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Rweyemamu EW, Mwatawala MW, Tryphone GM, De Meyer M, Kabota S, Bwire PM. Impact of cucurbit crop management techniques on the foraging behavior of honeybees and hoverflies in Morogoro, Tanzania. BMC Ecol Evol 2024; 24:9. [PMID: 38233768 PMCID: PMC10795283 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-024-02202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor agricultural practices have drastically threatened insect pollinators' biodiversity. Little is known in Tanzania about how different agricultural practices affect pollinators' foraging behavior. This study investigated the effects of the agroecological zone, season, cucurbit species and management practices on visitation frequency, visitation rate and time spent on cucurbit flowers by five pollinator species viz. Apis mellifera, Eristalinus megacephalus, Mesembrius caffer, Paragus borbonicus and Toxomerus floralis. The experiment was designed as a 5 × 3 × 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. GAMOUR-Agroecology was tested against conventional practices and untreated control. RESULTS This study revealed significant effects of agroecological zone × season × cucurbit species × management practice on pollinators' visitation frequency (p = 0.007) and time spent on flowers (p = 0.005). Also, agroecological zone × season × cucurbit species × pollinator species significantly (p < 0.0001) affected pollinators' visitation frequency. Agroecological zones × season × cucurbit species × cucurbits management practices × pollinators significantly (p = 0.001) affected pollinators' visitation rate. Apis mellifera was the most frequent visitor in Cucurbita moschata plots treated with GAMOUR- Agroecology in the plateau zone, also, visited higher number of Cucumis sativus plots under GAMOUR-Agroecology practices in the mountainous zone during the October-November season. Furthermore, it has been found that pollinators spent much in cucurbit flowers on plots with GAMOUR-Agroecology practices and control. CONCLUSIONS Pollinators' foraging behavior were enhanced by GAMOUR-Agroecology practices. Therefore, this study recommended that cucurbit growers should consider management practices that positively influence pollinator foraging activities for sustainable cucurbit production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvillah William Rweyemamu
- Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), P.O. Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - Maulid Walad Mwatawala
- Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), P.O. Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - George Muhamba Tryphone
- Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), P.O. Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Marc De Meyer
- Royal Museum for Central Africa, Invertebrates Section and JEMU, Leuvensesteenweg 13, B-3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Sija Kabota
- Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), P.O. Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Research, Consultancy and Publication Unit, National Sugar Institute (NSI), P.O. Box 97, Kidatu-, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Patroba Masatu Bwire
- Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), P.O. Box 3005, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Tanzania Tobacco Board, P.O. Box 227, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Kestel JH, Bateman PW, Field DL, White NE, Lines R, Nevill P. eDNA metabarcoding of avocado flowers: 'Hass' it got potential to survey arthropods in food production systems? Mol Ecol Resour 2023; 23:1540-1555. [PMID: 37237427 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In the face of global biodiversity declines, surveys of beneficial and antagonistic arthropod diversity as well as the ecological services that they provide are increasingly important in both natural and agro-ecosystems. Conventional survey methods used to monitor these communities often require extensive taxonomic expertise and are time-intensive, potentially limiting their application in industries such as agriculture, where arthropods often play a critical role in productivity (e.g. pollinators, pests and predators). Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of a novel substrate, crop flowers, may offer an accurate and high throughput alternative to aid in the detection of these managed and unmanaged taxa. Here, we compared the arthropod communities detected with eDNA metabarcoding of flowers, from an agricultural species (Persea americana-'Hass' avocado), with two conventional survey techniques: digital video recording (DVR) devices and pan traps. In total, 80 eDNA flower samples, 96 h of DVRs and 48 pan trap samples were collected. Across the three methods, 49 arthropod families were identified, of which 12 were unique to the eDNA dataset. Environmental DNA metabarcoding from flowers revealed potential arthropod pollinators, as well as plant pests and parasites. Alpha diversity levels did not differ across the three survey methods although taxonomic composition varied significantly, with only 12% of arthropod families found to be common across all three methods. eDNA metabarcoding of flowers has the potential to revolutionize the way arthropod communities are monitored in natural and agro-ecosystems, potentially detecting the response of pollinators and pests to climate change, diseases, habitat loss and other disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua H Kestel
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group (MEEG), School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Philip W Bateman
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Behavioural Ecology Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David L Field
