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Roh GH, Meier L, Shrestha B, Hesler SP, Zhu JJ, Kendra PE, Loeb GM, Tay JW, Cha DH. A 2-component blend of coconut oil-derived fatty acids as an oviposition deterrent against Drosophila suzukii (Drosophilidae: Diptera). J Econ Entomol 2023; 116:1671-1678. [PMID: 37671504 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Coconut free fatty acid (CFFA), a mixture of 8 fatty acids derived from coconut oil, is an effective repellent and deterrent against a broad array of hematophagous insects. In this study, we evaluated the oviposition deterrent activity of CFFA on spotted-wing drosophila (SWD; Drosophila suzukii), a destructive invasive pest of berries and cherries, and identified bioactive key-deterrent compounds. In laboratory 2-choice tests, CFFA deterred SWD oviposition in a dose-dependent manner with the greatest reduction (99%) observed at a 20-mg dose compared with solvent control. In a field test, raspberries treated with 20-mg CFFA received 64% fewer SWD eggs than raspberries treated with the solvent control. In subsequent laboratory bioassays, 2 of CFFA components, caprylic and capric acids, significantly reduced SWD oviposition by themselves, while 6 other components had no effect. In choice and no-choice assays, we found that a blend of caprylic acid and capric acid, at equivalent concentrations and ratio as in CFFA, was as effective as CFFA, while caprylic acid or capric acid individually were not as effective as the 2-component blend or CFFA at equivalent concentrations, indicating the 2 compounds as the key oviposition deterrent components for SWD. The blend was also as effective as CFFA for other nontarget drosophilid species in the field. Given that CFFA compounds are generally regarded as safe for humans, CFFA and its bioactive components have potential application in sustainably reducing SWD damage in commercial fruit operations, thereby reducing the sole reliance on insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang Hyun Roh
- USDA-ARS, US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Department of Plant Medicine and Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Linnea Meier
- Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Binita Shrestha
- Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Stephen P Hesler
- Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Junwei J Zhu
- USDA-ARS, Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Paul E Kendra
- USDA-ARS, Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gregory M Loeb
- Department of Entomology, Cornell AgriTech, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Jia-Wei Tay
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Dong H Cha
- USDA-ARS, US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, USA
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Roh GH, Kendra PE, Zhu JJ, Roda A, Loeb GM, Tay JW, Cha DH. Coconut oil derived five-component synthetic oviposition deterrent for oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:3852-3859. [PMID: 37237424 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bactrocera dorsalis, oriental fruit fly (OFF), is one of the most destructive agricultural pests. Although bait sprays can effectively control OFF, resistance development has been a concern. We evaluated the oviposition deterrent activity of coconut free fatty acids (CFFA), a mixture of eight coconut oil-derived fatty acids known to repel hematophagous insects and deter their feeding and oviposition, against OFF females. RESULTS In laboratory 72-h two-choice assays using guava-juice infused-agar as an oviposition substrate, CFFA deterred OFF oviposition in a dose-dependent manner with the greatest reduction of 87% at 20 mg dose compared to the control. When the eight CFFA components were tested individually, four compounds (caprylic, capric, oleic, and linoleic acids) significantly reduced OFF oviposition ('negative-compounds'), two (lauric and myristic acids) had no effect ('neutral-compounds'), and two (palmitic and stearic acids) stimulated OFF oviposition ('positive-compounds'). In two-choice tests, the 'negative-compounds' blend failed to elicit the same level of oviposition reduction as CFFA at equivalent concentrations found in CFFA. Adding the two 'neutral-compounds' recovered the oviposition deterrence similar to CFFA. Subsequent subtraction tests showed that four 'negative-compounds' plus lauric acid was as effective as CFFA in reducing OFF oviposition in guava-juice agar. This five-component key-deterrent blend also reduced OFF oviposition by 95 and 72% on papaya and tomato fruit, respectively. CONCLUSION CFFA acts as an oviposition deterrent for OFF. Given that CFFA compounds are generally regarded as safe for humans and the environment, CFFA and its bioactive components have potential use in behavioral control strategies against OFF. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwang Hyun Roh
- USDA-ARS, US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
- Department of Plant Medicine and Institute of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Paul E Kendra
- USDA-ARS, Subtropical Horticulture Research Station, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Junwei J Zhu
- USDA-ARS, Agroecosystem Management Research Unit, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Amy Roda
- USDA-APHIS, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Science and Technology, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Gregory M Loeb
