Use of universal primers for the 18S ribosomal RNA gene and whole soil DNAs to reveal the taxonomic structures of soil nematodes by high-throughput amplicon sequencing

Nematodes are abundant metazoans that play crucial roles in nutrient recycle in the pedosphere. Although high-throughput amplicon sequencing is a powerful tool for the taxonomic profiling of soil nematodes, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for amplification of the 18S ribosomal RNA (SSU) gene and preparation of template DNAs have not been sufficiently evaluated. We investigated nematode community structure in copse soil using four nematode-specific (regions 1–4) and two universal (regions U1 and U2) primer sets for the SSU gene regions with two DNAs prepared from copse-derived mixed nematodes and whole soil. The major nematode-derived sequence variants (SVs) identified in each region was detected in both template DNAs. Order level taxonomy and feeding type of identified nematode-derived SVs were distantly related between the two DNA preparations, and the region U2 was closely related to region 4 in the non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) based on Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. Thus, the universal primers for region U2 could be used to analyze soil nematode communities. We further applied this method to analyze the nematodes living in two sampling sites of a sweet potato-cultivated field, where the plants were differently growing. The structure of nematode-derived SVs from the two sites was distantly related in the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) with weighted unifrac distances, suggesting their distinct soil environments. The resultant ecophysiological status of the nematode communities in the copse and field on the basis of feeding behavior and maturity indices was fairly consistent with those of the copse- and the cultivated house garden-derived nematodes in prior studies. These findings will be useful for the DNA metabarcoding of soil eukaryotes, including nematodes, using soil DNAs.

Identification of Sweet Potato Germplasm Resistant to Pathotypically Distinct Isolates of Meloidogyne enterolobii from the Carolinas

Meloidogyne enterolobii (syn. mayaguensis) is an emergent species of root-knot nematode that has become a serious threat to sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) production in the southeastern United States. The most popular sweet potato cultivars grown in this region are highly susceptible to M. enterolobii. As a result, this pest has spread across most of the sweet potato growing counties in the Carolinas, threatening the industry as well as other crops in the region. The development and release of new sweet potato cultivars with resistance to M. enterolobii would help to manage and slow the spread of this pest. To support sweet potato resistance breeding efforts, 93 accessions selected from the U.S. Department of Agriculture germplasm collection and breeding programs in the United States were screened to identify 19 lines with strong resistance to M. enterolobii. The resistance in these accessions was tested against two M. enterolobii isolates that were collected from sweet potato production fields in the Carolinas. These isolates were found to have distinct pathotypes, with galling and nematode reproduction differences observed on cotton as well as sweet potato. This study is the first report of intraspecific pathotypic variation in M. enterolobii, and it identifies sweet potato germplasm with resistance against both pathogenic variants of this nematode.

Discovery of a major QTL for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) resistance in cultivated sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)

Utilizing a high-density integrated genetic linkage map of hexaploid sweetpotato, we discovered a major dominant QTL for root-knot nematode (RKN) resistance and modeled its effects. This discovery is useful for development of a modern sweetpotato breeding program that utilizes marker-assisted selection and genomic selection approaches for faster genetic gain of RKN resistance. The root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood] (RKN) causes significant storage root quality reduction and yields losses in cultivated sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. In this study, resistance to RKN was examined in a mapping population consisting of 244 progenies derived from a cross (TB) between 'Tanzania,' a predominant African landrace cultivar with resistance to RKN, and 'Beauregard,' an RKN susceptible major cultivar in the USA. We performed quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis using a random-effect QTL mapping model on the TB genetic map. An RKN bioassay incorporating potted cuttings of each genotype was conducted in the greenhouse and replicated five times over a period of 10 weeks. For each replication, each genotype was inoculated with ca. 20,000 RKN eggs, and root-knot galls were counted ~62 days after inoculation. Resistance to RKN in the progeny was highly skewed toward the resistant parent, exhibiting medium to high levels of resistance. We identified one major QTL on linkage group 7, dominant in nature, which explained 58.3% of the phenotypic variation in RKN counts. This work represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the genetic architecture of RKN resistance and sets the stage for future utilization of genomics-assisted breeding in sweetpotato breeding programs.

