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Hjelmen CE, Yuan Y, Parrott JJ, McGuane AS, Srivastav SP, Purcell AC, Pimsler ML, Sze SH, Tarone AM. Identification and Characterization of Small RNA Markers of Age in the Blow Fly Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). INSECTS 2022; 13:948. [PMID: 36292896 PMCID: PMC9603907 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blow fly development is important in decomposition ecology, agriculture, and forensics. Much of the impact of these species is from immature samples, thus knowledge of their development is important to enhance or ameliorate their effects. One application of this information is the estimation of immature insect age to provide temporal information for death investigations. While traditional markers of age such as stage and size are generally accurate, they lack precision in later developmental stages. We used miRNA sequencing to measure miRNA expression, throughout development, of the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and identified 217 miRNAs present across the samples. Ten were identified to be significantly differentially expressed in larval samples and seventeen were found to be significantly differentially expressed in intrapuparial samples. Twenty-eight miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between sexes. Expression patterns of two miRNAs, miR-92b and bantam, were qPCR-validated in intrapuparial samples; these and likely food-derived miRNAs appear to be stable markers of age in C. macellaria. Our results support the use of miRNAs for developmental markers of age and suggest further investigations across species and under a range of abiotic and biotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl E. Hjelmen
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Parrott
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| | | | - Satyam P. Srivastav
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Amanda C. Purcell
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Meaghan L. Pimsler
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sing-Hoi Sze
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Aaron M. Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Brom P, Underhill LG, Winter K. A review of the opportunities to support pollinator populations in South African cities. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12788. [PMID: 35295555 PMCID: PMC8919850 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally insects are declining, but some guilds of pollinators are finding refuge in urban landscapes. The body of knowledge on urban pollinators is relatively mature, which means it is now possible to begin to make generalization. Unfortunately, studies do not represent climatic regions evenly and there is a gap in research from the African continent. This study aimed to address some of the gaps on urban pollination knowledge in South Africa and to identify opportunities to improve urban habitats for pollinators. We reviewed the international literature on urban pollinators and the South African literature on pollinators with a landscape ecology focus, drawing on literature with an emphasis on agricultural and ecosystem services. The findings show that some taxa (e.g. large-bodied, cavity nesting bees) will exploit urban environments increasing in abundance with urban intensity. Moderately sensitive taxa (such as small-bodied, ground-nesting bees) take advantage of urban environments only if local habitats are supportive of their needs for resource provision and habitat connectivity. The South African urban poor rely on pollination services for subsistence agriculture and the reproduction of wild-foraged medicines and food. Potential interventions to improve habitat quality include strategic mowing practices, conversion of turf-grass to floral rich habitats, scientific confirmation of lists of highly attractive flowers, and inclusion of small-scale flower patches throughout the urban matrix. Further research is needed to fill the Africa gap for both specialized and generalized pollinators (Diptera, Halictids, Lepidoptera and Hopliini) in urban areas where ornamental and indigenous flowering plants are valued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Brom
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Les G. Underhill
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Kevin Winter
- Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Material Properties and Morphology of Prestomal Teeth in Relation to the Feeding Habits of Diptera (Brachycera). INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020207. [PMID: 35206780 PMCID: PMC8880167 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020207] [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: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The prestomal teeth are structures on the mouthparts of some fly species that rasp surfaces to expose liquids for ingestion. Here, we investigated the material properties of prestomal teeth, including their hardness, elastic modulus, the extent of sclerotization, and elemental composition, and combined these results with morphology to determine their relationship to fly feeding habits. The results indicated that the prestomal teeth are heavily sclerotized and have hardness and elastic modulus values similar to the polymer polycarbonate. Although the presence of inorganic elements contributes to a harder cuticle in other insect species, the fly species studied here had only low concentrations of inorganic elements. We found evidence that the material properties and morphology of prestomal teeth relate to feeding habits, not phylogeny. In particular, flies that pierce tissues for liquids have larger prestomal teeth relative to their mouthpart sizes when compared to species that generally feed on exposed liquids. Flies are one of the most successful groups of organisms and their success likely relates to their ability to feed on a large array of nutritional liquids. Given their importance in ecology systems and relevance to medical and veterinary entomology, the functional morphology of fly mouthparts warrants additional studies. Abstract Prestomal teeth are cuticular projections on the mouthparts of some fly species that rasp surfaces when feeding. Although prestomal teeth morphology has been reported for several fly species, their material properties have not been investigated. Here we report the morphology, elemental composition, extent of sclerotization, hardness, and elastic modulus of prestomal teeth and relate these findings to feeding habits. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that species categorized as flower visitors have a large labellum with numerous pseudotracheae and lack prestomal teeth, generalist species have these same features but with prestomal teeth, and specialist species that feed on blood or other insects have a smaller labellum with few or no pseudotracheae and relatively large prestomal teeth. Confocal microscopy revealed that prestomal teeth are heavily sclerotized and the labellum contains resilin, an elastomeric protein. Hardness and elastic modulus were explored with nanoindentation and showed that the insectivorous Scathophaga stercoraria had the hardest prestomal teeth and the highest modulus. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed that prestomal teeth had low concentrations of inorganic elements, suggesting that hardness might be partially supplemented by inorganic elements. Our findings indicate that prestomal teeth morphology and material properties relate more to feeding habits than to phylogeny.
