Citrus sinensis), and sour orange (Citrus aurantium) on life table parameters of P. citri under laboratory conditions (25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH, 16:8 L:D). In addition, biochemical traits of the citrus plant species were evaluated in order to understand any possible relationship between important life history parameters with biochemical metabolites of citrus plant leaves. Phytochemicals were determined in leaf extract of citrus plant species. Various citrus species had significant effects on life history and demographical parameters of P. citri. The longest pre-adult time was observed on grapefruit (16.52 ± 0.43 days). Higher fecundity rate was on orange (15.05 ± 2.41 eggs) and tangerine (14.60 ± 3.07 eggs) and the lowest was on grapefruit (7.21 ± 2.00 eggs). The highest intrinsic rate of increase (r) was recorded as 0.071 (day^-1) on tangerine, and the lowest value of this parameter was obtained on grapefruit (0.016 day^-1). Significant correlations were observed between life history parameters with biochemical metabolites (carbohydrate, phenolic compounds, anthocyanin, and flavonoid). The results revealed that grapefruit was a relatively resistant host plant and tangerine was the most suitable host plant for feeding of P. citri. Our findings could be helpful for sustainable management of P. citri in citrus orchards.

Effect of Different Fruit Developmental Stages and Biochemical Metabolites of Pomegranate (Ponicaceae) on Life History Parameters of Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Plant-herbivore interactions can be influenced by plant developmental stages. Effects of four different developmental stages of pomegranate fruit (Hazelnut size, Walnut size, Juicy, and Ripe) were investigated on life table parameters, nutritional yield, and energy contents (protein, glycogen, and lipid) of Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) under controlled conditions in two pomegranate cultivars, namely Shahvare-Danesefid and Esfahani-Daneghermez as susceptible and resistant cultivars, respectively. Biochemical characteristics of the four developmental stages were determined, and a correlation was made with life-history and nutritional responses of E. ceratoniae. Significant differences were observed in developmental time and adult fecundity of E. ceratoniae across various tested stages in both pomegranate cultivars. The highest value of intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was found in Juicy and lowest in Hazelnut-size stage of Shahvare-Danesefid. The highest rm value was on Walnut-size and Juicy stages, and the lower rate was obtained from the feeding of E. ceratoniae on Ripe and Hazelnut-size stages in Esfahani-Daneghermez. A higher relative growth rate (RGR) was observed in Juicy (in Shahvare-Danesefid) and Walnut-size stages (in Esfahani-Daneghermez) when compared with other developmental stages tested. Life-history parameters of E. ceratoniae were correlated with biochemical qualities of pomegranate stages. Results indicated Juicy (Shahvare-Danesefid) and Walnut-size stages (Esfahani-Daneghermez) were relatively susceptible pomegranate stages, and Hazelnut-size and Ripe stages were unsuitable for feeding of E. ceratoniae in Shahvare-Danesefid and Esfahani-Daneghermez, respectively. Findings of this research could aid in the development of integrated management programs of E. ceratoniae in pomegranate orchards.