Root-knot nematode genetic diversity associated with host compatibility to sweetpotato cultivars

Plant parasitic root-knot nematodes (RKN) such as Meloidogyne incognita cause significant crop losses worldwide. Although RKN are polyphagous, with wide host ranges, races with differing host compatibilities have evolved. Associations between genotype and infection phenotype in M. incognita have not yet been discovered. In this study, 48 M. incognita isolates were collected from geographically diverse fields in Japan and their genomes sequenced. The isolates exhibited various infection compatibilities to five sweetpotato (SP) cultivars and were assigned to SP races. Genome-wide association analysis identified 743 SNPs affecting gene coding sequences, a large number of which (575) were located on a single 1 Mb region. To examine how this polymorphic region evolved, nucleotide diversity (Pi) was scanned at the whole genome scale. The SNP-rich 1 Mb region exhibited high Pi values and was clearly associated with the SP races. SP1 and 2 races showed high Pi values in this region whereas the Pi values of SP3, 4, and 6 were low. Principal component analysis of isolates from this study and globally collected isolates showed selective divergence in this 1 Mb region. Our results suggest for the first time that the host could be a key determining factor stimulating the genomic divergence of M. incognita.

Organic mulches reduce crop attack by sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius)

Mulching with organic materials is a management practice with long history for weed suppression, soil water conservation and erosion control. Its potential impact on crop pests is less well explored. Here we report its utility for reducing crop damage by the serious pest, sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius). Laboratory bioassays measured the response of adult female weevils to sweetpotato storage roots beneath mulches of fresh or dried plant materials. Weevils were significant repelled by fresh basil, catnip, basil lime and dry eucalyptus, cypress, lucerne and sugarcane. A subsequent field study found that mulches of dry cypress, eucalyptus and lucerne reduced movement of weevils from a release point to reach sweetpotato plants and lowered level of damage to storage roots. Results demonstrate that mulching with organic materials merits further testing as part of the integrated management of sweetpotato weevil, particularly to protect developing storage roots during dry periods when soil cracking can facilitate access by pests.

Transcriptome analysis of root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)-resistant and susceptible sweetpotato cultivars

Transcriptome analysis was performed on the roots of susceptible and resistant sweetpotato cultivars infected with the major root-knot nematode species Meloidogyne incognita. In addition, we identified a transcription factor-mediated defense signaling pathway that might function in sweetpotato-nematode interactions. Root-knot nematodes (RKNs, Meloidogyne spp.) are important sedentary endoparasites of many agricultural crop plants that significantly reduce production in field-grown sweetpotato. To date, no studies involving gene expression profiling in sweetpotato during RKN infection have been reported. Therefore, in the present study, transcriptome analysis was performed on the roots of susceptible (cv. Yulmi) and resistant (cv. Juhwangmi) sweetpotato cultivars infected with the widespread, major RKN species Meloidogyne incognita. Using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform, we generated 455,295,628 pair-end reads from the fibrous roots of both cultivars, which were assembled into 74,733 transcripts. A number of common and unique genes were differentially expressed in susceptible vs. resistant cultivars as a result of RKN infection. We assigned the differentially expressed genes into gene ontology categories and used MapMan annotation to predict their functional roles and associated biological processes. The candidate genes including hormonal signaling-related transcription factors and pathogenesis-related genes that could contribute to protection against RKN infection in sweetpotato roots were identified and sweetpotato-nematode interactions involved in resistance are discussed.

Toxicological and biochemical basis of synergism between the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and the insecticide matrine against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)

The sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) was challenged with different combinations of matrine (insecticide) and Lecanicillium muscarium (entomopathogenic fungus). Our results revealed a synergistic relationship between matrine and L. muscarium on mortality and enzyme activities of B. tabaci. To illustrate the biochemical mechanisms involved in detoxification and immune responses of B. tabaci against both control agents, activities of different detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes were quantified. After combined application of matrine and L. muscarium, activities of carboxylestrease (CarE), glutathione-s-transferase (GSTs) and chitinase (CHI) decreased during the initial infection period. Acetylcholinestrase (AChE) activities increased during the entire experimental period, whereas those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) decreased during the later infection period. The increased mortality and suppression of enzymatic response of B. tabaci following matrine and L. muscarium application suggests a strong synergistic effect between both agents. The strong synergistic effect is possibly related to the disturbance of acetylcholine balance and changes in AchE activities of the whitefly as both matrine and L. muscarium target insect acetylcholine (Ach) receptors which in turn effects AchE production. Therefore, our results have revealed the complex biochemical processes involved in the synergistic action of matrine and L. muscarium against B. tabaci.