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA
| | - Jia-Wei Tay
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Dong H Cha
- USDA-ARS, US Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Hilo, HI, USA
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Tay JW. Highlights of Urban Entomology 2021: Chemical, Nonchemical, and Alternative Approaches to Urban Pest Management as We Adapt, Advance, Transform. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:1-6. [PMID: 36421061 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The 2021 annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America with the theme of "Adapt. Advance. Transform" guided the highlight compilation of urban entomology papers. Integrated pest management of urban pests relies on techniques and tools that adapt, advance, and transform over time to develop into new usable tactics and technologies; the review covers the following three themes: first, how science, researchers, and pest management professionals adapt to the changing environments; second, how urban pest management approaches and technologies advance using conventional and alternative strategies; and last, how transformation happens, leading to technological advances and sustainable pest management success. I selected papers on four groups of urban pests-ants, termites, bed bugs, and cockroaches-that were in the context of pest management in this highlights publication. Emphasis was placed on research regarding the efficacy of chemical (e.g., conventional pesticides, insect growth regulators), nonchemical, and alternative approaches (e.g., the use of heat, naturally derived compounds) for urban pests that help improve and implement sustainable pest management plans. These papers demonstrate the achievements of the urban entomology community while emphasizing the current challenges that we face from the far-reaching impact of climate change and insect pest adaptation and what should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Tay
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, , University of Hawaii at Manoa, 3050 Maile Way, Gilmore Hall 310, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Kirsch JM, Tay JW. Larval Mortality and Ovipositional Preference in Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Induced by the Entomopathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1687-1693. [PMID: 35794805 PMCID: PMC9473649 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi allow chemical-free and environmentally safe vector management. Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin is a promising biological control agent and an important component of integrated vector management. We investigated the mortality of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae exposed to five concentrations of B. bassiana using Mycotrol ESO and adult oviposition behavior to analyze the egg-laying preferences of wild Ae. albopictus in response to different fungal concentrations. We examined the mortality of mid-instars exposed to B. bassiana concentrations of 1 × 104, 1 × 105, 1 × 106, 1 × 107, and 1 × 108 conidia/ml every 24 h for 12 d. In the oviposition behavior study, the fungus was applied to wooden paddles at 1 × 105, 1 × 107, and 1 × 109 conidia/ml, and the paddles were individually placed into quad-ovitraps. Both experiments contained control groups without B. bassiana. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that larval mortality was concentration dependent. The median lethal concentration was 2.43 × 105 conidia/ml on d 12. The median lethal time was 3.68 d at 1 × 106 conidia/ml. Oviposition monitoring revealed no significant difference in egg count between the control and treatment paddles. We observed an inverse relationship between the concentration of B. bassiana and the percentage of paddles with eggs. We concluded that concentrations above 1 × 106 conidia/ml are larvicidal, and Ae. albopictus laid similar numbers of eggs on fungus-impregnated and control wooden substrates; however, they were more likely to oviposit on substrates without B. bassiana. With these findings, we suggest that B. bassiana-infused ovitraps can be used for mosquito population monitoring while also delivering mycopesticides to adult mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Kirsch
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Gilmore, Honolulu, USA
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Gharbi K, Tay JW. Fumigant Toxicity of Essential Oils against Frankliniella occidentalis and F. insularis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) as Affected by Polymer Release and Adjuvants. Insects 2022; 13:insects13060493. [PMID: 35735830 PMCID: PMC9224942 DOI: 10.3390/insects13060493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Frankliniella occidentalis is among the most economically significant pests of greenhouse crops. In contrast, F. insularis is a relatively minor pest with a narrower distribution and host range. We conducted a series of fumigation assays to assess the vulnerability of both species to fumigation with essential oils released from hydrogels. These hydrogels contained either (R)-linalool, (S)-linalool, racemic linalool, or a binary mixture of (R)-linalool with one of twelve other essential oils. Solanum lycopersicum seedlings were screened for their sensitivity to the most potent fumigants, as determined from thrips bioassays. The least saturated hydrogels conditioned in essential oils were the most effective, and both species