045454   IDREES N, SARAH R, TABASSUM B (Zoology Dep, Govt. Raza P.G. Coll, Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, Email: dr.btabassum@gmail.com) : Immunopathology of cadmium induced toxicity in fishes: A review. J Immunol Immunopathol 2020, 22(1), 1-9.

Immune system has the ability to react and fight against the foreign invaders including parasites, microorganisms and various toxicants. Cadmium is the toxic heavy metals and ubiquitous in nature, which is proved to be lethal for fishes as well as humans. It enters into the aquatic system and bioaccumulate in the aquatic flora and fauna, which ultimately produce toxic reactions. When it entered into the body of fishes, the physiological responses were firstly observed in the tissues of gills, in which mucus cells secretion was slightly increased with the increase of cadmium dose and exposure time. Exposure of cadmium increased the total leucocytes count and decreased the haemoglobin content. Cadmium toxicity generated the hazardous effects on fish organs such as liver, kidneys and gills. The suppressive effect observed by cadmium may produce the deleterious effects on the haematopoietic tissues mostly in the anterior kidneys and spleen, which are the sources of formation of macrophages. The effects of toxicity produced by cadmium in fishes are discussed in this mini review.

55 ref

045412   KUMARI R, JOSHI C (Zoology Dep, Kumaun Univ, Nainital, Uttarakhand) : Phytochemical analysis of some selected herbal plants of Kanjabag region of Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand, India. J Med Plants Stud 2020, 8(2), 19-22.

Medicinal plants are the local heritage with global heritage. Medicinal plants are known to produce certain bioactive molecules which inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. The aim of the present study was to investigate various phytochemical content of traditionally used medicinal plants of Kanjabag region of Khatima Tehsil. Four different plants were taken for analysis viz. Alstonia scholaris, Carica papaya, Croton bonplandianus and Azadirachta indica. It is found that flavonoid is present abundantly in all species. Saponins and tannins are also present in almost all species studied. It was concluded that plants studied were rich in phytochemicals with significant medicinal and pharmacological applications.

3 tables, 5 ref

045408   KÖBAYASHI K, TAKAGI E (Tourism Science Dep, Tokyo Metropolitan Univ, Tokyo- 192-0397, Japan, Email: e_t@tmu.ac.jp) : Mating systems of the tree-killing bark beetle Polygraphus proximus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: scolytinae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa140.

Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) has caused mass mortality of fir (Abies spp. (Pinaceae)) forests across large areas of Russia in the past decade. More recently, mass mortality of A. veitchii Lindl. due to P. proximus infestation has been reported in Japan. This bark beetle species traditionally has been considered to be polygynous because their galleries have multiple gallery arms, and because harem-polygyny is common in the tribe Polygraphini. Although the mating system(s) potentially could have a marked effect on their reproductive success and population dynamics, the reproductive behavior of the tree-killing bark beetle P. proximus has not been investigated in detail in a natural setting in Japan. We, therefore, investigated the number of males and females in a gallery and the number of gallery arms in Abies species in Japan. None of the galleries examined contained more than one male, and 57.2 % of the galleries had multiple gallery arms, even though only 2.8 % of the galleries contained two females. The findings showed that the typical mating system employed by P. proximus is monogyny and that this species constructs multiple gallery arms in each gallery. In addition, 70.4 % of galleries in which the sex of adult beetles could be determined contained no males, and 26.6 % contained no females, suggesting that P. proximus males and females re-emerge.

2 tables, 35 ref

045407   BEHLE R W (National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, IL- 616 04, Email: robert.behle@usda.gov) : Emergence of walnut husk maggot adults in central illinois and potential for control with Metarhizium brunneum. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa134.

The walnut husk maggot, Rhagoletis sauvis (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), causes damage to walnuts when maggots feed inside the husk. September applications of the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium brunneum F52 as microsclerotia laced granules to the soil in Illinois were evaluated for pest control based on adult emergence during the following summer. Over 3 yr in central Illinois, adult emergence began near 1 July, peaked before 23 July, and emergence extended as late as 23 August. One summer application of fungus (30 June) when pupae were present, did not reduce fly emergence. Of two September applications that targeted maggots as they move to the soil to pupate, one significantly reduced the number of flies emerging from treated plots when compared with untreated plots for one 7-d sample collected 29 July 2020. Emergence trap data show a defined peak adult emergence in July for central Illinois while September applications of granules containing Metarhizium brunneum (Petch) (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) show shows potential to reduced subsequent fly emergence.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

045406   ROSA-FONTANA A D S, DORIGO A S, SOARES-LIMA H M, NOCELLI R C F, MALASPINA O (Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Univ, SP, Brasil, Email: annesouzar@gmail.com) : Is the water supply a key factor in stingless bees’ intoxication?. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa127.

Water is an important resource for stingless bees, serving for both honey dilution and the composition of larval food inside nests, yet can be an important route of exposure to pesticides. Assuming bees can forage naturally on pesticide-contaminated or noncontaminated areas, we investigated whether water supply influences the choice between neonicotinoid-dosed or nondosed feeders and on mortality of the stingless bee, Melipona scutellaris (Latreille, Hymenoptera, Apidae). At the field concentration, there was no significant mortality; however, the bees were not able to distinguish the feeders. In the cages containing high-concentration feeders, with water supply, the bees preferred nondosed food, and with no water, the mortality increased. Considering that in the field it is common to find extrapolated concentrations, our work suggested that water may allow avoidance of high dosed food and minimize mortality.

3 illus, 38 ref

045405   RODRIGUEZ-SAONA C, KYRYCZENKO-ROTH V, SCHIFFHAUER D, FIRBAS N (Rutgers Univ, NJ- 08019, Email: crodriguez@njaes.rutgers.edu) : Characterizing the feeding injury caused by Phylloscelis rubra (Hemiptera: Dictyopharidae) to cranberries. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa143.

Due to changes in pest management practices, farmers’ reports of severe feeding injury to cranberries, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton Ericales: Ericaceae, caused by the cranberry toad-bug, Phylloscelis rubra Ball, have increased in recent years in New Jersey (United States). Currently, however, limited information is available on the effects of P. rubra feeding or density of individuals needed to cause injury to cranberry vines and fruit. In 2015‒2017, we conducted studies to characterize injury to cranberry at a range of P. rubra densities by using cages in a screenhouse and field, to establish a correlation between P. rubra density and crop injury in an open field experiment, and to measure the effects of P. rubra injury on the nutritional content (i.e., amounts of macro- and microelements) of cranberry vines. Phylloscelis rubra feeding on cranberry vines produced typical injury symptoms at relatively low densities (i.e., 2 individuals per vine in field cages or <10 individuals per sweep net sample in open fields), which included discolored (yellowish or reddish) or dead (brown) vines. This vine injury could lead to reductions in fruit mass and total fruit number. However, P. rubra injury to cranberry vines did not alter their nutritional composition. In general, this study highlights the ability of P. rubra to cause substantial injury to cranberry vines even when population densities were relatively low, which could result in declines in fruit production (quality and quantity). Therefore, infestations by P. rubra in cranberries must be considered when making pest management decisions in regions where this insect is present.

6 illus, 2 tables, 30 ref

045404   WU M, XIONG Y, HAN R, DONG W, XIAO C (Yunnan Agricultural Univ, Kunming- 650 201, China, Email: x.chun@163.com) : Fumigant toxicity and oviposition deterrent activity of volatile constituents from asari radix ET rhizoma against Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa133.

Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) is a worldwide pest of potato. Plant-borne chemicals would be potential alternatives of synthetic chemical fumigants against P. operculella in the storage. Asari Radix et Rhizoma is derived from the dry roots and rhizomes of Asarum heterotropoides Fr. Schmidt var. mandshuricum, A. sieboldii Miq. var. seoulense, or A. sieboldii. In this study, fumigant toxicity and oviposition deterrent of volatile constituents from ARR, δ-3-carene, γ-terpinene, terpinolene, eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyleugenol were tested against P. operculella. The preliminary verification of preventive and control effects of eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene and methyleugenol on P. operculella was carried out by simulating warehouse experiments. The results indicated that the six compounds above had fumigation toxic effects on the adults and eggs of P. operculella. Among them, δ-3-carene, γ-terpinene, and terpinolene had weaker fumigation effects than those of eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyleugenol. The LC50 values of eucarvone, 3,5-dimethoxytoluene, and methyleugenol against adult P. operculella were 1.01, 1.78, 1.51 mg/liter air, respectively. The LC50 values against egg P. operculella were 1.09, 0.55, 0.30 mg/liter air, respectively. The oviposition deterrent experiment showed that only methyleugenol (at 5 and 1 mg/ml) and eucarvone (5 mg/ml) had a substantial oviposition deterrent effect. The simulated warehouse experiment verified that methyleugenol, eucarvone, and 3,5-dimethoxytoluene protected potatoes from P. operculella and demonstrated that methyleugenol had the best preventive and control effects. It was concluded that methyleugenol was the active ingredient with the most potential in the volatiles from ARR on P. operculella control and merit further study as botanic fumigant.

1 illus, 5 tables, 47 ref

045403   ZHANG Y, YANG Y, SHEN G, MAO X, JIAO M, LIN Y (Southwest Univ, Chongqing- 400 716, China, Email: ly908@swu.edu.cn) : Identification and characterization of aldehyde oxidase 5 in the pheromone gland of the silkworm (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa132.

Aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) are a subfamily of cytosolic molybdo-flavoenzymes that play critical roles in the detoxification and degradation of chemicals. Active AOXs, such as AOX1 and AOX2, have been identified and functionally analyzed in insect antennae but are rarely reported in other tissues. This is the first study to isolate and characterize the cDNA that encodes aldehyde oxidase 5 (BmAOX5) in the pheromone gland (PG) of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. The size of BmAOX5 cDNA is 3,741 nucleotides and includes an open reading frame, which encodes a protein of 1,246 amino acid residues. The theoretical molecular weight and isoelectric point of BmAOX5 are approximately 138  kDa and 5.58, respectively. BmAOX5 shares a similar primary structure with BmAOX1 and BmAOX2, containing two [2Fe-2S] redox centers, a FAD-binding domain, and a molybdenum cofactor (MoCo)- binding domain. RT–PCR revealed BmAOX5 to be particularly highly expressed in the PG (including ovipositor) of the female silkworm moth, and the expression was further confirmed by in situ hybridization, AOX activity staining, and anti-BmAOX5 western blotting. Further, BmAOX5 was shown to metabolize aromatic aldehydes, such as benzaldehyde, salicylaldehyde, and vanillic aldehyde, and fatty aldehydes, such as heptaldehyde and propionaldehyde. The maximum reaction rate (Vmax) of benzaldehyde as substrate was 21 mU and Km was 1.745 mmol/liter. These results suggested that BmAOX5 in the PG could metabolize aldehydes in the cytoplasm for detoxification or participate in the degradation of aldehyde pheromone substances and odorant compounds to identify mating partners and locate suitable spawning sites.

4 illus, 61 ref

045402   FERREIRA-DE-FREITAS L, THRUN N B, TUCKER B J, MELIDOSIAN L, BARTHOLOMAY L C (Pathobiological Sciences Dep, Wisconsin–Madison Univ, WI- 53706, USA, Email: lyric.bartholomay@wisc.edu) : An evaluation of characters for the separation of two culex species (Diptera: Culicidae) based on material from the upper midwest. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa119.

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Culex pipiens complex play a key role in the transmission and therefore epidemiology of a number of human and animal pathogens globally. These mosquitoes, and sympatric species of the genus Culex Linnaeus that are not within the Cx. pipiens complex, are often considered ‘impossible’ to distinguish by morphology in the adult female stage. In the United States, this is particularly true for Culex pipiens s.l. and Culex restuans Theobald, both of which are competent vectors of West Nile virus, but likely play different roles in the transmission cycle. Therefore, we undertook an in-depth morphological evaluation of matched larval exuviae and adult specimens that revealed five useful morphological characters that are informative to distinguish Cx. pipiens s.l. from Cx. restuans in the adult stage. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on these species of interest, and four additional, morphologically similar, Culex species, and a proposed key to adult female specimens.

1 illus, 24 ref

045401   LI H-L, WANG X-Y, ZHENG X-L, LU W (Guangxi Univ, Nanning- 530 004, China, Email: luwenlwen@163.com) : Research progress on oviposition-related genes in insects. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(6), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa137.

Oviposition-related genes have remained a consistent focus of insect molecular biology. Previous research has gradually clarified our mechanistic understanding of oviposition-related genes, including those related to oviposition-gland-related genes, oogenesis-related genes, oviposition-site-selection-related genes, and genes related to ovulation and hatching. Moreover, some of this research has revealed how the expression of single oviposition-related genes affects the expression of related genes, and more importantly, how individual node genes function to link the expression of upstream and downstream genes. However, the research to date is not sufficient to completely explain the overall interactions among the genes of the insect oviposition system. Through a literature review of a large number of studies, this review provides references for future research on oviposition-related genes in insects and the use of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 technology to verify the functions of oviposition-related genes and to prevent and control harmful insects.

2 illus, 1 table, 80 ref

045400   HOLT J R, BERNAOLA L, BRITT K E, MCCULLOUGH C, ROTH M, WAGNER J, RAGOZZINO M, AVILES L, LI Z, HUVAL F ET. AL (Entomology Dep, Texas A&M Univ, TX- 77843, Email: holtjocelyn@tamu.edu) : Synergisms in science: climate change and integrated pest management through the lens of communication—2019 student debates. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa077.

Every year, the Student Debates Subcommittee (SDS) of the Student Affairs Committee (SAC) for the annual Entomological Society of America (ESA) meeting organizes the Student Debates. This year, the SAC selected topics based on their synergistic effect or ability to ignite exponential positive change when addressed as a whole. For the 2019 Student Debates, the SAC SDS identified these topic areas for teams to debate and unbiased introduction speakers to address: 1) how to better communicate science to engage the public, particularly in the area of integrated pest management (IPM), 2) the influential impacts of climate change on agriculturally and medically relevant insect pests, and 3)  sustainable agriculture techniques that promote the use of IPM to promote food security. Three unbiased introduction speakers gave a foundation for our audience to understand each debate topic, while each of six debate teams provided a strong case to support their stance or perspective on a topic. Debate teams submitted for a competitive spot for the annual ESA Student Debates and trained for the better part of a year to showcase their talents in presenting logical arguments for a particular topic. Both the debate teams and unbiased introduction speakers provided their insight toward a better understanding of the complexities of each topic and established a foundation to delve further into the topics of science advocacy and communication, climate change, and the many facets of integrated pest management.

169 ref

045399   CRAVES J A, O’BRIEN D S, MARVIN D A (Michigan Museum of Zoology Univ, MI- 48933, Email: jcraves@umich.edu) : New population of the rare dragonfly Ophiogomphus howei (Odonata: Gomphidae) in Southern Michigan, United States. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa125.

Ophiogomphus howei Bromley is a rare North American dragonfly, given a global conservation rank of Vulnerable by NatureServe. This species inhabits localized stretches of a limited number of typically undisturbed, high-quality, forested rivers in two disjunct regions in North America. We describe a new population in between the known ranges from an impaired river in a largely urban watershed in southern Michigan, United States. We also report a previously overlooked specimen from a new location in Pennsylvania, United States, and provide current occurrence and conservation status of the species in North America.

2 illus, 1 table, 107 ref

045398   SHAH J S, RENTHAL R (Biology Dep, Texas Univ, San Antonio, Email: robert. renthal@utsa.edu) : Antennal proteome of the Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): caste differences in olfactory receptors and chemosensory support proteins. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa118.