Applying insecticides through drip irrigation to reduce wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) feeding damage in sweet potato

BACKGROUND

A 2 year field study was conducted at multiple locations to determine whether insecticides or an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, applied through drip irrigation in sweet potato reduced wireworm damage when compared with the non-treated check and/or insecticides applied conventionally.

RESULTS

Wireworm damage was low in 2012, and there were no differences in the proportion of roots damaged or the severity of damage between treatments. In 2013, a preplant-incorporated (PPI) application of chlorpyrifos followed by either bifenthrin, imidacloprid, clothianidin, or oxamyl injected through drip irrigation significantly reduced the proportion of wireworm damage as well as the severity of wireworm damage when compared with the non-treated check. The incidence and severity of wireworm damage in these treatments did not differ significantly from those in the conventional management practice. The PPI application of chlorpyrifos followed by either cyantraniliprole or S. carpocapsae injected through drip irrigation was not significantly different from the non-treated check in the proportion of wireworm damage; however, both treatments reduced the severity of wireworm damage compared with the non-treated check.

CONCLUSION

Applying insecticides through drip irrigation provides an alternative to conventionally applied insecticides. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

A myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase gene, IbMIPS1, enhances salt and drought tolerance and stem nematode resistance in transgenic sweet potato

Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) is a key rate limiting enzyme in myo-inositol biosynthesis. The MIPS gene has been shown to improve tolerance to abiotic stresses in several plant species. However, its role in resistance to biotic stresses has not been reported. In this study, we found that expression of the sweet potato IbMIPS1 gene was induced by NaCl, polyethylene glycol (PEG), abscisic acid (ABA) and stem nematodes. Its overexpression significantly enhanced stem nematode resistance as well as salt and drought tolerance in transgenic sweet potato under field conditions. Transcriptome and real-time quantitative PCR analyses showed that overexpression of IbMIPS1 up-regulated the genes involved in inositol biosynthesis, phosphatidylinositol (PI) and ABA signalling pathways, stress responses, photosynthesis and ROS-scavenging system under salt, drought and stem nematode stresses. Inositol, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3 ), phosphatidic acid (PA), Ca(2+) , ABA, K(+) , proline and trehalose content was significantly increased, whereas malonaldehyde (MDA), Na(+) and H2 O2 content was significantly decreased in the transgenic plants under salt and drought stresses. After stem nematode infection, the significant increase of inositol, IP3 , PA, Ca(2+) , ABA, callose and lignin content and significant reduction of MDA content were found, and a rapid increase of H2 O2 levels was observed, peaked at 1 to 2 days and thereafter declined in the transgenic plants. This study indicates that the IbMIPS1 gene has the potential to be used to improve the resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.

Resistance to Ditylenchus destructor Infection in Sweet Potato by the Expression of Small Interfering RNAs Targeting unc-15, a Movement-Related Gene

Stem nematode (Ditylenchus destructor) is one of most serious diseases that limit the productivity and quality of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), a root crop with worldwide importance for food security and nutrition improvement. Hence, there is a global demand for developing sweet potato varieties that are resistant to the disease. In this study, we have investigated the interference of stem nematode infectivity by the expression of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in transgenic sweet potato that are homologous to the unc-15 gene, which affects the muscle protein paramyosin of the pathogen. The production of double-stranded RNAs and siRNAs in transgenic lines with a single transgene integration event was verified by Northern blot analysis. The expression of unc-15 was reduced dramatically in stem nematodes collected from the inoculated storage roots of transgenic plants, and the infection areas of their storage roots were dramatically smaller than that of wild-type (WT). Compared with the WT, the transgenic plants showed increased yield in the stem nematode-infested field. Our results demonstrate that the expression of siRNAs targeting the unc-15 gene of D. destructor is an effective approach in improving stem nematode resistance in sweet potato, in adjunct with the global integrated pest management programs.