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Group (MEEG), School of Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Nicole E White
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rose Lines
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Nevill
- Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) Laboratory, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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3
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Daňková K, Nicholas S, Nordström K. Temperature during pupal development affects hoverfly developmental time, adult life span, and wing length. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10516. [PMID: 37881229 PMCID: PMC10597744 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hoverflies (Diptera, Syrphidae) are cosmopolitan, generalist flower visitors and among the most important pollinators after bees and bumblebees. The dronefly Eristalis tenax can be found in temperate and continental climates across the globe, often synanthropically. Eristalis tenax pupae of different generations and different climate zones are thus exposed to vastly different temperatures. In many insects, the ambient temperature during the pupal stage affects development, adult size, and survival; however, the effect of developmental temperature on these traits in hoverflies is comparatively poorly understood. We here reared E. tenax pupae at different temperatures, from 10°C to 25°C, and quantified the effect on adult hoverflies. We found that pupal rearing at 17°C appeared to be optimal, with high eclosion rates, longer wings, and increased adult longevity. Rearing temperatures above or below this optimum led to decreased eclosion rates, wing size, and adult survival. Similar thermal dependence has been observed in other insects. We found that rearing temperature had no significant effect on locomotor activity, coloration or weight, despite evidence of strong sexual dimorphism for each of these traits. Our findings are important as hoverflies are key pollinators, and understanding the effects of developmental temperature could potentially be useful for horticulture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Daňková
- Flinders Health and Medical Research InstituteFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPraha 2Czech Republic
| | - Sarah Nicholas
- Flinders Health and Medical Research InstituteFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Karin Nordström
- Flinders Health and Medical Research InstituteFlinders UniversityAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Department of Medical Cell BiologyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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4
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Davis AE, Schmidt LA, Harrington S, Spurr C, Rader R. Provisioning Australian Seed Carrot Agroecosystems with Non-Floral Habitat Provides Oviposition Sites for Crop-Pollinating Diptera. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14050439. [PMID: 37233067 DOI: 10.3390/insects14050439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The addition of floral resources is a common intervention to support the adult life stages of key crop pollinators. Fly (Diptera) crop pollinators, however, typically do not require floral resources in their immature life stages and are likely not supported by this management intervention. Here, we deployed portable pools filled with habitat (decaying plant materials, soil, water) in seed carrot agroecosystems with the intention of providing reproduction sites for beneficial syrphid (tribe Eristalini) fly pollinators. Within 12 to 21 days after the pools were deployed, we found that the habitat pools supported the oviposition and larval development of two species of eristaline syrphid flies, Eristalis tenax (Linnaeus, 1758) and Eristalinus punctulatus (Macquart, 1847). Each habitat pool contained an average (±S.E.) of 547 ± 117 eristaline fly eggs and 50 ± 17 eristaline fly larvae. Additionally, we found significantly more eggs were laid on decaying plant stems and carrot roots compared to other locations within the pool habitat (e.g., on decaying carrot umbels, leaves, etc.). These results suggest that deploying habitat pools in agroecosystems can be a successful management intervention that rapidly facilitates fly pollinator reproduction. This method can be used to support future studies to determine if the addition of habitat resources on intensively cultivated farms increases flower visitation and crop pollination success by flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Davis
- Department of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Lena Alice Schmidt
- Department of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | | | | | - Romina Rader
- Department of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Buxton MN, Gaskett AC, Lord JM, Pattemore DE. A global review demonstrating the importance of nocturnal pollinators for crop plants. J Appl Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Max N. Buxton
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited Hamilton New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Anne C. Gaskett
- School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
| | - Janice M. Lord
- Department of Botany University of Otago Dunedin New Zealand
| | - David E. Pattemore
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Limited Hamilton New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland Auckland New Zealand
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6