Little is known about the expression pattern of odorant and pheromone transporters, receptors, and deactivation enzymes in the antennae of ants carrying out different tasks. In order to begin filling in this information gap, we compared the proteomes of the antennae of workers and males of the red fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Male ants do not perform any colony work, and their only activity is to leave the nest on a mating flight. Previous studies showed that male ants express fewer types of odorant receptors than workers. Thus, we expected to find large differences between male and worker antennae for expression of receptors, transporters, and deactivators of signaling chemicals. We found that the abundance of receptors was consistent with the expected caste-specific signaling complexity, but the numbers of different antenna-specific transporters and deactivating enzymes in males and workers were similar. It is possible that some of these proteins have antenna-specific functions that are unrelated to chemosensory reception. Alternatively, the similar complexity could be a vestige of ant progenitors that had more behaviorally active males. As the reduced behavior of male ants evolved, the selection process may have favored a complex repertoire of transporters and deactivating enzymes alongside a limited repertoire of odorant receptors.

3 illus, 6 tables, 86 ref

045397   LIANG Y, MENG K, ZHAO J, REN J, GE S, YAN S ( Intelligent and Biomechanical Systems Div, State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Beijing- 100 084, P.R. China, Email: yansz@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn) : Parallel mechanism composed of abdominal cuticles and muscles simulates the complex and diverse movements of honey bee (Apis mellifera l.) abdomen. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa075.

The abdominal intersegmental structures allow insects, such as honey bees, dragonflies, butterflies, and drosophilae, to complete diverse behavioral movements. In order to reveal how the complex abdominal movements of these insects are produced, we use the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) as a typical insect to study the relationship between intersegmental structures and abdominal motions. Microstructure observational experiments are performed by using the stereoscope and the scanning electron microscope. We find that a parallel mechanism, composed of abdominal cuticle and muscles between the adjacent segments, produces the complex and diverse movements of the honey bee abdomen. These properties regulate multiple behavioral activities such as waggle dance and flight attitude adjustment. The experimental results demonstrate that it is the joint efforts of the muscles and membranes that connected the adjacent cuticles together. The honey bee abdomen can be waggled, expanded, contracted, and flexed with the actions of the muscles. From the view point of mechanics, a parallel mechanism is evolved from the intersegmental connection structures of the honey bee abdomen. Here, we conduct a kinematic analysis of the parallel mechanism to simulate the intersegmental abdominal motions.

5 illus, 32 ref

045396   GOU Y, QUANDAHOR P, ZHANG K, GUO S, ZHANG Q, LIU C, COULTER J A (Gansu Agricultural Univ, Lanzhou- 730 070, P. R. China, Email: liuchzh@gsau.edu.cn) : Artificial diet influences population growth of the root maggot bradysia impatiens (Diptera: Sciaridae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa123.

In order to investigate the effects of artificial diets on the population growth of root maggot Bradysia impatiens, its population growth parameters were assayed on eight artificial diets (Diet 1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, and D8). Results showed that developmental duration from egg to pupa was successfully completed on all eight artificial diets. However, the egg to pupal duration was shortest, while the survival rate of four insect stages was lowest when B. impatiens was reared on D1. When B. impatiens was reared on D7 and D8, the survival rate, female longevity, and female oviposition were higher than those reared on other diets. When B. impatiens was reared on D7, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm = 0.19/d), net reproductive rate (R0  = 39.88 offspring per individual), and finite rate of increase (λ = 1.21/d) were higher for its population growth with shorter generation time (T = 19.49 d) and doubling time (Dt = 3.67 d). The findings indicate that the D7 artificial diet is more appropriate for the biological parameters of B. impatiens and can be used an indoor breeding food for population expansion as well as further research. We propose that vitamin C supplement added to the D7 is critical for the improvement of the B. impatiens growth.

4 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

043764   GREGORIA PJ R, INBARAJ R M (Zoology Dep, Madras Christian Coll, Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,) : Expression of the genes cyp19a1a and sox9a in the early hours of development of Catla catla and its role in sex determination and differentiation. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(3), 55-9.

Sex determination and early gonadal development depends upon specific embryonic gene program that activate differentiation of the bipotential primodium. Many studies reveal that cyp19a1a and sox9a are significant for the sex determination and differentiation of ovary and testes development in vertebrates. As the research specimen Catla catla, Indian major carp is an important edible fish and has great market demand, it is imperative that the basic developmental mechanisms of sex determination are further studied in this species. It is subjected to gene expression studies in order to find out the influence of the genes cyp19a1a and sox9a in controlling the sex determination and differentiation during embryonic stages. In the present investigation cyp19a1a and sox9a are on track to express from 12^th and 30^th hpf respectively. It is seen that the expression of these genes initiated in two different times and both gene expressions were in progress throughout the study phase. This kind of expression pattern disclose the role of these genes in C. catla for sex determination and differentiation which would help to unlock the innovative fraction of research as gene manipulation programmed for increasing the mass production.

2 illus, 36 ref

045395   SHI W, RODERICK G, ZHANG G-S (Yunnan Univ, Kunming- 650091, China, Email: shiwei55@126.com) : Mechanisms of novel host use by bactrocera tau (Tephritid: Diptera) revealed by RNA transcriptomes. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa102.

Use of novel plant hosts can facilitate the establishment and range expansion of herbivorous invasive species. However, the inherent mechanisms of novel host use are still unclear in many herbivorous species. Here, we examine mechanisms of novel host use in the invasive tephritid fruit fly Bactrocera tau (Walker)(Diptera: Tephritidae) by documenting changes in the RNA transcriptomes associated with a novel host. RNA transcripts of B. tau were obtained with high-throughput sequencing from samples continuously reared on two traditional Cucurbitaceae hosts and a novel host (banana). We found transcriptome variation was strongly associated with feeding on banana. Moreover, B. tau feeding on banana contained more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and more annotated categories of DEGs in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database with 1,595 DEGs and 21 major annotated pathways. The annotated categories of DEGs in individuals reared on banana differed with from those individuals feeding on other hosts and were enriched in oxidative phosphorylation, citrate cycle pathway, and four other carbohydrate pathways. For B. tau feeding on banana, the predominant numbers of upregulated genes in the mitochondrial NADH (56 on average) and a relatively higher numbers of upregulated genes (13 on average) were found in oxidative phosphorylation and the TCA pathway, respectively. Changes in RNA transcriptomes associated with novel host use, especially for genes related to energy and carbohydrate metabolism, help to explain how B. tau can be successful in use of novel hosts and may be useful in developing novel strategies for control of tephritid flies.

3 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

043763   GREGORIA PJ R, INBARAJ R M (Zoology Dep, Madras Christian Coll, Tambaram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) : Identification, expression and phylogenetic analysis of the gene sox9a in the testes of Indian major carp Catla catla throughout a reproductive cycle and in the extragonadal tissues. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(3), 49-54.

Sox9 is a transcriptional factor which is a member of the sox gene family of SRY-related high mobility group (HMG) box genes. Catla catla like other vertebrates, express sox9a gene mainly in the testes, responsible for the sex determination and male gonadal development. The abundance of the mRNA encoding Sox9a was determined by rtqRT-PCR in the tissues of the testes of catla fish throughout the annual reproductive cycle. The expression of sox9a has seen its peak level during the preparatory and previtellogenic period and the expression was very law during the time of resting period or postvitellogenic period. The expression level was prominent in the vitellogenic period, but it is lesser than preparatory and previtellogenic period. The expression of sox9a in the testes was also expressed in other tissues of brain, kidney, heart, muscle and gill. There was no expression of sox9a in the female gonad. This reveals the significant role of this gene in the testes differentiation and in the different phases of reproductory cycle of C. catla.

4 illus, 32 ref

045394   BONACCI T, ROVITO M, HORÁK J, BRANDMAYR P (Calabria Univ, Rende- 87036, Italy, Email: teresa.bonacci@unical.it) : Artificial feeding and laboratory rearing of endangered saproxylic beetles as a tool for insect conservation. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa098.