of thrips were more sensitive to (R)-linalool than to (S)-linalool. Frankliniella occidentalis was significantly more resistant to all treatments than F. insularis. Treatment of S. lycopersicum with the same concentrations of oils required to control thrips resulted in reduced root and hypocotyl lengths, most severely in seedlings exposed via foliar sprays than as fumigants. While our study demonstrates that essential oils are a promising alternative to conventional insecticides for thrips control, the resistance demonstrated by F. occidentalis underlines the need for judicious use of essential oils as part of broader pest control programs. Abstract Frankliniella occidentalis is among the most economically significant pests of greenhouse crops, whose resistance to conventional insecticides has created demand for biopesticides such as essential oils. We assessed the fumigant toxicity of linalool against F. occidentalis, F. insularis, and Solanum lycopersicum. Thrips were fumigated with polyacrylamide hydrogels containing either (R)-linalool, (S)-linalool, racemic linalool, or a binary mixture of (R)-linalool with one of twelve adjuvants (i.e., peppermint, cedarwood, neem, clove, coconut, jojoba, soybean, olive, α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole, trans-anethole, or (R)-pulegone). Solanum lycopersicum seedlings were exposed to (R)-linalool or a mixture of (R)-linalool and peppermint oil via conditioned hydrogels or foliar spray. For F. insularis, (R)-linalool was more toxic than (S)-linalool, with LC50 values of 11.7 mg/L air and 16.7 mg/L air, respectively. Similarly for F. occidentalis, (R)-linalool was more toxic than (S)-linalool, with LC50 values of 29.0 mg/L air and 34.9 mg/L air, respectively. Peppermint oil and α-terpineol were the only synergists, while the other adjuvants exhibited varying degrees of antagonism. All seedling treatments demonstrated phytotoxicity, but symptoms were most severe for foliar sprays and mixtures containing peppermint oil. While hydrogels conditioned in linalool may be a favorable substitute to conventional insecticides, the cross-resistance demonstrated herein indicates that expectations should be metered.
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Choe DH, Tay JW, Campbell K, Park H, Greenberg L, Rust MK. Development and Demonstration of Low-Impact IPM Strategy to Control Argentine Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Urban Residential Settings. J Econ Entomol 2021; 114:1752-1757. [PMID: 33970228 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Argentine ants are one of the most common nuisance pest ants treated by pest management professionals (PMPs) in southern and western urban residential areas of the United States. Two new technologies (spraying with a pheromone adjuvant and using a biodegradable hydrogel bait delivery method) were used to develop a unique low-impact integrated pest management (IPM) protocol for Argentine ants in urban residential settings. The IPM protocol included a one-time perimeter spray treatment with 0.03% fipronil (mixed with a pheromone adjuvant) at the beginning of the ant season to achieve a quick knockdown. The initial spray application was followed by a biodegradable hydrogel baiting with 1% boric acid as a maintenance treatment. This low-impact IPM protocol was compared with two other conventional methods: (1) one initial fipronil application and one pyrethroid spray application for maintenance, or (2) one initial fipronil application and one essential oil insecticide spray application for maintenance. Based on Argentine ant foraging activity, the protocols were compared for their control efficacy. Insecticide use information and treatment time were also recorded and compared among different treatment protocols. Our results provided empirical data to support the effectiveness and economic feasibility of the low-impact IPM protocol for managing Argentine ants in urban residential settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hwan Choe
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jia-Wei Tay
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Kathleen Campbell
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Hoeun Park
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Les Greenberg
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Michael K Rust
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Tay JW, Choe DH, Mulchandani A, Rust MK. Hydrogels: From Controlled Release to a New Bait Delivery for Insect Pest Management. J Econ Entomol 2020; 113:2061-2068. [PMID: 32852040 PMCID: PMC7566487 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toaa183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review the literature on the development and application of hydrogel compounds for insect pest management. Researchers have used hydrogel compounds for the past few decades to achieve the controlled release of various contact insecticides, but in recent years, hydrogel compounds have also been used to absorb and deliver targeted concentrations of toxicants within a liquid bait to manage insect pests. The highly absorbent hydrogel acts as a controlled-release formulation that keeps the liquid bait available and palatable to the target pests. This review discusses the use of various types of hydrogel compounds in pest management based on different environmental settings (e.g., agricultural, urban, and natural areas), pest systems (e.g., different taxa), and modes of insecticide delivery (e.g., spray vs bait). Due to their unique physicochemical properties, hydrogel compounds have great potential to be developed into new and efficacious pest management strategies with minimal environmental impact. We will also discuss the future research and development of hydrogels in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Tay