Assembling of Holotrichia parallela (dark black chafer) midgut tissue transcriptome and identification of midgut proteins that bind to Cry8Ea toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis

Holotrichia parallela is one of the most severe crop pests in China, affecting peanut, soybean, and sweet potato crops. Previous work showed that Cry8Ea toxin is highly effective against this insect. In order to identify Cry8Ea-binding proteins in the midgut cells of H. parallela larvae, we assembled a midgut tissue transcriptome by high-throughput sequencing and used this assembled transcriptome to identify Cry8Ea-binding proteins by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). First, we obtained de novo sequences of cDNAs from midgut tissue of H. parallela larvae and used available cDNA data in the GenBank. In a parallel assay, we obtained 11 Cry8Ea-binding proteins by pull-down assays performed with midgut brush border membrane vesicles. Peptide sequences from these proteins were matched to the H. parallela newly assembled midgut transcriptome, and 10 proteins were identified. Some of the proteins were shown to be intracellular proteins forming part of the cell cytoskeleton and/or vesicle transport such as actin, myosin, clathrin, dynein, and tubulin among others. In addition, an apolipophorin, which is a protein involved in lipid metabolism, and a novel membrane-bound alanyl aminopeptidase were identified. Our results suggest that Cry8Ea-binding proteins could be different from those characterized for Cry1A toxins in lepidopteran insects.

Characteristics, phenotype, and transmission of Wolbachia in the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and its parasitoid Eretmocerus sp. nr. emiratus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae)

Wolbachia is a common intracellular bacterial endosymbiont of insects, causing a variety of effects including reproductive manipulations such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). In this study, we characterized Wolbachia in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci and in the whitefly parasitoid Eretmocerus sp. nr. emiratus. We also tested for horizontal transmission of Wolbachia between and within trophic levels, and we determined the phenotype of Wolbachia in E. sp. nr. emiratus. Using multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic analyses, we found that B. tabaci and E. sp. nr. emiratus each harbor a different and unique strain of Wolbachia. Both strains belong to the phylogenetic supergroup B. No evidence for horizontal transmission of Wolbachia between and within trophic levels was found in our study system. Finally, crossing results were consistent with a CI phenotype; when Wolbachia-infected E. sp. nr. emiratus males mate with uninfected females, wasp progeny survival dropped significantly, and the number of females was halved. This is the first description of CI caused by Wolbachia in the economically important genus Eretmocerus. Our study underscores the expectation that horizontal transmission events occur rarely in the dynamics of secondary symbionts such as Wolbachia, and highlights the importance of understanding the effects of symbionts on the biology of natural enemies.

Resistance to the weevils Cylas puncticollis and Cylas brunneus conferred by sweetpotato root surface compounds

Seven resistant varieties of sweetpotato were compared with three susceptible varieties in field trials and laboratory bioassays and showed that resistance was an active process rather than an escape mechanism, as field resistant varieties also had reduced root damage and oviposition compared with susceptible varieties in the laboratory. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of root surface and epidermal extracts showed significant variation in the concentration of hexadecyl, heptadecyl, octadecyl, and quinic acid esters of caffeic and coumaric acid, with higher concentrations correlated with resistance. All compounds were synthesized to enable their positive identification. Octadecyl coumarate and octadecyl caffeate applied to the surface of susceptible varieties in laboratory bioassays reduced feeding and oviposition, as observed on roots of resistant varieties, and therefore are implicated in weevil resistance. Segregating populations from breeding programs can use these compounds to identify trait loci for resistance and enable the development of resistant varieties.

Arthropod prey of imported fire ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Mississippi sweetpotato fields

The red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta (Buren), are generally considered pests. They have also been viewed as beneficial predators feeding on other insect pests of various agroecosystems. This study documents the foraging habits of fire ants in a sweetpotato field in Mississippi. Fire ant foraging trails connecting outside colonies to a sweetpotato field were exposed and foraging ants moving out of the field toward the direction of the colony were collected along with the solid food particles they were carrying. The food material was classified as arthropod or plant in origin. The arthropod particles were identified to orders. Fire ant foragers carried more arthropods than plant material. Coleoptera and Homoptera were the most abundant groups preyed upon. These insect orders contain various economically important pests of sweetpotato. Other major hexapod groups included the orders Hemiptera, Diptera and Collembola. The quantity of foraged material varied over the season. No damage to sweetpotato roots could be attributed to fire ant feeding. Imported fire ant foraging may reduce the number of insect pests in sweetpotato fields.