Conservation of threatened animals is frequently limited by lack of knowledge about their ecological preferences, and often artificial feeding is one of the few chances to save endangered species. We investigated the possibility to artificially feed two endangered flat bark beetles dependent on dead wood for their diet—namely, Cucujus cinnaberinus (Scopoli, 1763)  and Cucujus haematodes Erichson, 1845—by examining their dietary preferences, life cycle duration, and survival in laboratory conditions. Individuals of the two species were caught in the wild and larvae and adults were fed in laboratory conditions by live or dead prey. Three species of saproxylic beetles: two cerambycids (Acanthocinus griseus Fabricius, 1793 and Rhagium inquisitor Linnaeus, 1758), one scolytid (Ips sexdentatus Börner, 1776) one tenebrionid (Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758)) one dipteran (Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826)) and one ant (Lasius sp. Fabricius, 1804) were used as prey, with minced meat as a control. Our results indicated high survival and no difference in prey choice between the two flat beetle species. Larvae and adults preferred dead prey, but no significant preference was detected among dead prey taxa, supporting the hypothesis that the two species are opportunistic scavengers. Comparing data with previous results, both species and their developmental stages should be classified as obligate saproxylic organisms with preference to the dead and decaying organic material. Successful artificial feeding and rearing of these endangered species, followed by the release in the wild through rescue or reintroduction programs, therefore appear relevant for their protection and future conservation.

2illus, 1 table, 47 ref

043759   VERMA A K, PRAKASH S (Zoology Dep, M.L.K. (P.G.) Coll, Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of arsenic on enzyme activity of a fresh water cat fish, Mystus vittatus. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(3), 28-31.

The present investigation has been designed to study the effect of sublethal concentrations (10 % and 30 %) of heavy metal, arsenic on the activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases enzyme in liver and muscles of Mystus vittatus after exposure to 30 days. A significant decreased has been observed in alkaline and acid phosphatases level in liver and muscles of arsenic exposed fish Mystus vittatus. The result of present study obviously indicates that low concentration of arsenic is toxic to fishes and alters the enzymatic activity in different tissues. With the result the entire metabolic activities of fish becomes disturbed. Thus the arsenic is known to affect the biological potential of aquatic animals.

2 tables, 24 ref

043754   SHINCY F, ASOK S, SREELAKSHMI T, PRIYATHA CV, CHITRA KC (Zoology Dep, Calicut Univ, Malappuram , Kerala) : Toxic effects of an organophosphorus pesticide, malathion (50% EC) on the freshwater fish, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852). Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(2), 57-60.

Malathion is a wide spectrum aliphatic organophosphorus pesticide commonly used for agricultural purposes. In the present study, an attempt was made to study the acute toxic effects of malathion in the adult freshwater fish, Oreochromis mossambicus. The median lethal concentration or LC₅₀-96 h was determined by exposing the fish to seven different concentrations of malathion i.e., 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 µg/ L concentrations for 96 h along with the control group, without toxicant. The weight of the animals was recorded before and after exposing to the pesticide, which showed no significant changes after the treatment period. Behavioural modifications of the fish such as frequent surfacing and air engulping, irregular erratic swimming, aggressiveness, rapid opercular lifting along with slight haemorrhage and mucous deposition throughout the body were noticed. The study proved that an increase in the malathion concentration for 96 h caused increase in the rate of mortality in which 50 % mortality occurred at 0.5 µg/ L concentration, which was taken as the median lethal concentration or LC₅₀-96 h. The data obtained was subjected to Probit analysis at 95 % confidence limit also proved 0.5 µg/ L concentration as 96 h-LC₅₀ value of malathion in the fish, O. mossambicus.

2 illus, 2 tables, 20 ref

043751   KAPURI R, SINHA AK, DE P, BHAKAT S (Zoology Dep, Rampurhat Coll, Rampurhat – 731 224, West Bengal) : Diversity of puntius sp. (cyprinidae: Cypriniformes) collected from Banshlai river, Birbhum, West Bengal, India. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(2), 34-41.

Puntius species are marked by various morphometric characters and colour pattern. The present study describes the morphometric variations and colour pattern of five species of Puntius, viz. P. gelius, P. ticto, P. conchonius, P. sophore, and P. chola collected from Banshlai River of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Among five species P. chola is quite different in respect to body marking, presence of rostral barbels and other morphometric characters like minimum eye diameter (35.35 % HL), caudal peduncle depth (14.37% SL), caudal fin length (26.97 % of SL), preventral length (46.81 % SL) and predorsal length (51.30 % SL). Both P. gelius and P. conchonius have black spot on caudal peduncle but length of dorsal fin base in P. gelius is greater compared to that of P. conchonius (19.47 % SL vs. 17.15 % SL), but reverse is true in case of body depth (25.38 % SL vs. 27.40 % SL). Both P. ticto and P. sophore have serrated dorsal spine and orange anal fin in common, but the values of prepectoral length and interorbital distance is greater in P. ticto compared to P. sophore (29.09 % SL vs. 26.38 %SL and 52.27 % HL vs. 48.51 % HL respectively), but snout length and dorsal fin base length is greater in P. sophore (36.36 % HL vs. 33.65 % HL and 21.59 % SL vs. 19.49 % SL). PCA and heatmap are used to establish the identity of five species of Puntius sp. A key to five species of Puntius sp. is presented here. The variation of morphometric characters from earlier studies of different workers outside West Bengal may be due to variations of different environmental factors that govern the growth and morphometry of a particular species.

3 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

043746   CHAKRABORTY P, YARDI K, MUKHERJEE P, DAS S (Zoology Dep, Vidyasagar Coll, Kolkata, West Bengal) : First record of two species of fishes from West Bengal, India and additional new ichthyofaunal records for the Indian Sundarbans. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(2), 06-10.

Five species of fishes viz., Ichthyscopus lebeck, Lagocephalus spadiceus, Platax teira, Caesio caerulaurea and Thysanophrys celebica are recorded from the Indian Sundarbans, the deltaic bulge of the Ganges River in the State of West Bengal, India. Thysanophrys celebica and Lagocephalus spadiceus forms the first record for the state of West Bengal, India. Diagnostic characteristics and notes on distribution are provided in this paper. The present paper subsidises the already existing list of ichthyofaunal resources from the Indian Sundarbans region to provide a better understanding of the role of different species in the functioning of the ecosystem.

5 illus, 1 tables, 21 ref

043745   BALKHANDE J V (Zoology Dep, Digambarrao Bindu ACS Coll, Bhokar Dist. Nanded, Maharashtra) : Devising of organic fertilizer from fish and crab wastes: Waste to best technology. Int J Fish Aquat Stud 2020, 8(2), 01-5.

The present study was carried out to use of today’s waste for tomorrows best. Disposable of fish waste is one of the big issues in urban area. A disgusting smell of the waste really problematic to the common people. In urban areas fish sellers throw away fish wastes into open space, because of this various health problems arises. To tackle this problem fish manure can be prepared after some processon fish waste. Composting made from fish wastes could provide an effective source of nutrient-rich fertilizer. NPK is essential growth factors for the plants. Nitrogen (N) Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) are expressed in the %, they are 1.18 %, 0.48 % and 0.58 % respectively. This technique is not known to the many people hence Popularization of this technique among fish sellers, researchers and common people is the need of day. This will also helpful to proper disposable of fish waste and by manufacturing of the biofertilzer gives an employment opportunity without any cost.

1 illus, 1 table, 25 ref

045393   MORENO J M P, REYES-PRADO H (Zoology Dep, Biology Institute, CDMX, México, Email: humberto.reyes@uaem.mx) : Commerce of edible insects in the state of morelos, Mexico. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa106.