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Pinto J, Magni PA, O’Brien RC, Dadour IR. Chasing Flies: The Use of Wingbeat Frequency as a Communication Cue in Calyptrate Flies (Diptera: Calyptratae). INSECTS 2022; 13:822. [PMID: 36135523 PMCID: PMC9504876 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The incidental sound produced by the oscillation of insect wings during flight provides an opportunity for species identification. Calyptrate flies include some of the fastest and most agile flying insects, capable of rapid changes in direction and the fast pursuit of conspecifics. This flight pattern makes the continuous and close recording of their wingbeat frequency difficult and limited to confined specimens. Advances in sound editor and analysis software, however, have made it possible to isolate low amplitude sounds using noise reduction and pitch detection algorithms. To explore differences in wingbeat frequency between genera and sex, 40 specimens of three-day old Sarcophaga crassipalpis, Lucilia sericata, Calliphora dubia, and Musca vetustissima were individually recorded in free flight in a temperature-controlled room. Results showed significant differences in wingbeat frequency between the four species and intersexual differences for each species. Discriminant analysis classifying the three carrion flies resulted in 77.5% classified correctly overall, with the correct classification of 82.5% of S. crassipalpis, 60% of C. dubia, and 90% of L. sericata, when both mean wingbeat frequency and sex were included. Intersexual differences were further demonstrated by male flies showing significantly higher variability than females in three of the species. These observed intergeneric and intersexual differences in wingbeat frequency start the discussion on the use of the metric as a communication signal by this taxon. The success of the methodology demonstrated differences at the genus level and encourages the recording of additional species and the use of wingbeat frequency as an identification tool for these flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Pinto
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Paola A. Magni
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- King’s Centre, Murdoch University Singapore, Singapore 169662, Singapore
| | - R. Christopher O’Brien
- Forensic Sciences Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Ian R. Dadour
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia
- Source Certain, Wangara DC, WA 6947, Australia
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7
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Duque L, Poelman EH, Steffan-Dewenter I. Plant age at the time of ozone exposure affects flowering patterns, biotic interactions and reproduction of wild mustard. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23448. [PMID: 34873217 PMCID: PMC8648743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02878-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of plants to environmental stressors can modify their metabolism, interactions with other organisms and reproductive success. Tropospheric ozone is a source of plant stress. We investigated how an acute exposure to ozone at different times of plant development affects reproductive performance, as well as the flowering patterns and the interactions with pollinators and herbivores, of wild mustard plants. The number of open flowers was higher on plants exposed to ozone at earlier ages than on the respective controls, while plants exposed at later ages showed a tendency for decreased number of open flowers. The changes in the number of flowers provided a good explanation for the ozone-induced effects on reproductive performance and on pollinator visitation. Ozone exposure at earlier ages also led to either earlier or extended flowering periods. Moreover, ozone tended to increase herbivore abundance, with responses depending on herbivore taxa and the plant age at the time of ozone exposure. These results suggest that the effects of ozone exposure depend on the developmental stage of the plant, affecting the flowering patterns in different directions, with consequences for pollination and reproduction of annual crops and wild species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Duque
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Erik H Poelman
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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8
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Comparative Efficiency of Native Insect Pollinators in Reproductive Performance of Medicago sativa L. in Pakistan. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12111029. [PMID: 34821829 PMCID: PMC8625494 DOI: 10.3390/insects12111029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a cross-pollinated crop and requires entomophilous pollination for tripping of flowers and subsequent pod and seed set. To discover the best pollinators for lucerne seed production, a two-year field trial was carried out at the research farm of MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan. Abundance and diversity of insect pollinators along with the foraging behavior were recorded in terms of tripping efficiency, stay time, visitation rate and pollen harvest. The single-visit efficiency of abundant insect pollinators was also evaluated in terms of number of seeds and seed weight per raceme along with germination percentage. Ten most abundant floral visitors (five solitary bee species, three honeybee species and two syrphid fly species) were tested for their pollination efficiency. Honeybees were most abundant in both the years followed by the solitary bees and syrphid flies. Single-visit efficacy in terms of number of pods per raceme, number of seeds per raceme, 1000 seed weight and germination percentage revealed Megachile cephalotes as the most efficient insect pollinator followed by Megachile hera and Amegilla sp. Future studies should investigate the biology and ecology of these bee species with special emphasis on their nesting behavior and seasonality.