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
| | | | - Ashok Mulchandani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Riverside, CA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA
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Tay JW, Hoddle MS, Mulchandani A, Choe DH. Development of an alginate hydrogel to deliver aqueous bait for pest ant management. Pest Manag Sci 2017; 73:2028-2038. [PMID: 28517237 DOI: 10.1002/ps.4616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insecticide sprays used for ant control cause environmental contamination. Liquid bait is a safe and effective alternative, but it requires bait stations to dispense the toxicant. We developed a biodegradable hydrogel to deliver liquid bait obviating the need for bait stations. RESULTS Alginate hydrogel beads with preferred rigidity and maximum hydration in 25% sucrose solution were engineered by optimizing a crosslinking process. The moisture content of the substrate on which the beads were placed and the relative atmospheric humidity significantly influenced water loss dynamics of the hydrated hydrogel beads. Laboratory choice studies indicated that hydrated hydrogel beads had reduced palatability to foraging ants when they lost ≥50% water. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that the insecticide thiamethoxam added to sucrose solution was absorbed into the hydrogel beads. Hydrogel beads conditioned in sucrose solution with 1 mg L-1 thiamethoxam provided complete control of all castes of Argentine ant Linepithema humile (Mayr) colony by 14 days post treatment in the laboratory trial and provided a 79% reduction in ant activity after 8 weeks in the field trial. CONCLUSION Alginate hydrogel beads provided an effective delivery system for liquid baits laced with low concentrations of insecticide to control Argentine ants. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Tay
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mark S Hoddle
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ashok Mulchandani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Dong-Hwan Choe
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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Tay JW, James I, Hughes QW, Tiao JY, Baker RI. Identification of reference miRNAs in plasma useful for the study of oestrogen-responsive miRNAs associated with acquired Protein S deficiency in pregnancy. BMC Res Notes 2017; 10:312. [PMID: 28743297 PMCID: PMC5526281 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-017-2636-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence indicate that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are useful independent non-invasive biomarkers, with unique miRNA signatures defined for various pathophysiological conditions. However, there are no established universal housekeeping miRNAs for the normalisation of miRNAs in body fluids. We have previously identified an oestrogen-responsive miRNA, miR-494, in regulating the anticoagulant, Protein S, in HuH-7 liver cells. Moreover, increased thrombotic risk associated with elevated circulating oestrogen levels is frequently observed in pregnant women and oral contraceptive users. In order to identify other oestrogen-responsive miRNAs, including miR-494, that may be indicative of increased thrombotic risk in plasma, we used nanoString analysis to identify robust and stable endogenous reference miRNAs for the study of oestrogen-responsive miRNAs in plasma. Results We compared the plasma miRNA expression profile of individuals with: (1) Low circulating oestrogens (healthy men and non-pregnant women not taking oral contraceptives), (2) High circulating synthetic oestrogens, (women taking oral contraceptives) and (3) High circulating natural oestrogens (pregnant females >14 weeks gestation). From the nanoString analyses, 11 candidate reference miRNAs which exhibited high counts and not significantly differentially expressed between groups were selected for validation using realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and digital droplet PCR (DDPCR) in pooled plasma samples, and the stability of their expression evaluated using NormFinder and BestKeeper algorithms. Four miRNAs (miR-25-5p, miR-188-5p, miR-222-3p and miR-520f) demonstrated detectable stable expression between groups and were further analysed by RT-qPCR in individual plasma samples, where miR-188-5p and miR-222-3p expression were identified as a stable pair of reference genes. The miRNA reference panel consisting of synthetic spike-ins cel-miR-39 and ath-miR159a, and reference miRNAs, miR-188-5p and miR-222-3p was useful in evaluating fold-change of the pregnancy-associated miRNA, miR-141-3p, between groups. Conclusion The miRNA reference panel will be useful for normalising qPCR data comparing miRNA expression between men and women, non-pregnant and pregnant females, and the potential effects of endogenous and synthetic oestrogens on plasma miRNA expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2636-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Tay
- Western Australian Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia. .,Perth Blood Institute, Nedlands, Australia.