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Sánchez M, Velásquez Y, González M, Cuevas J. Activity and foraging behaviour of the hoverfly Eristalinus aeneus (Scopoli, 1763) in protected cultivation of mango ( Mangifera indica L.). BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2022; 112:101-109. [PMID: 34486962 DOI: 10.1017/s0007485321000717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The hoverfly Eristalinus aeneus is an important pollinator of crops and wild plants. However, there is a lack of detailed information about its foraging behaviour and its potential as a managed pollinator of mango. Given the growing economic importance of protected cultivation of mango, our aim is to study the flight activity and foraging behaviour of E. aeneus on this crop. Eristalinus aeneus displayed a bimodal daily activity, with peaks during mid-morning and mid-afternoon. The activity was maintained over a wide range of temperature (from 17.8 up to 37.4°C), light intensity (from 8.2 up to 57.4 klux) and relative humidity (from 19.0 up to 88.8%). The syrphids were active most of the time in this crop, and we observed five different types of activity: foraging (67%), resting (17%), flying (10%), grooming (4%) and walking (2%). This hoverfly visited hermaphrodite flowers more often than male flowers. On average, it visited 36.46 ± 13.92 flowers per 5 min, with a higher number of floral visits for nectar feeding. The duration of the visits to hermaphrodite and male flowers was similar but pollen-feeding visits lasted longer (6.44 s per flower) than nectar-feeding ones (5.51 s per flower). The highest number of visits to mango inflorescences was observed during the morning, but the longest visits occurred at midday. The implication of these results for the potential use of E. aeneus as a managed pollinator in protected cultivation of mango is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Sánchez
- Department of Agronomy, University of Almería, ceiA3, La Cañada de San Urbano s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
- Polyfly S.L., Avenida de la Innovación 15, 04131, Almería, Spain
| | - Y Velásquez
- Polyfly S.L., Avenida de la Innovación 15, 04131, Almería, Spain
| | - M González
- Experimental Station of Foundation Cajamar, Paraje Las Palmerillas 25, 04710, El Ejido, Almería, Spain
| | - J Cuevas
- Department of Agronomy, University of Almería, ceiA3, La Cañada de San Urbano s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
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Kleiman BM, Koptur S, Jayachandran K. Weeds Enhance Pollinator Diversity and Fruit Yield in Mango. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121114. [PMID: 34940201 PMCID: PMC8704218 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary There is an urgent pollinator decline crisis across the globe, with fewer pollinators and yet increasing agricultural reliance on them to produce food and fiber crops for growing populations. Habitat loss and chemical eradication of unwanted plants has limited the floral resources for pollinators, and in farms with only one crop, there are limited resources solely during the flowering season. Weeds, or unwanted vegetation, are often the only remaining floral resource for pollinators, yet they are compulsively removed using chemicals. This article examines how weedy floral resources affect pollinators in a mango farm, Mangifera indica, a pollinator-dependent crop in South Florida, and how fruit yield is affected by either leaving weeds or removing them. Abstract Agriculture is dependent on insect pollination, yet in areas of intensive production agriculture, there is often a decline in plant and insect diversity. As native habitats and plants are replaced, often only the weeds or unwanted vegetation persist. This study compared insect diversity on mango, Mangifera indica, a tropical fruit tree dependent on insect pollination, when weeds were present in cultivation versus when they were removed mechanically. The pollinating insects on both weeds and mango trees were examined as well as fruit set and yield in both the weed-free and weedy treatment in South Florida. There were significantly more pollinators and key pollinator families on the weedy mango trees, as well as significantly greater fruit yield in the weedy treatment compared to the weed-free treatment. Utilizing weeds, especially native species, as insectary plants can help ensure sufficient pollination of mango and increase biodiversity across crop monocropping systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaire M. Kleiman
- Department of Earth and Environment, Agroecology Program, Institute of Environment, International Center for Tropical Botany, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
| | - Suzanne Koptur
- Department of Biology, Plant Ecology Lab, Institute of Environment, International Center for Tropical Botany, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-305-984-0539
| | - Krishnaswamy Jayachandran
- Department of Earth and Environment, Agroecology Program, Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, USA;
