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Arafat EA, El-Samad LM, Hassan MA. Scuttle fly Megaselia scalaris (Loew) (Diptera: Phoridae) endoparasitoid as a novel biocontrol agent against adult American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana). Sci Rep 2024; 14:9762. [PMID: 38684676 PMCID: PMC11058772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59547-w] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) (Blattodea: Blattidae), is one of the most common pests that thrive in diverse environments and carries various pathogens, causing critical threats to public health and the ecosystem. We thus report in this study the first observation of decapitated American cockroaches as a result of infestation with scuttle fly parasitoids. Interestingly, behavioral alterations in the form of zombification-like behavior could be observed in cockroaches reared in the laboratory before being decapitated, implying that the insect targets cockroach heads. To identify this parasitoid, cockroaches' corpora were isolated in jars, and apodous larvae were observed. Larvae developed into small coarctate pupae, and adults emerged. The scuttle flies were collected and exhibited tiny black, brown, to yellowish bodies. The fly was initially identified based on its morphological properties as a member of the order Diptera, family Phoridae. To provide further insights into the morphological attributes of the phorid species, the fly was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and then identified as Megaselia scalaris accordingly. SEM analysis revealed the distinctive structure of M. scalaris concerning the head, mouth parts, and legs. Specifically, the mouth parts include the labrum, labellum, rostrum, and maxillary palps. Although further investigations are still required to understand the complicated relationships between M. scalaris and American cockroaches, our findings provide a prominent step in the control of American cockroaches using M. scalaris as an efficient biological control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa A Arafat
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Lamia M El-Samad
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Hassan
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute (GEBRI), City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg El-Arab City, 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
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Pallavi J, Snehal H, Kolipakala RS, Salazar D, Hanbar M, Chiramel LB, Alok Jha K, Venkatesh SBL, Shetty TD, Madhusudan N, Mohan A, John A, D'souza ND, Sheet P, Nagarajan D. A complete morphological characterization of all life stages of the phorid fly Megaselia scalaris. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22933. [PMID: 38129567 PMCID: PMC10740010 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50200-6] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Megaselia scalaris, commonly known as the scuttle fly, is a cosmopolitan species in the family Phoridae. It is an easily cultured fly species that is an emerging model organism in the fields of genetics and developmental biology. Its affinity for carrion and its predictable life cycle makes it useful in the field of forensic science for estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI) of human remains. Cases of human myasis caused by M. scalaris have also been reported in the medical literature. Despite its ubiquitous prevalence and its relevance across multiple fields, its morphology has not been adequately characterized. Here, we report the complete morphological characterization of all lifestages of M. scalaris, ranging from egg to adult. Scanning electron microscopy has enabled us to uncover morphological features and developmental processes that have previously not been reported in the literature. Our data lays the groundwork for future genetic studies: a morphological characterization of the wild type must be performed before mutants displaying different phenotypes can be identified. In this vein, we also report the observation of a acephalic, or 'headless', adult phenotype whose study could yield insights into the process of cephalogenesis. Finally, all morphological features observed have been compiled into an 'atlas' that should be of use to all workers in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayakumar Pallavi
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Harshita Snehal
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | | | - Daniela Salazar
- Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Mrunal Hanbar
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | | | - Khushi Alok Jha
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | | | - Tanishka Dayanand Shetty
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Navya Madhusudan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Amrutha Mohan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India
| | - Amulia John
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | | | - Priyanka Sheet
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India
| | - Deepesh Nagarajan
- Department of Biotechnology, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore, 560054, India.
- Department of Microbiology, St. Xaviers College, Mumbai, 400001, India.
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Cheng X, Xiao J, Liu Y, Gao Q, Fang Q, Liao M, Liang B, Hu Z, Cao H. Effect of formulation on the indoxacarb and lufenuron dissipation in maize and risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:70976-70983. [PMID: 35595890 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-20719-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The supervised field trials were conducted in maize crops using nano-microemulsion (NM) and a commercial formulation of indoxacarb and lufenuron to evaluate the effect of nano-formulation on the dissipation pattern. A modified QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe)-UPLC-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) method was utilized for sample analysis. Results showed that the initial deposits of indoxacarb and lufenuron in plants using nano-microemulsion were 0.98 mg/kg and 8.18 mg/kg at recommended dosage, while using the commercial formulation, they were 0.85 mg/kg and 5.53 mg/kg, respectively. Moreover, half-life (t1/2) values of using nano-microemulsion were 1.25 days and 2.51 days, which were shorter than indoxacarb (1.87 days) and lufenuron (3.00 days) from the commercial formulation, suggesting that pesticide formulations have a moderate impact on the initial deposit and dissipation rate. The terminal residue test showed that indoxacarb and lufenuron residues in maize grain and maize straw were below the available maximum residue limit (MRL, 0.01 mg/kg), suggesting 2% indoxacarb NM and 5% lufenuron NM are safe to use under the recommended dosage. The risk quotient value (RQ of indoxacarb and lufenuron equal to 17.7% and 2.4%, respectively) also revealed an acceptable risk for human consumption. These findings provide scientific evidence of the proper application of 2% indoxacarb NM and 5% lufenuron NM on maize crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Cheng
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinjing Xiao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanhui Liu
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qun Gao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Qingkui Fang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Min Liao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Liang
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhendi Hu
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiqun Cao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 West Changjiang Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui Province, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management On Crops, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
- Joint Laboratory of Nanopesticide Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China.
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Preparation of an Environmentally Friendly Nano-Insecticide through Encapsulation in Polymeric Liposomes and Its Insecticidal Activities against the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070625. [PMID: 35886801 PMCID: PMC9323322 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Pests are an important factor that causes a heavy loss in corn yield and quality. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a newly invasive and extremely destructive pest, and it poses a major threat to agricultural production in China. While chemical pesticides are considered effective means for controlling the outbreak of destructive pests, pesticide delivery systems, such as microcapsules or nanoparticles, are an effective way to promote the utilization rate of traditional pesticides and to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, the aim of this study is to design an environmentally friendly nano-insecticide that can enhance foliar retention and increase insecticidal activity. For this purpose, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-PEG2000-NH2) was chosen to formulate the insecticide nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties were characterized and investigated in indoor and field efficacy trials. The results demonstrate that the nanoparticles hold promise for pest control. Abstract The insecticide emamectin benzoate (EB) was formulated with nanoparticles composed of DSPE-PEG2000-NH2 by the co-solvent method to determine its adverse impacts on the environment and to reinforce its dispersion, adhesion, and biocompatibility. A good encapsulation efficiency (70.5 ± 1.5%) of EB loaded in DSPE-PEG2000-NH2 polymeric liposomes was confirmed. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and contact angle meter measurements revealed that the DSPE-EB nanoparticles had a regular distribution, spherical shape, and good leaf wettability. The contact angle on corn leaves was 47.26°, and the maximum retention was higher than that of the reference product. DSPE-EB nanoparticles had strong adhesion on maize foliage and a good, sustained release property. The efficacy trial showed that the DSPE-EB nanoparticles had a strong control effect on S. frugiperda larvae, with the LC50 of 0.046 mg/L against the third-instar S. furgiperda larve after 48 h treatment. All these results indicate that DSPE-EB nanoparticles can serve as an insecticide carrier with lower environmental impact, sustained release property, and effective control of pests.
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