The present study deals with the taxonomical analysis of the edible insects commercialized in the state of Morelos, Mexico. We have recorded two species under the order Orthoptera and four species under Hemiptera–Heteroptera. Our work revealed that grasshoppers and small hemipterans known as ‘jumiles’ are the two main insects sold in the markets of the state of Morelos. We also discuss insects’ prices and their economic importance for the livelihood improvement of the local people connected to the edible insect trade.

3 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

045392   LI Y-A, LIU Y-B, XIE X-Q, ZHANG J-N, LI W-L (Dalian Univ of Technology, Dalian- 116 024, China, Email: biolwl@dlut.edu.cn) : The modulation of trehalose metabolism by 20-hydroxyecdysone in Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) during its diapause termination and posttermination period. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa108.

Trehalose plays a crucial role in the diapause process of many insects, serving as an energy source and a stress protectant. Trehalose accumulation has been reported in diapause pupae of Antheraea pernyi; however, trehalose metabolic regulatory mechanisms associated with diapause termination remain unclear. Here, we showed that the enhanced trehalose catabolism was associated with an increase in endogenous 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in hemolymph of A. pernyi pupae during their diapause termination and posttermination period. Injection of 20E increased the mRNA level of trehalase 1A (ApTre-1A) and trehalase 2 (ApTre-2) of A. pernyi diapause pupae in a dose-dependent manner but did not affect the mRNA level of trehalase 1B (ApTre-1B). Meanwhile, exogenous 20E increased the enzyme activities of soluble and membrane-bound trehalase, leading to a decline in hemolymph trehalose. Conversely, the expression of ApTre-1A and ApTre-2 were down-regulated after the ecdysone receptor gene (ApEcRB1) was silenced by RNA interference or by injection of an ecdysone receptor antagonist cucurbitacin B (CucB), which inhibits the 20E pathway. Moreover, CucB treatment delayed adult emergence, which suggests that ApEcRB1 might be involved in regulating pupal-adult development of A. pernyi by mediating ApTre-1A and ApTre-2 expressions. This study provides an overview of the changes in the expression and activity of different trehalase enzymes in A. pernyi in response to 20E, confirming the important role of 20E in controlling trehalose catabolism during A. pernyi diapause termination and posttermination period.

8 illus, 1 table, 58 ref

045391   FU S, LI F, YAN X, HAO C (Shanxi Agricultural Univ, Taigu, China, Email: sxauhc@163.com) : Expression profiles and binding properties of the chemosensory protein pxylcsp11 from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa107.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L.  (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is one of the most destructive pests to cruciferous plants worldwide. The oligophagous moth primarily utilizes its host volatiles for foraging and oviposition. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are soluble carrier proteins with low molecular weight, which recognize and transport various semiochemicals in insect chemoreception. At present, there is limited information on the recognition of host volatiles by CSPs of P.  xylostella. Here, we investigated expression patterns and binding characteristics of PxylCSP11 in P. xylostella. The open reading frame of PxylCSP11 was 369-bp encoding 122 amino acids. PxylCSP11 possessed four conserved cysteines, which was consistent with the typical characteristic of CSPs. PxylCSP11 was highly expressed in antennae, and the expression level of PxylCSP11 in male antennae was higher than that in female antennae. Fluorescence competitive binding assays showed that PxylCSP11 had strong binding abilities to several ligands, including volatiles of cruciferous plants, and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac), a major sex pheromone of P. xylostella. Our results suggest that PxylCSP11 may play an important role in host recognition and spouse location in P. xylostella.

5 illus, 1 table, 92 ref

045390   ZHOU C, YANG X-B, YANG H, LONG G-Y, JIN D-C (Guizhou Univ, Guiyang, China, Email: axyridis@163.com) : Effects of sublethal concentrations of insecticides on the fecundity of Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) via the regulation of vitellogenin and its receptor. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa099.

White-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera, Hemiptera: Delphacidae) is an important migratory pest of rice. It causes severe economic losses by reducing crop production. Vg and VgR are important proteins that help in the successful reproduction of insects and have been studied in many insects. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of insecticides on white-backed planthopper reproduction, we studied the expression profiles of SfVg, SfVg-like, and SfVgR in white-backed planthopper exposed to insecticides. SfVg and SfVgR silencing inhibited the ovarian development, number of eggs laid by, and hatching rate of white-backed planthopper. Thiamethoxam LC10 significantly inhibited SfVg-like and SfVgR expression. In contrast, triazophos LC25 significantly promoted SfVg, SfVg-like, and SfVgR expression and increased vitellogenin content in white-backed planthopper. These results demonstrate that insecticides can regulate the reproduction of white-backed planthopper by altering the expression of SfVg and SfVgR, thereby affecting the population density of white-backed planthopper. These findings build a foundation for improving our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of insecticides on the reproduction and resurgence of pests.

4 illus, 1 table, 54 ref

043744   BHAKAT S, SINHA A K (Zoology Dep, Rampurhat Coll, Dist. Birbhum, West Bengal) : Esomus bengalensis (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), a new species of flying barb from West Bengal, India. J Essent Oil Res 2020, 8(1), 44-9.

A new species of flying barb, Esomus bengalensis is collected from Mayurakshi River at Tilpara barrage, Suri, West Bengal with distinguishable differences from its congeners in respect to caudal peduncle length, head length, number of Predorsal scale, absence of lateral line etc. PCA and heatmap are generated to establish its separate identity in Rasborine family.

3 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

045389   YAMAMOTO T, HATTORI M, ITINO T (Shinshu Univ, Nagano- 390-8621, Japan, Email: 8mate2@gmail.com) : Seasonal migration in the aphid genus stomaphis (Hemiptera: Aphididae): Discovery of host alternation between woody plants in subfamily lachninae. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa103.

About 10 % of aphid species show host alternation. These aphids migrate between primary and secondary host plant species in spring and autumn. Host alternation has not been observed in subfamily Lachninae, although it has been suggested on the basis of circumstantial evidence that Stomaphis japonica (Takahashi) may alternate its host between Quercus serrata (Murray) and Quercus acutissima (Carruth). However, a molecular phylogenetic study has indicated that the Stomaphis individuals feeding on these two plant species belong to two different lineages and aphids feeding on Q. acutissima and Pinus densiflora (Sieb. & Zucc.) belong to the same lineage. Here, we examined host alternation in Stomaphis species by comparing molecular phylogenetic identities, morphological features, and life cycles. The molecular analysis and morphological examination showed that aphids feeding on Q. acutissima were the same as those feeding on P. densiflora, whereas aphids feeding on Q. serrata were different from those feeding on Q. acutissima or on P. densiflora. Furthermore, winged aphids were observed on both Q. acutissima and P. densiflora in autumn, but we did not observe winged aphids on Q. serrata. These results indicate that Stomaphis (Walker) individuals feeding on Q. serrata and Q. acutissima belong to two species, one that feeds year-round on Q. serrata, and another, heteroecious species that feeds on P. densiflora as a primary host and on Q. acutissima as a secondary host. This study documents host alternation in subfamily Lachninae for the first time and discusses the acquisition of host alternation by Stomaphis from evolutionary and ecological perspectives.

5 illus, 45 ref

045388   LEE J, PARK J, XI H, PARK J (InfoBoss Inc. Ltd, Republic of Korea, Email: starflr@infoboss.co.kr) : Comprehensive analyses of the complete mitochondrial genome of Figulus binodulus (Coleoptera: Lucanidae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa090.

Figulus binodulus Waterhouse is a small stag beetle distributed in East Asia. We determined the first mitochondrial genome of F. binodulus of which is 16,261-bp long including 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNAs, and a single large noncoding region of 1,717 bp. Gene order of F. binodulus is identical to the ancestral insect mitochondrial gene order as in most other stag beetle species. All of 22 tRNAs could be shaped into typical cloverleaf structure except trnSer1. Comparative analyses of 21 Lucanidae mitochondrial genomes was conducted in aspect of their length and AT-GC ratio. Nucleotide diversities analyses provide that cox1 and cox2 in Lucanidae are less diverse than those of Scarabaeoidea. Fifty simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were identified on F.  binodulus mitochondrial genome. Comparative analysis of SSRs among five mitochondrial genomes displayed similar trend along with SSR types. Figulus binodulus was sister to all other available family Lucanidae species in the phylogenetic tree.