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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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Maeda T, Nisimura T, Habe S, Uebi T, Ozaki M. Visualization of antennal lobe glomeruli activated by nonappetitive D-limonene and appetitive 1-octen-3-ol odors via two types of olfactory organs in the blowfly Phormia regina. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2020; 6:16. [PMID: 33292700 PMCID: PMC7694429 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-020-00167-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Appetite or feeding motivation relies significantly on food odors. In the blowfly Phormia regina, feeding motivation for sucrose is decreased by the odor of D-limonene but increased by the odor of 1-octen-3-ol odor. These flies have antennal lobes (ALs) consisting of several tens of glomerular pairs as a primary olfactory center in the brain. Odor information from different olfactory organs-specifically, the antennae and maxillary palps-goes to the corresponding glomeruli. To investigate how odors differently affect feeding motivation, we identified the olfactory organs and glomeruli that are activated by nonappetitive and appetitive odors. We first constructed a glomerular map of the antennal lobe in P. regina. Anterograde fluorescence labeling of antennal and maxillary afferent nerves, both of which project into the contralateral and ipsilateral ALs, revealed differential staining in glomerular regions. Some of the axonal fiber bundles from the antennae and maxillary palps projected to the subesophageal ganglion (SOG). We visualized the activation of the glomeruli in response to odor stimuli by immunostaining phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK). We observed different glomerulus activation under different odor stimulations. Referring to our glomerular map, we determined that antennal exposure to D-limonene odor activated the DA13 glomeruli, while exposure of the maxillary palps to 1-octen-3-ol activated the MxB1 glomeruli. Our results indicated that a nonappetitive odor input from the antennae and an appetitive odor input from the maxillary palps activate different glomeruli in the different regions of ALs in the blowfly P. regina. Collectively, our findings suggest that compartmentalization of glomeruli in AL is essential for proper transmission of odor information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Maeda
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Tomoyosi Nisimura
- College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon University, Fujisawa, 102-8275, Japan
| | - Shunnya Habe
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Uebi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
| | - Mamiko Ozaki
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan
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Ali S, Zhu Q, Jaleel W, Rehman SU, Rasheed MA, Khan MM, Islam Y, Hafeez M, Zhou X. Determination of fitness traits of Orius strigicollis Poppius (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) using two-sex life table analysis. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9594. [PMID: 32874777 PMCID: PMC7439961 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) is a destructive insect pest of cotton crops in China and globally, which is actively predated on by Orius strigicollis. Studies on the fitness or survival of O. strigicollis fed on P. gossypiella at different temperatures have not been reported. The fitness of O. strigicollis may be well explained using two-sex life table parameters. Thus, the present study provides important insights for the effective biocontrol of P. gossypiella. Methodology Considering the importance of fitness parameters and biocontrol, the present study explores the feeding potential and age-stage, two-sex life table traits of O. strigicollis on P. gossypiella eggs at different temperatures (24, 28 and 32 °C) in the laboratory. Results The intrinsic rate of increase (r) was higher at 28 °C (0.14 d−1) than at 24 °C (0.0052 d−1) and 32 °C (0.12 d−1). Similarly, the net reproductive rate (R0) was higher at 28 °C (17.63 offspring) than at 24 °C (1.13 offspring) and 32 °C (10.23 offspring). This concluded that the maximum feeding potential and growth capacity of O. strigicollis could be attained at 28 °C when fed on P. gossypiella eggs. O. strigicollis adults preferred to feed on P. gossypiella eggs compared with first instar larvae. Based on these results, the present study suggests that O. strigicollis represents a promising biological control agent against P. gossypiella eggs in cotton fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzaib Ali
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Waqar Jaleel
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shakeel Ur Rehman
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Asim Rasheed
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Musa Khan
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application, Engineering Research Centre of Biological Control, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yasir Islam
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Muhammad Hafeez
