Host plant effect on the number of moultings and head capsule width of the gypsy moth caterpillars

The effect of four oak species: Turkey oak, Hungarian oak, sessile oak and English oak on the number of moultings and head capsule width of the gypsy moth caterpillars was researched. Host plants have a statistically significant effect on the number of both male and female larval instars. The highest number of larval instars was recorded for caterpillars fed on sessile oak leaves, and the lowest number was recorded for those fed on Turkey oak leaves. Females reared on Hungarian oak and English oak leaves had a normal number of larval instars. Except for 1st instar caterpillars, all other larval instars showed a statistically significant host plant effect on the head capsule width. The widest head capsules were found on caterpillars fed on Turkey oak leaves, and those fed on sessile oak leaves had the narrowest head capsules. The study data on head capsule widths can be practically applied in the determination of the optimal ratio of larval instars in the gypsy moth population, i.e. in the determination of terms for aerial spraying actions.

Host plant effect on the activity of digestive enzymes of the gypsy moth caterpillars

Insect growth and development depend on nutritive value and secondary metabolite content of their host plants. This influence may be exerted through changing the activity of digestive enzymes which further affects efficiency of conversion of ingested food. This paper represents the results of investigation of feeding effects on the leaves of three oak species (Quercus cerris, Q. robur and Q. petraea) on growth, development and digestive enzyme activities of the 4th instar gypsy moth larvae (Lymantria dispar L.). Compared to larvae fed on Q. cerris and Q. robur leaves, larvae fed on Q. petrea exhibited the lowest body mass, midgut protein content and specific protease activity. Specific amylase activity was significantly reduced in the midguts of larvae fed on Q. robur while host plant did not affect larval duration upon molting into the 4th instar. Concomitant chemical analyses of leaves given to the 2nd and 4th instar larvae was carried out in order to explain the obtained results.

Effects of host plant characteristics on spray deposition

Previous studies have shown that the effect of Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (Btk) on painted apple moth (PAM; Teia anartoides Walker) efficacy varies significantly depending on the host plant species This study tested the hypothesis that host plant architecture influenced deposition of aerially applied Btk and its consequent efficacy against PAM Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the architecture of six host plants had a significant influence on Btk dose per unit leaf area and dose per unit leaf weight However the large host plant effect on PAM mortality from Btk could not be explained in terms of variation in the amount of spray intercepted

Host plant effect on the susceptibility of gypsy moth caterpillars to insecticides

Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L) is the most significant pest of broadleaf forests. The dynamics of gypsy moth population depends on several biotic and abiotic factors, but it is also highly dependent on the quality of consumed food. The gypsy moth control increasingly relies on the biological preparations based on Bacillus thuringiensis subspec. kurstaki (Btk) and Lymantria dispar Nuclear Poliedrosis virus (NPV). Chemical preparations are still applied although more rarely, the pyrethroids which include also lambda-cyhalothrin This paper presents the study results of the effect of host plant on gypsy moth caterpillar (Lymantria dispar L) susceptibility to lambda cihalotrine insecticide, by which the study oak leaves were contaminated. The study results show the lowest mortality of the caterpillars fed on contaminated leaves of Turkey oak (17.5%), then pedunculate oak (86.1%), and the highest mortality of caterpillars fed on sessile oak leaves (92%). The rate of the gypsy moth caterpillar development depends on the host plant Susceptibility of the gypsy moth caterpillars to the above preparation depends on the host plant The knowledge of the effect of host plant on insecticide efficiency in gypsy moth suppression would render insecticide utilisation optimal.

Host plant effect on competition among strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum

Analysis of plasmid profiles was used to type Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar viciae strains isolated from nodules of peas, lentils and faba beans grown in two different soils. One soil was from a native pasture with no previous history of cultivation, the other was from a plot in a rotation study which included lentils every 2 years. The results indicated a strong preference of both peas and faba beans for strains having certain specific plasmid profiles. Strains belonging to one plasmid profile group (group 2) formed over half the nodules on peas grown in soil from the rotation plot but were never found on faba beans grown in the same soil, while strains from another group (group 5) formed nearly all of the nodules on faba beans grown in soil from the rotation plot, but no nodules on peas. Competitiveness for pea nodulation was correlated with an ability to catabolize homoserine, an amino acid found in large quantities in pea root exudate. Strains having plasmid profiles corresponding to those of strains that have been used in commercial inoculants over the last few years were isolated only rarely, regardless of the soil and host plant studied. Key words: Rhizobium, competition, plasmids, legumes, nodulation.