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9
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Pinto J, Magni PA, O’Brien RC, Dadour IR. Domestic Filth Flies in New Haven, Connecticut: A Case Study on the Effects of Urbanization and Climate Change by Comparing Fly Populations after 78 Years. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12110972. [PMID: 34821773 PMCID: PMC8623608 DOI: 10.3390/insects12110972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Domestic filth fly population data were collected in the summers of 1942–1944 in the urban city of New Haven, Connecticut, during a polio epidemic. The current survey was completed 78 years later by setting out a weekly trap in the same region during June–September over a two-year period. Results indicate that the fly population has changed in the city, with 16 fewer species trapped overall, and there have been changes in the fly species trapped. Some species have increased in abundance, notably Lucilia coeruleiviridis, while numbers of the common Lucilia sericata have decreased, and Lucilia illustris was absent. Changes in land cover and climate were also assessed to show that the trap site has experienced significant habitat change, together with an increase in the average temperature and rainfall. Fly numbers were significantly affected by temperature and rainfall in both the 1940s and the current survey. The results of this study suggest the prolonged period of urbanization of the region is influencing the domestic filth fly population. Abstract Changes in common and widespread insect populations such as the domestic filth fly in urban cities are useful and relevant bioindicators for overall changes in the insect biomass. The current study surveyed necrophagous flies by placing a weekly trap from June–September over a two-year period in the city of New Haven, Connecticut, to compare data on fly abundance and diversity with data collected 78 years earlier. Climate and land cover changes were also assessed in combination with the fly population for each period. The survey results suggest the domestic filth fly population is now less diverse with decreased species richness and changes in the relative abundance of species. In both surveys, 95–96% of the population was composed of only three species. The current survey data indicate the numerical dominance of Lucilia sericata has decreased, the abundance of several species, notably Lucilia coeruleiviridis, has increased, and Lucilia illustris is absent. Species that showed a significant interaction with temperature in the 1940s survey have now increased in abundance, with several of the trapped species continuing to show an interaction with temperature and rainfall. Analysis of the land cover and climate data characterizes the trap site as a region exposed to a prolonged period of industrialization and urbanization, with only 7% of the land cover remaining undeveloped and over 50% impervious, coupled with an increase in temperature and rainfall. This study serves as a model for changes in domestic filth fly populations and other insects in similarly highly urbanized established cities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Pinto
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Paola A. Magni
- Discipline of Medical, Molecular & Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia;
- Murdoch University Singapore, King’s Centre, 390 Havelock Road, Singapore 169662, Singapore
| | - R. Christopher O’Brien
- Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences Department, Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06516, USA;
| | - Ian R. Dadour
- Source Certain International Pty Ltd., P.O. Box 1570, Wangara DC, WA 6947, Australia;
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Farina P, Venturi F, Ascrizzi R, Flamini G, Chiriboga Ortega RD, Echeverría MC, Ortega S, Zinnai A, Bedini S, Conti B. Andean Plants Essential Oils: A Scented Alternative to Synthetic Insecticides for the Control of Blowflies. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100894. [PMID: 34680663 PMCID: PMC8540604 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Blowflies are vectors of microorganisms and human pathogens, and their maggots cause myiasis in vertebrates and infest and spoil meat and fish products. Essential oils (EOs) from spices were proven to be a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides for the control of blowflies and are suitable for protecting food from such pests. However, some EOs are not acceptable for environmental or topical applications due to their strong, unpleasant odour. In this study, we measured the acute toxicity and the repellence of two EOs extracted from the Andean plants Aloysia citrodora Palau and Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana and Planch., both known for their pleasant odour, against the blue blowfly Calliphora vomitoria (L.) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We also compared their bioactivity with that of the Allium sativum L. EO, which is very effective but bad-smelling. The A. citrodora EO was mainly rich in oxygenated monoterpenes, the most abundant of which were geranial (26.8%) and neral (21.0%). The B. graveolens EO was chiefly composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, mostly represented by limonene (46.2%). According to the sensory description, the best odour profile was associated with the A. citrodora EO, while the olfactory expression of the EO from B. graveolens was negatively affected by a strong odour of "mouldy lemon". The behavioural test showed that the A. citrodora EO was more repellent than that of A. sativum and, on the contrary, that the B. graveolens EO was attractive. The toxicity tests showed that the EOs of both Andean plants have a clear toxic effect on the C. vomitoria eggs and adults. In terms of ovicidal activity, there were no significant differences among the effects of the three tested EOs. On the adult flies, the toxicity of the two EOs of the Andean plants was much lower than that of A. sativum (LC50 fumigation = 1.86 μL EO L-1 air; LC50 ingestion = 8.10 μL EO mL-1 gel) both by fumigation (LC50 = 23.66 and 25.30 μL EO L-1 air for A. citrodora and B. graveolens, respectively) and ingestion (LC50 = 36.65 and 44.97 μL EO mL-1 gel for A. citrodora and B. graveolens, respectively), while, by contact, the A. citrodora EO (LD50 = 0.27 μL EO insect-1) was more toxic than the A. sativum EO (LD50 = 0.46 μL EO insect-1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla Farina
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (F.V.); (A.Z.); (B.C.)