8 illus, 3 tables, 63 ref

045387   ACHHAMI B B, REDDY G V P, SHERMAN J D, PETERSON R K D, WEAVER D K (Land Resources and Environmental Sciences Dep, Montana State Univ, MT- 59717, Email: buddhiachhami@gmail.com) : Antixenosis, antibiosis, and potential yield compensatory response in barley cultivars exposed to wheat stem sawfly (Hymenoptera: Cephidae) under field conditions. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa091.

Wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, is an economically serious pest of cereals grown in North America. Barley cultivars were previously planted as resistant crops in rotations to manage C.  cinctus, but due to increasing levels of injury to this crop, this is no longer a valid management tactic in Montana. Therefore, we aimed to understand antixenosis (behavioral preference), antibiosis (mortality), and potential yield compensation (increased productivity in response to stem injuries) in barley exposed to C. cinctus. We examined these traits in eight barley cultivars. Antixenosis was assessed by counting number of eggs per stem and antibiosis was assessed by counting infested stems, dead larvae, and stems cut by mature larvae. Potential yield compensation was evaluated by comparing grain yield from three categories of stem infestation: 1) uninfested, 2) infested with dead larva, and 3) infested cut by mature larva at crop maturity. We found the greatest number of eggs per infested stem (1.80 ± 0.04), the highest proportion of infested stems (0.63 ± 0.01), and the highest proportion of cut stems (0.33 ± 0.01) in ‘Hockett’. Seven out of eight cultivars had greater grain weight for infested stems than for uninfested stems. These cultivars may have compensatory responses to larval feeding injury. Overall, these barley cultivars contain varying levels of antixenosis, antibiosis, and differing levels of yield compensation. Our results provide foundational knowledge on barley traits that will provide a framework to further develop C. cinctus resistant or tolerant barley cultivars.

7 illus, 4 tables, 110 ref

045386   GÄRTTLING D, KIRCHNER S M, SCHULZ H (Kassel Univ, Witzenhausen- 37213, Germany, Email: d.gae@posteo.de) : Assessment of the n- and p-fertilization effect of black soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) by-products on maize. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa089.

To meet the growing demand for an alternative animal protein source, the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) industry is expanding. Thus, the valuation of its byproducts, foremost BSF frass, is getting more economic and ecological weight. Three different residues, BSF frass, larval skins, and dead adult flies, were compared with a mineral and an organic commercial fertilizer in a pot trial with maize (Zea mays L., [Poales: Poaceae]). byproducts were applied in three nutrient-based application rates (180; 215  kg N/ha; 75  kg P2 O5 /ha), and plant nutrients, physiological and yield parameters were measured at harvest date. Ground flies had the highest N-fertilizing effect of all byproducts, similar to commercial mineral and organic fertilizers used as controls, whereas its proportion of the BSF production systems’ output is low. Frass as the abundant byproduct showed comparably low N-fertilization effects. Its low N availability was attributed to volatilization losses, mainly driven by high pH and ammonium contents. BSF frass as the main byproduct output is more suited as a basic fertilizer or potting substrate amendment than as a short-term organic fertilizer. Postprocessing of frass seems reasonable. For a profound assessment of frass as fertilizer, several aspects (e.g., the overall impact of postprocessing, plant strengthening and plant protection potential, effects on microbial processes) must be clarified.

4 illus, 6 tables, 63 ref

045384   GRODOWITZ M J, ELLIOT B, EVANS R, ROJAS G, RAMOS J M (USDA-ARS National Biological Control Laboratory, MS- 38776, Email: michael.grodowitz@usda.gov) : Development of a physiological age-grading system for Nezara viridula (hemiptera: pentatomidae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa092.

The southern green stink bug (SGSB), Nezara viridula (L.), is an important agricultural pest in the United States. Limited information is available on the morphology of the female’s reproductive system in relation to morphological changes associated with the number of eggs produced and egg masses oviposited. The ability to assess reproductive health and reproductive status based on ovarian morphology (i.e., physiological age-grading) can be an important tool for evaluating field populations and laboratory colonies intended for the application of different management strategies and experimental trials. Thus, the goal of this study was to develop a physiological age-grading system for SGSB. Females aged from 0 to 79 d chronologically randomly selected from laboratory colonies and dissected to assess ovarian morphology. Specific morphological differences in ovarian structures including differentiation of the ovarioles, deposition of yolk in the most proximal follicle, quantity and appearance of follicular relics, expansion of the lateral oviducts, and number of developing follicles per ovariole were related to chronological age, the number of eggs produced and number of egg masses. Based on specific combinations of these morphological characteristics, the continuum of ovarian development was divided into three nulliparous (i.e., ‘no eggs’; N1, N2, and N3) and three parous stages (i.e., ‘with eggs’; P1, P2, and P3). Direct relationships were noted between number of eggs produced and physiological age with over 7-fold higher number of eggs and 14-fold higher number of egg masses associated with the P2 and P3 stages, respectively.

9 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

045383   YE B, ZHAO Z, YUE D, LI P, WANG L, ZHANG B, FAN Q (Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian- 116 023, China, Email: qifan10001@163.com) : Construction of the Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus bacmid system. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa088.

In this study, we established the Antheraea pernyi multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) bacmid system for the construction of a Bac-to-Bac expression system and the generation of virus mutants. The CopyRight pSMART BAC cloning vector harboring the chloramphenicol resistance gene was introduced into the AnpeNPV genome to produce the AnpeNPV bacmid that could be propagated in Escherichia coli with stable replication. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was successfully expressed in both Tn-Hi5 cells and A. pernyi pupae using the AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system. To generate the AnpeNPV mutants, we developed the AnpeNPV bacmid/λ Red recombination system that facilitated the deletion of viral genes from the AnpeNPV genome. The genes cathepsin and chitinase were deleted and a derivative AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system was constructed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the novel expression system could be used to express human epidermal growth factor in A. pernyi pupae. Taken together, the AnpeNPV bacmid system provides a powerful tool to create the AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system for protein expression in A. pernyi pupae. Further, it helps to knock-out genes from the AnpeNPV genome with λ Red recombination system for identification of the role of viral genes involved in regulating gene expression, DNA replication, virion structure, and infectivity during the AnpeNPV infection process.

6 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

045382   YE B, ZHAO Z, YUE D, LI P, WANG L, ZHANG B, FAN Q (Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian 116023, China, Email: qifan10001@163.com) : Construction of the Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus bacmid system. J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa088.

In this study, we established the Antheraea pernyi multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) bacmid system for the construction of a Bac-to-Bac expression system and the generation of virus mutants. The CopyRight pSMART BAC cloning vector harboring the chloramphenicol resistance gene was introduced into the AnpeNPV genome to produce the AnpeNPV bacmid that could be propagated in Escherichia coli with stable replication. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was successfully expressed in both Tn-Hi5 cells and A. pernyi pupae using the AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system. To generate the AnpeNPV mutants, we developed the AnpeNPV bacmid/λ Red recombination system that facilitated the deletion of viral genes from the AnpeNPV genome. The genes cathepsin and chitinase were deleted and a derivative AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system was constructed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the novel expression system could be used to express human epidermal growth factor in A. pernyi pupae. Taken together, the AnpeNPV bacmid system provides a powerful tool to create the AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system for protein expression in A. pernyi pupae. Further, it helps to knock-out genes from the AnpeNPV genome with λ Red recombination system for identification of the role of viral genes involved in regulating gene expression, DNA replication, virion structure, and infectivity during the AnpeNPV infection process.