Relative susceptibility of two sweetpotato varieties to storage root damage by sweetpotato flea beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

The feeding of soil dwelling insects on storage roots is one of the most serious management issues faced by sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), growers in the southern United States. Field studies were conducted to evaluate the relative susceptibility of two commonly grown sweetpotato varieties to sweetpotato flea beetle, Chaetocnema confinis Crotch (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae, various species). The incidence and severity of sweetpotato flea beetle damage was significantly lower in the variety Covington than Beauregard in two small plot replicated studies. Surveys conducted in commercial sweetpotato fields also showed significantly less sweetpotato flea beetle damage in fields planted to Covington compared with those planted to Beauregard. There was no clear evidence of varietal effect on the incidence of wireworm damage in the study. Results indicate that the severity of wireworm damage as measured by the size of feeding scars may be less in Covington than Beauregard.

Effects of four host plants on susceptibility of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae to five insecticides and activities of detoxification esterases

BACKGROUND

The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (F.), is one of the most destructive polyphagous pests worldwide. The susceptibility of S. litura larvae reared on tobacco, Chinese cabbage, cowpea and sweet potato to phoxim, chlorfenapyr, methomyl, fenvalerate and emamectin benzoate under laboratory conditions was determined.

RESULTS

Spodoptera litura larvae reared on tobacco were most tolerant to all insecticides, whereas those that fed on sweet potato were most susceptible. When larvae were reared on each host plant for three generations, the susceptibilities to phoxim of larvae that fed on Chinese cabbage and cowpea were similar, whereas the susceptibility of larvae that fed on sweet potato decreased by the third generation, and on tobacco the susceptibility decreased in each consecutive generation. When nicotine was added to their diet for three consecutive generations, the tolerance of larvae to phoxim increased twofold, and to emamectin benzoate 3.1-fold, but the tolerance of larvae to fenvalerate and chlorfenapyr did not change. The acetylcholinesterase activities of the larvae that fed on sweet potato and cowpea were greater than the activities of those that fed on Chinese cabbage and tobacco. In contrast, the carboxylesterase activities of the larvae that fed on tobacco and Chinese cabbage were greater than the activities of those that fed on sweet potato and cowpea. The glutathione S-transferase activities of larvae were highest when they fed on tobacco, followed by Chinese cabbage and cowpea, and the lowest activities were observed when larvae fed on sweet potato.

CONCLUSION

Feeding on tobacco or with nicotine added to the diet, the larvae became more tolerant to insecticides, especially to phoxim and emamectin benzoate.

Influence of preceding crop on wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) abundance in the coastal plain of North Carolina

Three studies were conducted to determine the effect of preceding crop on wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) abundance in the coastal plain of North Carolina. In all three studies, samples of wireworm populations were taken from the soil by using oat, Avena sativa L., baits. Treatments were defined by the previous year's crop and were chosen to reflect common crop rotations in the region. Across all three studies, eight wireworm species were recovered from the baits: Conoderus amplicollis (Gyllenhal), Conoderus bellus (Say), Conoderus falli (Lane), Conoderus lividus (Degeer), Conoderus scissus (Schaeffer), Conoderus vespertinus (F.), Glyphonyx bimarginatus (Schaeffer), and Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal). The effect of corn, Zea mays L.; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; fallow; soybean, Clycine max (L.) Merr.; sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.; and tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) was evaluated in a small-plot replicated study. M. communis was the most frequently collected species in the small-plot study and was found in significantly higher numbers following soybean and corn. The mean total number of wireworms per bait (all species) was highest following soybean. A second study conducted in late fall and early spring assessed the abundance of overwintering wireworm populations in commercial fields planted to corn, cotton, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean, sweet potato, and tobacco in the most recent previous growing season. C. lividus was the most abundant species, and the mean total number of wireworms was highest following corn and soybean. A survey was conducted in commercial sweet potato in late spring and early summer in fields that had been planted to corn, cotton, cucurbit (Cucurbita pepo L.), peanut, soybean, sweet potato, or tobacco in the most recent previous growing season. C. vespertinus was the most abundant species, and the mean total number of wireworms per bait was highest following corn.