| | - Francesca Venturi
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (F.V.); (A.Z.); (B.C.)
| | - Roberta Ascrizzi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (G.F.)
| | - Guido Flamini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (R.A.); (G.F.)
| | - Rodrigo Daniel Chiriboga Ortega
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica del Norte, Av. 17 de Julio, 5-21 y Gral, José María Cordova, Ibarra 100105, Ecuador; (R.D.C.O.); (M.C.E.); (S.O.)
| | - Maria Cristina Echeverría
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica del Norte, Av. 17 de Julio, 5-21 y Gral, José María Cordova, Ibarra 100105, Ecuador; (R.D.C.O.); (M.C.E.); (S.O.)
| | - Sania Ortega
- Department of Biotechnology, Universidad Técnica del Norte, Av. 17 de Julio, 5-21 y Gral, José María Cordova, Ibarra 100105, Ecuador; (R.D.C.O.); (M.C.E.); (S.O.)
| | - Angela Zinnai
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (F.V.); (A.Z.); (B.C.)
| | - Stefano Bedini
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (F.V.); (A.Z.); (B.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Conti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (P.F.); (F.V.); (A.Z.); (B.C.)
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11
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Davis AE, Deutsch KR, Torres AM, Mata Loya MJ, Cody LV, Harte E, Sossa D, Muñiz PA, Ng WH, McArt SH. Eristalis flower flies can be mechanical vectors of the common trypanosome bee parasite, Crithidia bombi. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15852. [PMID: 34349198 PMCID: PMC8338921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95323-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Flowers can be transmission platforms for parasites that impact bee health, yet bees share floral resources with other pollinator taxa, such as flies, that may be hosts or non-host vectors (i.e., mechanical vectors) of parasites. Here, we assessed whether the fecal-orally transmitted gut parasite of bees, Crithidia bombi, can infect Eristalis tenax flower flies. We also investigated the potential for two confirmed solitary bee hosts of C. bombi, Osmia lignaria and Megachile rotundata, as well as two flower fly species, Eristalis arbustorum and E. tenax, to transmit the parasite at flowers. We found that C. bombi did not replicate (i.e., cause an active infection) in E. tenax flies. However, 93% of inoculated flies defecated live C. bombi in their first fecal event, and all contaminated fecal events contained C. bombi at concentrations sufficient to infect bumble bees. Flies and bees defecated inside the corolla (flower) more frequently than other plant locations, and flies defecated at volumes comparable to or greater than bees. Our results demonstrate that Eristalis flower flies are not hosts of C. bombi, but they may be mechanical vectors of this parasite at flowers. Thus, flower flies may amplify or dilute C. bombi in bee communities, though current theoretical work suggests that unless present in large populations, the effects of mechanical vectors will be smaller than hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Davis
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
- Department of Environmental and Rural Science, The University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | - Kaitlin R Deutsch
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Alondra M Torres
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Mesly J Mata Loya
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Lauren V Cody
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Emma Harte
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - David Sossa
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Paige A Muñiz
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Wee Hao Ng
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Scott H McArt
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
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12
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Overview of Bee Pollination and Its Economic Value for Crop Production. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080688. [PMID: 34442255 PMCID: PMC8396518 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary There is a rising demand for food security in the face of threats posed by a growing human population. Bees as an insect play a crucial role in crop pollination alongside other animal pollinators such as bats, birds, beetles, moths, hoverflies, wasps, thrips, and butterflies and other vectors such as wind and water. Bees contribute to the global food supply via pollinating a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, legumes, etc. The economic benefit of bees to food production per year was reported including the cash crops, i.e., coffee, cocoa, almond and soybean, compared to self-pollination. Bee pollination improves the quality and quantity of fruits, nuts, and oils. Bee colonies are faced with many challenges that influence their growth, reproduction, and sustainability, particularly climate change, pesticides, land use, and management strength, so it is important to highlight these factors for the sake of gainful pollination. Abstract Pollination plays a significant role in the agriculture sector and serves as a basic pillar for crop production. Plants depend on vectors to move pollen, which can include water, wind, and animal pollinators like bats, moths, hoverflies, birds, bees, butterflies, wasps, thrips, and beetles. Cultivated plants are typically pollinated by animals. Animal-based pollination contributes to 30% of global food production, and bee-pollinated crops contribute to approximately one-third of the total human dietary supply. Bees are considered significant pollinators due to their effectiveness and wide availability. Bee pollination provides excellent value to crop quality and quantity, improving global economic and dietary outcomes. This review highlights the role played by bee pollination, which influences the economy, and enlists the different types of bees and other insects associated with pollination.