6 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

045381   LI M-Y, JIANG X-Y, QI Y-Z, HUANG Y-J, LI S-G, LIU S (Anhui Agricultural Univ, Anhui- 230 036, China, Email: suliu@ahau.edu.cn) : Identification and expression profiles of 14 odorant-binding protein genes from Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). J Insect Sci 2020, 20(5), 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa087.

The small white butterfly, Pieris rapae (L.), is an important insect pest of Brassica crops. This species utilize olfactory cues to find their hosts and mates. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the olfactory perception in this species remains unclear. Here, we identified 14 odorant-binding proteins (OBP) genes—essential for insect olfaction—in P. rapae by exploring a previously published transcriptome dataset. Proteins encoded by all of these genes contain N-terminal signal peptides and six positionally conserved cysteine residues, which are characteristic of insect OBPs. These OBPs displayed high amino acid identity with their respective orthologs in other lepidopterans, and several conserved motifs were identified within these OBPs. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these OBPs were well segregated from each other and clustered into different branches. PrapOBP1 and PrapOBP2 were clustered into the ‘general odorant-binding protein’ clade, and PrapOBP3 and PrapOBP4 fall into the ‘pheromone-binding protein’ clade. The 14 OBP genes were located on seven genomic scaffolds. Of these, PrapOBP1, 2, 3, and 4 were located on scaffold332, whereas PrapOBP5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were located on scaffold116. Ten of the 14 genes had antenna-biased expression. Of these, PrapOBP1, 2, 4, and 13 were enriched in male antennae, whereas PrapOBP7 and PrapOBP10 were female-biased. Our findings suggest that these OBPs may be involved in olfactory communication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the identification and characterization of OBPs in P. rapae, and our findings provide a solid foundation for studying the functions of these genes.

5 illus, 1 table, 63 ref

043688   JOY J M, CHANDRAN N R (Zoology Dep, St. Teresa’s Coll (Autonomous), Kochi, Kerala) : Synergistic antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of garlic mediated silver nanoparticles against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 595-8.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is increasingly recognized in infections among persons in the community without established risk factors for MRSA. Besides the resistance to antibiotics, their capability to form biofilm also increased the pathogenicity of MRSA. Garlic exhibits broad pharmaceutical properties and inhibitory activities against MRSA. This work investigated the synergistic effect of garlic mediated silver nanoparticles against MRSA. The synthesized garlic mediated silver nanoparticles are characterised by UV-Visible spectrophotometer and SEM analysis. It shows a peak at 420nm in UV-Visible spectrum and on SEM analysis it is estimated that the synthesised nanoparticles are spherical in morphology, regular in shape with 100 nm particles. Both antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of AgNPs were determined by microtitre plate method. The garlic extract by itself shows antibacterial activity of approximately 22.8 %, 30.6 %, 40.9 % and 50.8 % for the application of 25μl, 50μl, 75μl and 100μl respectively. Whereas the antibacterial activity of garlic mediated silver nanoparticles for the identical concentration were 50.5 %, 62.7 %, 73.6 % and 74.7 % in approximate respectively. Likewise, antibiofilm activity of garlic extract was obtained as 19.5 %, 29.5 %, 31.7 % and 40.1 % correspondingly for the concentrations of 25μl, 50μl, 75μl and 100μl. While, 34.9 %, 39.4 % 49.4 % and 66.9 % of antibiofilm activity was shown by garlic mediated silver nanoparticles in that order of concentration. Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of garlic mediated silver nanoparticles was owing to the synergistic properties of garlic and silver in nanosize. Thus the results pay way for new medical innovation.

4 tables, 8 ref

043679   JOHARI S, CHITTORA S , SHARMA G (Zoology Dep, Kota Univ, Kota, Rajasthan) : Ovipositional preferences of Anopheles stephensi Liston, 1901 with respect to different pH, colour and water. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 552-5.

Anopheles stephensi is the principle vector of malaria. The present study is based on the ovipositional site preferences of An. stephensi with respect to different pH, colour, and water types. For the study, we used different pH range such as 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, different coloured bottom petridishes like, red, green, blue, yellow, white, and black were used. Different water samples were collected from various sites of Kota. We used different water like rainwater, fresh standing water, standing water with algae, sandy water, sewage water, distilled water, and tap water. The present study was carried out under laboratory conditions. Our findings showed that An. stephensi deposited more number of eggs in pH 7 (Tap water) suggesting that female mosquito prefer this pH range for oviposition whereas more number of eggs were observed in black bottom petridishes suggesting that black colour is comparatively more attractive than other colours. In the case of different water types, fresh standing water with algae showed a greater number of eggs laid than other water types.

3 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

043666   RAJU M H (Zoology Dep, Government Coll for Women (Autonomous), Guntur, Andhra Pradesh) : A study on organic waste management with reference to vermicomposting. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 491-3.

Industrialization, urbanization, increase in population are some reasons for the high production of organic waste on earth. The waste should not be dumped and it has to manage (or) dispose properly, otherwise the ecosystem will suffer on long run. Waste Management or waste disposal is a multidisciplinary process where the waste is managed from its production level and disposed to the final state without damaging the environment. Collection, transport and proper treatment are the gradual steps comes under waste management technique. In India it is estimated that the waste generated is 28 % recycled, 12 % is composted and 3% is used for energy recovery. South Korea stands first in world by recycling 36 % waste and 23 % composting and using 25 % for energy recovery. In the present study a special focus is paid on organic waste treatment by converting the waste into natural eco-friendly plant manure or fertilizer with the help of earth worms. This technique is one of the best methods and so adopting all over the world. This process is also known as vermicompost. Vermicompost is an aerobic, non-hazardous, biological waste management method. Rearing of earthworms (vermiculture) and production of vermicompost undergo simultaneously in this process.

16 ref

043628   DAS D, DEB D (Zoology Dep, Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya, Kailashahar, Unakoti, Tripura) : Spider diversity and their ecological guild structure in and around Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya, Kailashahar, Tripura. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 285-8.

A survey of the spider fauna of Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya campus and its adjacent area of Kailashahar, Unakoti District, Tripura, a part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot region was carried out from July 2019 to June 2020 to assess the spider assemblages and their ecological guild structure. Methodology included active searching at all layers from ground level to tree canopy accessible for visual survey and photographic records were maintained. A total of 20 species belonging to 9 families viz. Araneidae, Thomisidae, Salticidae, Lycosidae, Sparassidae, Clubionidae, Oxyopidae, Tetragnathidae, Hersiliidae were recorded. Among these the most dominated family was Araneidae represented by 5 genera with 7 species. 5 families were represented by single species and 5 guild structures were noted. The present investigation revealed the potentiality of the study area as the reservoir of large spider diversity. The information collected may facilitate future initiatives of database preparation of these taxa for this region.

3 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

043585   RANJANA K , KUMARI M (Zoology Dep, BN Mandal Univ, Madhepura, Bihar) : Physico chemical status of three ponds of Baruni (Bihar) city. Int J Ecol Environ Sci 2020, 2(4), 55-8.

The study of Physico-chemical parameters of three fish ponds were conducted to determine the quality of water for pond fish culture. Water samples were collected from the ponds and analyzed using standard laboratory methods and procedures. The results showed variation in the observed parameters at the different sampling stations. The Physico chemical parameters i.e temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, Total alkalinity, Free carbondioxide, transparency, Hardness, total dissolved solids, Conductivity and biological oxygen demand has been studied and correlated with ideal condition for fish culture.

1 table, 31 ref

045305   MUDDASAR, VENKATESHALU, PATIL S (Entomology Dep, Horticultural Sciences Univ, Bagalkot- 587 104, Karnataka, Email: mudasirmsr@gmail.com) : Taxonomy of Plusiinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) collected from vegetable ecosystem of Karnataka. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 439-48.