Effects of four host plants on biology and food utilization of the cutworm, Spodoptera litura

Effects of four host plants, tobacco, Chinese cabbage, cowpea and sweet potato, on larval and pupal development and survival, and longevity and fecundity of adults of Spodoptera litura (F) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were studied under laboratory conditions (26 degrees C, 60-80% RH), as was the utilization of the four host plants and adaptation on tobacco. All of the biological parameters included in the study were affected by the host plants. In a choice test, S. litura females oviposited most on Chinese cabbage, least on tobacco, and intermediate on cowpea and sweet potato. S. litura larvae developed differently on the four host plants, from shortest to longest in the following order: Chinese cabbage, cowpea, sweet potato, and tobacco. Pupal development was shorter on cowpea than on the other three host plants, and males generally developed longer than females. More females than males were found among emerged adults, and male adults lived 1-2 d longer than females. Larvae survived best on cowpea (81.6%), followed by Chinese cabbage (75.5%), then sweet potato (66.1%), and worst on tobacco (49.2%). Pupal survival rates were relatively high (91.4-95.9%) in all four host plant treatments, although that on sweet potato was lower than those on the other three host plants. Pupal weights on tobacco and sweet potato were similar, but both were lower than those on Chinese cabbage and cowpea. Generally, male pupae weighed less than female pupae. Numbers of eggs oviposited by female S. litura were highest on sweet potato, followed by those on cowpea, Chinese cabbage, and lowest on tobacco. Relative food consumption rate was highest on sweet potato, followed by that on cowpea, Chinese cabbage, and lowest on tobacco. In contrast, S. litura larvae that fed on tobacco had higher efficiency of conversion of digested food, highest efficiency of conversion of ingested food, and lowest approximate digestibility as compared with larvae that fed on other host plants. The potential causes for S. litura outbreaks on tobacco are discussed.

Influence of soil temperature, rainfall, and planting and harvest dates on Chaetocnema confinis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) damage to sweetpotato roots

A study was carried out in 10 counties of North Carolina from 2004 to 2006 to determine the effect of planting and harvest times on flea beetle, Chaetocnema confinis Crotch (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), damage to sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.), storage roots. Planting and harvesting of sweetpotatoes later in the season resulted in less damage than early planting and harvesting. Regression analysis was done to study the relationship of weather parameters with the flea beetle damage. Weather parameters included air temperature (Celsius), soil temperature at 5- and 10-cm depth (Celsius), rainfall (millimeters), and soil moisture (volume:volume) at 0-10-, 10-40-, and 40-100-cm depth. The best regression model included mean soil temperature at 10-cm depth, total rainfall, and number of adults caught on yellow sticky traps as independent variables (all between 1 August and harvest date of each field). Soil temperature and adult catches on yellow sticky traps of C. confinis were positively related to damage, whereas rainfall was negatively correlated. The model explained 45% of the total variation in the flea beetle damage. Soil temperature alone accounted for 32% of the total variation in flea beetle damage followed by rainfall (9%) and adult catches (4%). When the time interval was limited to 30 d before harvest, soil temperature was still the best explanatory variable accounting for 23% of the total variation in flea beetle damage followed by rainfall (7%) and adult catches (4%). Understanding the effects of planting/harvesting and weather factors on flea beetle damage will be useful in predicting the time when the sweetpotato crop is at greater risk from high levels of damage by C. confinis.

[Molecular cloning and characterization of an acetylcholinesterase gene Dd-ace-2 from sweet potato stem nematode Ditylenchus destructor]

A cDNA, named Dd-ace-2, encoding an acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC3.1.1.7), was isolated from sweet-potato-stem nematode, Ditylenchus destructor. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences among different nematode species were compared and analyzed with DNAMAN5.0, MEGA3.0 softwares. The results showed that the complete nucleotide sequence of Dd-ace-2 gene of Ditylenchus destructor contains 2425 base pairs from which deduced 734 amino acids (GenBank accession No. EF583058). The homology rates of amino acid sequences of Dd-ace-2 gene between Ditylenchus destructor and Meloidogyne incognita, Caenorhabditis elegans, Dictyocaulus viviparous were 48.0%, 42.7%, 42.1% respectively. The mature acetylcholinesterase sequences of Ditylenchus destructor may encode by the first 701 residues of deduced 734 amino acids.The conserved motifs involved in the catalytic triad, the choline binding site and 10 aromatic residues lining the catalytic gorge were present in the Dd-ace-2 deduced protein. Phylogenetic analysis based on AChEs of other nematodes and species showed that the deduced AChE formed the same cluster with ACE-2s.