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13
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Dymond K, Celis‐Diez JL, Potts SG, Howlett BG, Willcox BK, Garratt MPD. The role of insect pollinators in avocado production: A global review. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY = ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ANGEWANDTE ENTOMOLOGIE 2021; 145:369-383. [PMID: 34937993 PMCID: PMC8647928 DOI: 10.1111/jen.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insect pollination increases the yield and quality of many crops and therefore, understanding the role of insect pollinators in crop production is necessary to sustainably increase yields. Avocado Persea americana benefits from insect pollination, however, a better understanding of the role of pollinators and their contribution to the production of this globally important crop is needed. In this study, we carried out a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the pollination ecology of avocado to answer the following questions: (a) Are there any research gaps in terms of geographic location or scientific focus? (b) What is the effect of insect pollinators on avocado pollination and production? (c) Which pollinators are the most abundant and effective and how does this vary across location? (d) How can insect pollination be improved for higher yields? (e) What are the current evidence gaps and what should be the focus of future research? Research from many regions of the globe has been published, however, results showed that there is limited information from key avocado producing countries such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. In most studies, insects were shown to contribute greatly to pollination, fruit set and yield. Honeybees Apis mellifera were important pollinators in many regions due to their efficiency and high abundance, however, many wild pollinators also visited avocado flowers and were the most frequent visitors in over 50% of studies. This study also highlighted the effectiveness of stingless bees (Meliponini) and blow flies (Calliphoridae) as avocado pollinators although, for the majority of flower visitors, there is a lack of data on pollinator efficiency. For optimal yields, growers should ensure a sufficient abundance of pollinators in their orchards either through increasing honeybee hive density or, for a more sustainable approach, by managing wild pollinators through practices that protect or promote natural habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keira Dymond
- Centre for Agri‐Environmental ResearchSchool of Agriculture, Policy and DevelopmentUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Juan L. Celis‐Diez
- Escuela de AgronomíaPontificia Universidad Católica de ValparaísoQuillotaChile
| | - Simon G. Potts
- Centre for Agri‐Environmental ResearchSchool of Agriculture, Policy and DevelopmentUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Brad G. Howlett
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research LimitedChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Bryony K. Willcox
- Centre for Agri‐Environmental ResearchSchool of Agriculture, Policy and DevelopmentUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Michael P. D. Garratt
- Centre for Agri‐Environmental ResearchSchool of Agriculture, Policy and DevelopmentUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
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14
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Howlett B, Todd J, Willcox B, Rader R, Nelson W, Gee M, Schmidlin F, Read S, Walker M, Gibson D, Davidson M. Using non-bee and bee pollinator-plant species interactions to design diverse plantings benefiting crop pollination services. ADV ECOL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.aecr.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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15
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Vallejo‐Marín M, Vallejo GC. Comparison of defence buzzes in hoverflies and buzz‐pollinating bees. J Zool (1987) 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Vallejo‐Marín
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences University of Stirling Stirling UK
| | - G. C. Vallejo
- Natural Power Consultants Ochil House Springkerse Business Park Stirling UK
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16