During the study on subfamily Plusiinae six species were documented from four genera’s i.e., Anadevidia, Chrysodeixis, Thysanoplusia and Trichoplusia which were collected and reared on their respective host plants and from light traps. The morphological characters and external genitalic attributes were studied in detail and supplemented with photographs.MUDDASAR, VENKATESHALU, PATIL S

8 illus, 15 ref

045304   KALEKA A S, KAUR P, SINGH D (Zoology & Environmental Sciences Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala - 147 002, Punjab,, Email: apskaleka@gmail.com) : Studies on genus Acosmeryx Boisduval (Sphingidae: Lepidoptera) from India. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 433-8.

The male and female genitalic features of five species of genus Acosmeryx Boisduval viz., anceus Stoll (type species), naga (Moore), socrates Boisduval, omissa Rothschild and Jordan and shervilli Boisduval have been studied and illustrated in detail. The genus diagnosis has been updated and a key to the studied species has been formulated.

29 illus, 10 ref

045303   AHIR K C, MAHLA M K, SWAMINATHAN R, LEKHA, DANGI N L (Entomology Dep, Maharana Pratap Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur- 313 001, Rajasthan, Email: kcahirento@gmail.com) : Biology of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) on maize (Zea mays L.). J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 429-32.

The biology of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) was studied during July-December, 2019 under laboratory conditions at 26 ± 2°C temperature and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. The freshly laid eggs from nucleus culture were taken to study the biology of fall armyworm. After hatching, newly emerged 40 larvae were individually reared on fresh small bits of maize leaves, these leaves were changed daily as food. After the completion of larval period, the pupae were transferred gently into egg laying chambers for the emergence of the adults. In each chamber, pair of male and female adults was released and chambers were provided with 10% honey solution soaked cotton wicks placed separately in small petri plates. The female was observed laying eggs with the average fecundity of 1082 eggs. The incubation, total larval (I to VI instar), pupal, pre oviposition, oviposition and post ovipositon period were recorded to be from 2-3, 13-20, 8-12, 3-4, 2-3 and 4-5 days, respectively. The male and female longevity were 7-10 and 10-12 days, respectively. The total life cycle of male and female was observed to be 32-44 and 35-47 days, respectively. The sex ratio of male to female was 1:1.30.

2 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

045302   SWAFVAN K, SURESHAN P M (Western Ghats Regional Centre, Kozhikode- 673 006, Kerala, Email: safwank186@gmail.com) : A preliminary survey on the diversity of moths of the families Pyralidae and Noctuidae (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) in selected agro-ecosystems of Northern Kerala. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 421-8.

During present study a total number of 14 species collected under 8 genera (Hypsopygia, Etiella, Oncocera, Teliphasa, Endotricha, Zitha, Ocrasa and Arippara) in family Pyralidae belonging to 4 subfamilies in selected agro-ecosystems of Northern Kerala (Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod). A total number of 19 species under 6 genera (Spodoptera, Mythimna, Rhesala, Acontia, Condica and Hipeopa) were also collected in the family Noctuidae belonging to 8 sub families from the same area.

5 illus, 6 tables, 38 ref

045301   KAUR R, SINGH D (Zoology Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala- 147 002, Punjab, Email: 1989ramneet@gmail.com) : Phylogenetic utility of nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial COI gene in Pentatomid bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 417-20.

In the present study, partial mitochondrial COI gene fragment of approximately 600 bp from seven species of family Pentatomidae collected from different localities of Northern India has been analysed. The data divulged an A + T content of 65.8 % and an R value of 1.39. The COI sequences were added directly to Genbank, NCBI. The database analysis shows mean K2P divergence of 0.7 % at intraspecific level and 13.5 % at interspecific level, indicating a hierarchal increase in K2P mean divergence across different taxonomic levels.

2 illus, 6 tables, 12 ref

045300   SINGH D, VASHIST D (Zoology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala- 147 002, Punjab, Email: divyavashist08@gmail.com) : DNA barcoding as a tool supporting species identification and molecular phylogeny for Indian Anopheles (Diptera:Culicidae:Anophelinae). J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 409-16.

Genetic diversity in cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) among 15 species of Anopheles mosquitoes from India from other geographical regions of the world was recorded. Barcoding analysis revealed a clear gap between intraspecific and interspecific distances for these 15 species. Genetic distances of Anopheles species adequately differentiated the species in a global context. The phylogenetic tree revealed separate clades for all the included species. It can be concluded that standard barcode region is helpful for identifying Anopheles mosquitoes. Also, a combination of multi-locus approaches and morphology is also suggested to identify species of this genus.

3 illus, 1 table, 65 ref

045299   VEERESH K, HOSETTI B B, SREENIVASA G (Studies in Zoology Dep, Davangere Univ, Davangere- 577 007, Karnataka, Email: sreenivasa.g47@gmail.com) : Preliminary study on screening of predatory coccinellids in agricultural field and analyzing the composition, diversity of predatory beetles in Davangere, Karnataka. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 403-8.

A survey on the status of predatory coccinellids in various crop fields in Davangere, Karnataka is conducted to educate the farmers about the natural interaction of ladybird beetles and pests. In the present study, 288 individuals belonging to 7 Species, 2 sub-family of coccinellidae were recorded. Further, Cheilomenes sexmaculata was most dominant species which accounted for (35.06 %) of total collected beetles, followed by Coccinella transversalis (20.83 %), Chilocorus nigrita (18.40 %), Bromoides suturalis (15.62 %), Harmonia octomaculata (5.20 %), Illeis cincta (3.12 %) and Cocinella septempunctata (1.73 %) respectively. Pests (aphids) and predator interactions was significantly (P < 0.05) evident in the various crop fields. This study also revealed good aggregation of ladybird beetles. Further detailed study is needed to understand the interaction with pest and insecticidal resistance analysis under natural conditions.

3 illus, 6 tables, 16 ref

045290   SENI A, NAIK B S (Orissa Univ of Agriculture and Technology, Chiplima - 768 025, Odisha, Email: atanupau@gmail.com) : Evaluation of some insecticide modules against major insect pests and their natural enemies in rice, Oryza sativa L. J Ent Res 2020, 44(3), 343-7.

During present studies nine insecticides modules were assessed against major pests of rice and their natural enemies. Amongst them eight modules consist of a basal application of chlorantraniliprole 0.4 G @ 40 g a.i./ha at 20 DAT and third application of flonicamid 50 WG @ 75 g a.i./ha at 65 DAT and module ten was untreated control. Whereas module nine consist of a basal application of cartap hydrochloride 4G @ 600 g a.i./ha at 20 DAT followed by acephate 75 SP @ 658 g a.i./ha at 50 DAT and third application dinotefuran 20 SG @ 40 g a.i./ha at 65 DAT which was taken as farmers practice. All first eight insecticide modules differed with each other only second treatment which was applied at 50 DAT. The second treatments included: acephate 95 SG @ 682 g a.i./ha; cartap hydrochloride 50 WP @ 375 g a.i./ha; rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 30 g a.i./ha; fipronil 5 SC @ 75 g a.i./ha; spinetoram 6 % + methoxyfenozide 30 % SC @ 135 g a.i./ha; flubendamide 48 SC @ 48 g a.i./ha; azadirachtin 0.03 EC @ 8 g a.i./ha and chlorantraniliprole 0.4 G @ 40 g a.i./ha. The overall data revealed that all the treated plots recorded significantly lower per cent of dead heart, white ear-head caused by stem borer and plant hoppers respectively. Module with rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 30 g a.i./ha or spinetoram 6 + methoxyfenozide 30 SC @ 135 g a.i./ha treated plot recorded significantly higher % reduction of stem borer infestation and gave higher grain yield (5.26 t/ha and 5.15 t/ha respectively) than the other modules. Module with fipronil 5 SC @ 75 g a.i./ha recorded significantly lower number of plant hoppers than other modules. Among the different treated modules, the maximum numbers of spiders and mirid bugs were found in rynaxypyr 20 SC @ 30 g a.i./ha and azadirachtin 0.03 EC @ 8 g a.i./ha containing modules.

5 tables, 9 ref