Resistance of sweetpotato genotypes to adult Diabrotica beetles

Production of sweetpotatoes, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), is limited by several insect pests, including Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), and new integrated pest management (IPM) techniques for this crop are needed. Host plant resistance is one attractive approach that fits well into IPM programs. A host plant resistance research program typically depends on reliable bioassay procedures to streamline evaluation of germplasm. Thus, a bioassay technique was developed for evaluating sweetpotato germplasm by using adults of the banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, and spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber. A single beetle was placed on a piece of sweetpotato peel (periderm and cortex with stele removed) that was embedded periderm-side up in plaster in a petri dish. Feeding and longevity of insects on 30 sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated in two experiments by using this procedure. Adult longevity ranged from 7 to 11 d for starved individuals to 211 d for beetles fed a dry artificial diet. Longevity of banded cucumber beetles that fed on sweetpotato peels ranged from 12 d for the most-resistant genotype to 123 d for SC1149-19, a susceptible control cultivar. Longevity of spotted cucumber beetles was slightly shorter than longevity of banded cucumber beetles. For the most resistant sweetpotato genotypes, both Diabrotica species exhibited a significant delay in initiation of feeding, and more beetles died on these genotypes before they had fed. Both antibiosis and nonpreference (antixenosis) are important mechanisms of resistance in sweetpotato genotypes. This bioassay was consistent with field results, indicating that this technique could be useful for evaluating resistance to Diabrotica spp. in sweetpotato genotypes.

Comparative susceptibility of sweetpotato weevil (Coleoptera: Brentidae) to selected insecticides

The response of sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (F.) (Coleoptera: Brentidae), to insecticides used for its control was tested in laboratory bioassays. A glass vial bioassay technique was used to determine the susceptibility of two cohorts of sweetpotato weevil to selected insecticides. Vials were treated with methyl parathion, bifenthrin, cyfluthrin, carbaryl, and phosmet. Sweetpotato weevils demonstrated a mortality response to increasing concentrations of all insecticides tested, and our results indicated decreases in susceptibility of the Louisiana cohort of sweetpotato weevil compared with the Texas cohort for all insecticides tested. Methyl parathion was the most toxic chemical tested for both cohorts, followed by the pyrethroids, cyfluthrin and bifenthrin. Phosmet exhibited moderate toxicity compared with other chemicals tested, whereas sweetpotato weevils were least susceptible to carbaryl. Significant differences in lethal concentration (LC)50 and LC90 values for cyfluthrin and bifenthrin, the LC50 values for methyl parathion and phosmet, and the LC90 values for carbaryl were observed between the two cohorts. This study documents baseline toxicological data for five insecticides in two populations of sweetpotato weevil and demonstrates that susceptibility to all insecticides tested is lower for the Louisiana population compared with the Texas population.

Improved dry-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes resistant to insect pests

Thirty-five mostly dry-fleshed sweetpotato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (Convolvulaceae), genotypes from the USDA-ARS/Clemson University sweetpotato breeding program were evaluated in nine field experiments at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, Charleston, SC, from 1998 to 2004. There were highly significant entry effects for percentage of uninjured roots; wireworm, Diabrotica, and Systena (WDS) index; percentage of roots damaged by sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers); percentage of roots damaged by sweetpotato flea beetle, Chaetocnema confinis Crotch); and percentage of roots damaged by white grub larvae (primarily Plectris aliena Chapin). The susceptible control, 'SC1149-19', had a significantly lower percentage of uninjured roots, a significantly higher WDS rating, and higher percentage infestations of flea beetle, grubs, and sweetpotato weevils than all other sweetpotato entries in this study. Twenty-seven genotypes had significantly less insect damage than 'Beauregard', the leading commercial orange-fleshed cultivar in the United States. In addition, 11 genotypes had significantly less insect injury than 'Picadito', a commercial boniato-type sweetpotato grown extensively in southern Florida. Overall, no genotypes were more resistant to soil insect pests than the resistant checks 'Sumor' and 'Regal'. Many of the advanced dry-flesh sweetpotato genotypes had high levels of resistance to soil insect pests, and they represent a useful source of advanced germplasm for use in sweetpotato breeding programs.

Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses of a Cuban Population of the Sweet Potato Weevil to its Sex Pheromone

The sex pheromone of feral sweet potato weevils Cylas formicarius elegantulus from Cuba was found, via solid-phase microextraction analysis, to be identical to (Z)-3-dodecenyl (E)-2-butenoate, a previously reported compound. Females emitted 20 pg pheromone d(-1). In scanning electron microscopy studies carried out on the male antenna, we identified several types of sensilla: sensilla trichoidea of type 1 (ST1) as long hairs (100-150 microm), sensilla trichoidea of type 2 as short hairs (50-60 microm), sensilla basiconica of type 1 as thick pegs (20-25 microm), sensilla basiconica of type 2 as curved pegs (10-15 microm), and sensilla basiconica of type 3 as thin and straight short pegs (15-20 microm). The same types were observed in female antennae but ST1 were far less abundant than in males. Sensilla chaetica were also found on the flagellum subsegments in both sexes. In electrophysiological tests, the crotonate function in the pheromone structure proved to be critical for activity since regular depolarizations (0.6-0.8 mV) were obtained with puffs on 1 microg of the attractant, but not with puffs of the formate, acetate, propionate, or butyrate analogue of the pheromone. In a double dual-choice olfactometer, males showed maximum activity between the 4th and the 8th hr of scotophase at a dose of 50-1000 ng of pheromone. In field tests, a correlation between the contents of the Z,E isomer in the pheromone formulation with activity was noticed, and baits containing this isomer of stereomeric purity >94% showed the highest attractivity. The presence of 5% of the Z,Z isomer in the lure did not induce any synergistic or inhibitory effect, and the alcohol precursor of the pheromone was inactive. The results show that use of a stereomerically pure pheromone may not be necessary in pest control strategies.

Irradiation as a methyl bromide alternative for postharvest control of Omphisa anastomosalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Euscepes postfasciatus and Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in sweet potatoes

Irradiation studies were conducted with three sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., pests to determine an effective dose for quarantine control. Dose-response tests indicated that the most radiotolerant stage occurring in roots was the pupa of sweetpotato vine borer, Omphisa anastomosalis (Guenee), and the adult of West Indian sweetpotato weevil, Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire), and sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers). In large-scale confirmatory tests, irradiation of 60,000 C. formicarius elegantulus adults, 62,323 E. postfasciatus adults, and 30,282 O. anastomosalis pupae at a dose of 150 Gy resulted in no production of F1 adults, demonstrating that this dose is sufficient to provide quarantine security.

Effect of Zohar LQ-215, a biorational surfactant, on the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci (biotype b)

Zohar LQ-215, a surfactant based on plant oils, able to control nymphs of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), under laboratory and field conditions. To evaluate the effects of the surfactant on the nymph stages of whitefly under laboratory conditions, potted cotton seedlings infested with 1st- or 3rd-instars were treated with the compound aqueous solutions. LC90 values of Zohar LQ-215 on 1st and 3rd-nymphs, based on mortality curves, were 0.78% and 1.14%, respectively. Adult mortality of 12% and 19% was obtained at concentrations of 0.5% and 1%, respectively. Under both laboratory and, in some cases, under field conditions, greater mortality was achieved when combining Zohar LQ-215 with the insect growth regulator buprofezin than when either insecticide was applied separately. Our results indicate that Zohar LQ-215 could serve as a potential compound for controlling whiteflies under light to moderate infestation and could be used in combination with other rational insecticides such as buprofezin for controlling whiteflies in integrated pest management programs.

Compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and insecticides for eradication of sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

The compatibility of the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium and chemical insecticides used to control the second instar stages of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, was investigated. The effect on spore germination of direct exposure for 24 h to the insecticides imidacloprid, buprofezin, teflubenzuron and nicotine was determined. Only exposure to buprofezin was followed by acceptable spore germination. However, all chemicals significantly reduced spore germination when compared to a water control. Infectivity of L. muscarium in the presence of dry residues of buprofezin, teflubenzuron and nicotine (imidacloprid is a systemic pesticide) on foliage were also investigated. No significant detrimental effects on the level of control of B. tabaci was recorded when compared with fungi applied to residue free foliage on either tomato or verbena plants. Fungi in combination with imidacloprid gave higher B. tabaci mortality on verbena foliage compared to either teflubenzuron or nicotine and fungi combinations. Use of these chemical insecticides with L. muscarium in integrated control programmes for B. tabaci is discussed.