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Evidence of Pollinators Foraging on Centipedegrass Inflorescences. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11110795. [PMID: 33202733 PMCID: PMC7696019 DOI: 10.3390/insects11110795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Turfgrasses are generally considered devoid of pollinators, as turfgrasses are often described as being only wind-pollinated. Centipede grass is a popular turfgrass grown in the southeastern USA. Centipede grass produces a large number of inflorescences from August to October each year. In a recent study, honeybees were found to collect pollen from centipede grass. However, it is not clear whether other pollinators are attracted to centipede grass inflorescences and actively forage them. Thus, the aim of the current study was to document the pollinators that foraged on centipede grass inflorescences. Pollinators visiting centipede grass were sampled using (1) a sweep net when actively foraging on an inflorescence; (2) blue, white and yellow pan traps; and (3) malaise or flight-intercept traps. Sweat-, bumble- and honeybees were captured while actively foraging on the centipede grass inflorescences. In the pan and flight-intercept traps, more sweat-bees were collected than honey- or bumblebees. We also captured hoverflies in the samples. The adult hoverflies consumed pollen during flower visits. This research is a first step toward developing bee-friendly lawns. The data also imply that proper caution should be exercised to preserve bee habitat and encourage bee foraging. Abstract Turfgrasses are commonly used for lawns and as recreational surfaces in the USA. Because grasses are largely wind-pollinated, it was thought that pollinators would not forage on turfgrasses. Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack) is a warm-season turfgrass widely used in the southeastern USA. Centipede grass produces spike-like inflorescences from August to October, and little is known about whether pollinators utilize those inflorescences as pollen resources. Thus, the objective of the current study was to identify the pollinators foraging on centipede grass inflorescences. Pollinator samples were collected by (1) sweeping the insects actively foraging on centipede grass inflorescence for 30 min, (2) deploying pan traps for 24 h and (3) deploying malaise traps for 7 d. In the sweep samples, Lasioglossum spp., Bombus spp., Apis spp., Melissodes spp. and Augochlorella spp. were collected from centipede grass inflorescences. Syrphid flies were also collected in the sweep samples. The pan and malaise traps collected mostly Lasioglossum spp. The results imply that there is a critical need to conserve bee habitats and adopt nondisruptive lawn practices. Additionally, this new knowledge lays the foundation for future research to enhance our understanding of bee and syrphid behavior and the selection of host traits for improving bee foraging.
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17
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Gaffney A, Bohman B, Quarrell SR, Brown PH, Allen GR. It Is Not All About Being Sweet: Differences in Floral Traits and Insect Visitation among Hybrid Carrot Cultivars. INSECTS 2020; 11:E402. [PMID: 32610651 PMCID: PMC7412318 DOI: 10.3390/insects11070402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/1970] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmically male-sterile (CMS) carrot cultivars suffer from low pollination rates. In this study, insect visitation varied more than eightfold between 17 CMS carrot cultivars in a field-based cultivar evaluation trial. The visitation rates of honey bees, nectar scarabs, muscoid flies, and wasps each significantly differed among these cultivars. No significant difference in visitation rates was observed among cultivars of different CMS type (brown-anther or petaloid) or flower colour, but cultivars of Berlicumer root type had significantly higher insect visitation rates than Nantes. Six cultivars were further compared in regard to selected umbel traits: as umbel diameter increased, so did the visitation of soldier beetles, while that of honey bees decreased. Finally, nectar of these six cultivars was analysed for sugar content, which revealed monosaccharides to be the most common sugars in all. There was high variation in the levels of sugars from individual umbellets but no significant difference in nectar sugar composition among cultivars, suggesting that nectar sugar composition is of minor importance regarding pollinator attraction to hybrid CMS carrot umbels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Gaffney
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart 7005, Australia; (A.G.); (S.R.Q.); (P.H.B.); (G.R.A.)
| | - Björn Bohman
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Perth 6009, Australia
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Stephen R. Quarrell
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart 7005, Australia; (A.G.); (S.R.Q.); (P.H.B.); (G.R.A.)
| | - Philip H. Brown
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart 7005, Australia; (A.G.); (S.R.Q.); (P.H.B.); (G.R.A.)
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg 4670, Australia
| | - Geoff R. Allen
- Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Churchill Ave, Hobart 7005, Australia; (A.G.); (S.R.Q.); (P.H.B.); (G.R.A.)
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