| | - I James
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Q W Hughes
- Western Australian Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.,Perth Blood Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - J Y Tiao
- Western Australian Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.,Perth Blood Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - R I Baker
- Western Australian Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia.,Perth Blood Institute, Nedlands, Australia
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Lee CC, Nakao H, Tseng SP, Hsu HW, Lin GL, Tay JW, Billen J, Ito F, Lee CY, Lin CC, Yang CCS. Worker reproduction of the invasive yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes. Front Zool 2017; 14:24. [PMID: 28503187 PMCID: PMC5422973 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-017-0210-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reproductive division of labor is one of the key features of social insects. Queens are adapted for reproduction while workers are adapted for foraging and colony maintenance. In many species, however, workers retain functional ovaries and can lay unfertilized male eggs or trophic eggs. Here we report for the first time on the occurrence of physogastric workers and apparent worker reproduction in the invasive yellow crazy ant Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fr. Smith). We further examined the reproductive potential and nutritional role of physogastric workers through multidisciplinary approaches including morphological characterization, laboratory manipulation, genetic analysis and behavioral observation. Results Egg production with two types of eggs, namely reproductive and trophic eggs, by physogastric workers was found. The reproductive egg was confirmed to be haploid and male-destined, suggesting that the workers produced males via arrhenotokous parthenogenesis as no spermatheca was discovered. Detailed observations suggested that larvae were mainly fed with trophic eggs. Along with consumption of trophic eggs by queens and other castes as part of their diet, the vital role of physogastric workers as “trophic specialist” is confirmed. Conclusion We propose that adaptive advantages derived from worker reproduction for A. gracilipes may include 1) trophic eggs provisioned by physogastric workers likely assist colonies of A. gracilipes in overcoming unfavorable conditions such as paucity of food during critical founding stage; 2) worker-produced males are fertile and thus might offer an inclusive fitness advantage for the doomed orphaned colony. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-017-0210-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chen Lee
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No. 1, Jin-De Rd., Changhua, 50007 Taiwan.,Master Program for Plant Medicine, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 106
| | - Hirotaka Nakao
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Ikenobe, Miki, 761-0795 Japan
| | - Shu-Ping Tseng
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 106.,Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011 Japan
| | - Hung-Wei Hsu
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 106
| | - Gwo-Li Lin
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, No.1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 106
| | - Jia-Wei Tay
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521 USA
| | - Johan Billen
- K.U. Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59, box 2466, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fuminori Ito
- Faculty of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Ikenobe, Miki, 761-0795 Japan
| | - Chow-Yang Lee
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chung-Chi Lin
- Department of Biology, National Changhua University of Education, No. 1, Jin-De Rd., Changhua, 50007 Taiwan
| | - Chin-Cheng Scotty Yang
- Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011 Japan
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Tay JW, Lee CY. Effects of a juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen on monogynous and polygynous colonies of the Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Trop Biomed 2015; 32:453-462. [PMID: 26695205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the effects of the juvenile hormone analogue pyriproxyfen on colonies of the Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.), peanut oil containing different concentrations (0.3, 0.6, or 0.9%) of pyriproxyfen was fed to monogynous (1 queen, 500 workers, and 0.1 g of brood) and polygynous (8 queens, 50 workers, and 0.1 g of brood) laboratory colonies of M. pharaonis. Due to its delayed activity, pyriproxyfen at all concentrations resulted in colony elimination. Significant reductions in brood volume were recorded at weeks 3 - 6, and complete brood mortality was observed at week 8 in all treated colonies. Brood mortality was attributed to the disruption of brood development and cessation of egg production by queens. All polygynous colonies exhibited significant reduction in the number of queens present at week 10 compared to week 1. Number of workers was significantly lower in all treated colonies compared to control colonies at week 8 due to old-age attrition of the workers without replacement. At least 98.67 ± 1.33% of workers were dead at week 10 in all treated colonies. Thus, treatment with slow acting pyriproxyfen at concentrations of 0.3 - 0.9% is an effective strategy for eliminating Pharaoh ant colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Tay
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - C Y Lee