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base for Zhejiang Sustainable Pest and Disease Control, Institute of Plant Protection and Microbiology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingmiao Zhou
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Cook DF, Voss SC, Finch JTD, Rader RC, Cook JM, Spurr CJ. The Role of Flies as Pollinators of Horticultural Crops: An Australian Case Study with Worldwide Relevance. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060341. [PMID: 32498457 PMCID: PMC7349676 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Australian horticulture relies heavily on the introduced managed honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to pollinate crops. Given the risks associated with reliance upon a single species, it would be prudent to identify other taxa that could be managed to provide crop pollination services. We reviewed the literature relating to the distribution, efficiency and management potential of a number of flies (Diptera) known to visit pollinator-dependent crops in Australia and worldwide. Applying this information, we identified the taxa most suitable to play a greater role as managed pollinators in Australian crops. Of the taxa reviewed, flower visitation by representatives from the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Rhiniidae and Syrphidae was frequently reported in the literature. While data available are limited, there was clear evidence of pollination by these flies in a range of crops. A review of fly morphology, foraging behaviour and physiology revealed considerable potential for their development as managed pollinators, either alone or to augment honey bee services. Considering existing pollination evidence, along with the distribution, morphology, behaviour and life history traits of introduced and endemic species, 11 calliphorid, two rhiniid and seven syrphid species were identified as candidates with high potential for use in Australian managed pollination services. Research directions for the comprehensive assessment of the pollination abilities of the identified taxa to facilitate their development as a pollination service are described. This triage approach to identifying species with high potential to become significant managed pollinators at local or regional levels is clearly widely applicable to other countries and taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Cook
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-9368-3084
| | - Sasha C Voss
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia;
| | - Jonathan T D Finch
- Plants Animals and Interactions, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (J.T.D.F.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Romina C Rader
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Madgewick Drive, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia;
| | - James M Cook
- Plants Animals and Interactions, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia; (J.T.D.F.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Cameron J Spurr
- SeedPurity Pty Ltd., 2 Derwent Avenue, Margate, Tasmania 7054, Australia;
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Wohlfahrt D, Woolf MS, Singh B. A survey of bacteria associated with various life stages of primary colonizers: Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina. Sci Justice 2019; 60:173-179. [PMID: 32111291 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Blow flies are common primary colonizers of carrion, play an important role in the transfer of microbes between environments, and serve as a vector for many human pathogens. While some investigation has begun regarding the bacteria associated with different life stages of blow flies, a well replicated study is currently not available for the majority of blow flies. This study investigated bacteria associated with successive life stages of blow fly species Lucilia sericata and Phormia regina. A total of 38 samples were collected from four true replicates of L. sericata and P. regina. Variable region four (V4) of 16S ribosomal DNA (16S rDNA) was amplified and sequenced on MiSeq FGx sequencing platform using universal 16S rDNA primers and dual-index sequencing strategy. Bacterial communities associated with different life stages of L. sericata and P. regina didn't differ significantly from each other. In both blow fly species, Bacilli (e.g., Lactococcus) and Gammaproteobacteria (e.g., Providencia) constituted >95% of all bacterial classes across all life stages. At the genus level, Vagococcus and Leuconostoc were present at relatively high abundances in L. sericata whereas Yersinia and Proteus were present at comparatively high abundances in P. regina. Overall, information on bacterial structures associated with various life stages of blow flies can help scientists in better understanding or management of vector-borne pathogen dispersal and in increasing the accuracy of microbial evidence based postmortem interval (PMI) prediction models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Wohlfahrt
- Integrative Life Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| | - M Shane Woolf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Baneshwar Singh
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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