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
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Tay JW, Lee CY. Induced Disturbances Cause Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Nest Relocation. J Econ Entomol 2015; 108:1237-1242. [PMID: 26470251 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Budding and relocation of nests are important characteristics of the Pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis (L.), an important pest of artificial structures. Pharaoh ant colony movements induced by several types of disturbances were evaluated in the laboratory. The percentages of workers and brood in the source and new nest sites were determined at Days 0, 1, 3, and 5 following physical disturbance (temporal removal of nestmates), chemical disturbance (application of pyrethroid insecticide), invasion by heterospecific ants, food depletion, and moisture depletion in the laboratory. All disturbances were performed in the source nest, which was connected to an empty new nest site. Almost all workers moved and carried the entire brood to the new nest site when subjected to physical disturbance, chemical disturbance, and ant invasion on Day 1, whereas only <5% of workers were present in the new nest site in the undisturbed control. After these disturbances, the brood was never relocated back to the original nest site in this 5-d study. When subjected to food depletion, ∼60% of the brood were found in the new nest site and ∼40% of the brood remained in the original nest on Day 5, resulting in a polydomous population. In contrast, moisture depletion did not show any significant effect on colony movement. These results provide useful information about the causes of Pharaoh ant colony budding and guidance about how to develop effective control and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Tay
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Chow-Yang Lee
- Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
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Tay JW, Lee CY. Influences of pyriproxyfen on fecundity and reproduction of the Pharaoh ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J Econ Entomol 2014; 107:1216-1223. [PMID: 25026685 DOI: 10.1603/ec14030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the juvenile hormone analog pyriproxyfen (at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, and 1%) on egg production, number of ovarioles, and length of oocytes were examined in queens of the Pharaoh ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.). Pyriproxyfen significantly reduced egg production in queens from week 3 onwards. Queens that were exposed to 1% pyriproxyfen stopped producing eggs at week 8. After 8 wk, ovaries were dissected from all queens, and the number of ovarioles and the length of the largest oocytes were recorded. The ovaries of queens in treated colonies were smaller than those in untreated queens, and the number of ovarioles in the ovaries was significantly lower in all pyriproxyfen-treated queens. Queens treated with the highest concentrations of pyriproxyfen tended to have significantly shorter oocytes than untreated queens. Histological studies of the ovaries revealed that pyriproxyfen caused vacuolation in the ovarioles, thickening of the tunica propria, development of small eggs, and underdevelopment of nurse cells and the follicular epithelium. Exposure to pyriproxyfen reduced egg production and induced severe morphological changes in the ovaries of queens, and the effects increased with increased concentration of pyriproxyfen.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Acquired protein S (PS) deficiency is highly associated with elevated circulating estrogen levels resulting from pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and estrogen replacement therapy; however, the mechanism of estrogen-mediated acquired PS deficiency remains poorly understood. Increasing evidence indicates that estrogen receptor signaling can indirectly modulate the expression of target genes at the post-transcriptional level by modulating the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), and miRNAs have also been demonstrated to be involved in the regulation of hemostasis. OBJECTIVES To investigate the mechanism of estrogen-mediated downregulation of PROS1 expression by the microRNA miR-494. METHODS Computational analyses of the PROS1 3'-untranslated region (UTR) were performed to identify putative miRNA-binding sites, and direct targeting of the PROS1 3'-UTR by miR-494 was determined with dual luciferase reporter assays in HuH-7 cells. Reporter vectors containing the PROS1 3'-UTR sequence with deleted miR-494-binding sites were also analyzed with luciferase reporter assays. The effects of estrogen on miR-494 and PROS1 mRNA levels in HuH-7 cells were determined by quantitative real-time PCR, and estrogen-mediated changes to secreted PS levels in culture supernatant of HuH-7 cells were measured with an ELISA. RESULTS The PROS1 3'-UTR sequence contains three putative miR-494-binding sites. miR-494 directly targets PROS1, and miR-494 levels are upregulated following estrogen treatment in HuH-7 liver cells in association with downregulated PROS1 mRNA and PS levels. CONCLUSIONS The results from this study provide the first evidence for miRNA downregulation of PROS1 by miR-494, and suggest that miR-494 is involved in the mechanism of estrogen-mediated downregulation of PS expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Tay
- Department of Hematology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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