Effects of Feeding Corn Stalks on Economic Indicators of Tenebrio molitor

[Objective] The study aimed at reducing the economic cost in feeding Tenebrio molitor and improving the utilization ratio of corn stalks.[Method] The effects of different proportions of corn stalks on the weigh of Tenebrio molitor and the contents of crude protein,crude fat,Ca,P,dry matter and crude ash in the half-dry matter of Tenebrio molitor had been studied in the laboratory.[Result] Compared with the recipes of all wheat bran and pure fine fodder,feeding Tenebrio molitor by applying 30%-60% of corn stalks could significantly improve the content of crude protein in the half-dry materials of Tenebrio molitor,but it was detrimental to the improvement in weight of Tenebrio molitor and the accumulation of crude fat.To be specific,the recipe V（50% of corn stalks ＋ 50% of fine fodder） was beneficial to the accumulation of dry matter and crude ash.The recipe VII（70% of corn stalks ＋ 30% of fine fodder） and the recipe VIII（70% of corn stalks treated with Guangda feed leaven ＋ 30% of fine fodder） were beneficial to the accumulation of crude protein,Ca and P.There were differences among the influences of corn stalks in different treatments on the crude protein and other nutrition indicators of Tenebrio molitor.[Conclusion] Appropriately applying corn stalks can improve the accumulation of the crude protein,crude ash,dry matter,Ca and P of Tenebrio molitor but was detrimental to the growth and development of Tenebrio molitor and the accumulation of crude fat.

The Inheritance and Expression of cry1A Gene in Transgenic Maize

We investigated the inheritance and expression of cry1A gene in transgenic maize ( Zea mays L.) by Southern blotting analysis and enzyme_linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results showed that cry1A had been transmitted to progeny of transgenic maize as a single gene. Contents of cry1A insecticidal protein were significantly different among transgenic maize lines and various tissues of the same transgenic lines. High expression of cry1A protein occurred in green tissues, such as leaf and husk leaf, and low expression occurred in pith, tassel, ear pith, pollen and silk. The results also showed that the contents of cry1A insecticidal protein in leaves of transgenic maize increased with the advance of development and there was no significant difference in cry1A expression level among various generations of transgenic maize.

Maize Transformation of cry1Ac3 Gene and Insect Resistance of Their Transgenic Plants

The success for genetic transformation of maize (Zea mays L.) is highly related to genotype of target material. A few model varieties can be induced into type Ⅱ callus, which can be easily transformed with high regeneration frequency. However, most of cultivars could be only induced into type Ⅰ callus, which is difficult to be transformed with low regeneration. Thus, studying on the conditions of induction and transformation for type Ⅰ callus will show great importance for improving elite of maize directly with genetic engineering. Bacillus thuringiensis toxin protein (cry1Ac3) gene was successfully delivered into type Ⅰ calli of two elite inbred lines of maize, 340 and E28, via particle bombardment in this work. Fertile transgenic corn plants were obtained through phosphinothricin (PPT) or hygromycin B (HygB) selection, and the results of PCR, Southern blot assay and ELISA showed that foreign genes had been integrated into maize genome and expressed. In the meantime, strong resistance of some transgenic plants to corn borer was showed through bioassay. In addition, the comparison of selective effect between PPT and HygB showed that PPT, as a selective agent, was better than HygB for the growth and regeneration of resistant calli.

玉米虫

今天．姑姑从市场买回来几个玉米棒，一个玉米棒内竟然有只虫子，我将这只虫子放到一片枯叶上．准备审判它。

Effect of Transgenic Corn Cultivation and Sampling Location on Feeding Habits of Collembola

Transgenic corn was modified to combat lepidopteran pests, herbicide and other deteriorate environmental factors. However, fewer studies concerned the effects of transgenic corn cultivation on the soil Collembola in black soil region in China. In Jilin black soil region, a six treatments study including three corn varieties （transgenic corn, control and local variety） and two sampling locations （in rizhosphere and in between plants） were deployed to study the effect of transgenic corn cultivation and sampling location on densities, species richness and community structure of Collembola. We found that root biomass was marginally decreased in transgenic corn and control variety when compared to local variety. Collembola significantly affected by sampling location treatments. Densities and species richness of collembolans significantly decreased in ＂between plants＂ than in ＂rizhosphere＂. Densities of Collembola were impacted by corn varieties. In the whole growing season, densities of Collembola significantly decreased in control than in local variety. Collembolans in transgenic variety only slightly decreased in ＂jointing stage＂ than local variety. Collembolans adversely affected in ＂between plants＂ when compared to ＂in rhizosphere＂ in ＂seeding stage＂ but not other stages. These variations of collembolans were in lines with the trend of corn root biomass. It is indicated that Collembola variations could be caused by food resources （root biomass） but not corn varieties （transgenic, control and local）.

Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Earthworm on Nematode Communities and Arsenic Uptake by Maize in Arsenic-Contaminated Soils

The influences of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF,Acaulospora spp.and Glomus spp.) and rice straw and earthworms (RE,Eisenia foetida) on nematode communities and arsenic (As) uptake by maize (Zea mays L.) in Ascontaminated soils were examined in a field experiment conducted in Wujiang,Jiangsu Province,China.The experiment was designed as a 2 × 2 factorial with the factors of AMF (inoculated or uninoculated) and RE (added or not added).The results demonstrated that AMF inoculation led to significantly higher root colonization of AMF and root dry weight.Plants inoculated with both AMF and RE had the highest As concentrations in root.The number of total nematodes increased with AMF inoculation when RE was absent,and decreased with RE addition when AMF was inoculated.The improved abundance of nematodes with the AMF treatment implied that the tested AMF acted as food sources for fungivores.The abundances of omnivores-predators and plant parasites were reduced by earthworm activity.Twentyseven genera of nematodes were identified,with Filenchus dominant in all treatments.Trophic diversity,Shannon-Weaver diversity,Simpson dominance index,and species richness indicated higher species diversity,more proportionate species composition,evenly distributed species,and more food sources in the AMF,RE,and their interaction treatments.Maturity index showed a moderately disturbed environment due to As pollution.Besides enhancing plant uptake of contaminants,AMF and RE amendments could also improve soil health by restoring the structure of soil communities,as reflected by more stable nematode community structure.

Regional Risks for Biogas Production in Germany by the Maize Pest Diabrotica v. virgifera？

Caused by its multi purpose applicability in different areas of the energy system, biogas is an important source for the concept of ＂Energy Turnaround for Sustainability＂. To clarify the regional risks for biogas production due to Diabrotica virgifera virgifera （Coleoptera： Chrysomelidae） （Dw） results from the questionnaire on the current situation of the biogas plants in Germany are compared to our Dvv monitoring experiences and literature data. Maize silage is the main source for biogas production in Germany. Dvv is the most important maize pest within the United States. It also was monitored in different German States during the last years. The Dvv infestation risk and consequent damages are closely linked to the percentage of maize within the regional crop rotations scheme. Maize cropping within a monocultural production can lead to a significant harvest reduction of 30% to 80% after the outbreak of Dvv, especially in dry years. A high risk to the biogas production based on silage maize especially in some areas in North West and in southern Germany has been detected. Further research is needed focusing on （1） strategies to control Dvv, （2） development in alternative energy crops regarding their susceptibility to Dvv and （3） development of technologies along the process chains for using alternative substrates, especially residues from plant production.

Stem Borer Species Composition on Maize and Two Non-Cereal Hosts in the Forest Zone of Kisangani, DRC

Lepidopteran stem borers are the most damaging pests of maize in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the growing importance of maize in the forest zone of Democratic Republic of Congo, no data is available regarding stem borer pest species present and their relative importance. It is thus important to gather information likely to guide future research in this area. This study was undertaken to catalogue stem borer pest species identity and assess their relative infestation levels on maize. Surveys were carried out in wild and cultivated habitats in Kisangani. Five species were collected on maize, i.e., Sesamia calamistis Hampson （1910）, Eldana saccharina Walker （1865）, Busseola fusca Fuller （1901）, Chilo sp. Strand （1913）, and Mussidia nigrivenella Ragonot （1888）. In the wild habitats, Poenoma serrata Hampson, B. fusca and S. calamistis were collected on Pennisetum purpureum whereas Chilo sp. was collected on Panicum maximum. Our results suggest that P. maximum might affect the population dynamics of Chilo sp. whereas P. purpureum is expected not to influence the population dynamics of other stem borers owing to its scarcity in the interior of the forest.

The Effectiveness of Coccinellids as Natural Enemies of Aphids in Maize, Beans and Cowpeas Intercrop

A field study was conducted in Busia district of Kenya to elucidate the dynamics of ladybirds in mixed stands of maize, beans and cowpeas to determine their efficacy as sole control measures for Aphids. Maize, beans and cowpeas were intercropped using conventional husbandry practices and the general Coccinellid quantified as follows： Colonies of four Coccinellids, starved for 12 hours to enhance feeding on Aphids were assessed. The effects of weather on the abundance of Coccinellids were also investigated and involved collection of meteorological data from the Busia District Agricultural Office （BDAO） and from Busia Farmers Training Centre （BFTC） and relating them to the abundance and predation values. The predator population was most abundant in the mixed stands of maize and beans （2.33 predators/30 Aphids） as compared to their occurrence in pure stands of cowpeas （0.85 predators/30 Aphids）. The genus Cheilomenes spp. was the most ubiquitous predator with a mean of 4.00 individuals/30 Aphids while Hippodamia variegata was the least abundant predator species with a mean of 0.92 individuals/30 Aphids in all the agro-ecosystems. The larvae of Hippodamia variegata were the most bio-efficient, consuming 32.44 Aphids while their adults were the least bio-efficient, consuming 4.22 individuals for a period of 12 hours. The Coccinellids consumed more Aphids at higher aphid densities （24.05 Aphids） than at lower aphid densities （9.44 Aphids） over the same period of time. Rainfall and relative humidity had significant （F = 3.675; P 〈 0.05） effects on the abundance of Coccinellids. Temperature had significant （F = 3.58; P 〈 0.05） effect on the abundance of Coccinellids though at a lower level. Rainfall （r = -0.162） and relative humidity （r = - 0.084） were both inversely correlated with the abundance of Coccinellids. On the other hand, temperature was positively correlated （r = 0.159） with the prevalence of Coccinellids indicating that warmer and drier conditions favoured their multiplication.

Constructed Model of Cost/Benefit Analysis Strategy for Stem Corn Borer Sesamia cretica

An integrated pest management model of Cost/Benefit analysis strategy was constructed for stem corn borer Sesamia cretica using complementary control measures of different resistant genotypes of corn with the chemical insecticide diazinon 60%. Based on Cost/Benefit analysis result, the resistant genotype （SAKHA 9433） provides maximum economic value of production at the model point where no spray of insecticide is applied. The applications of one or two sprays do not justify the use of chemical insecticide but rather result in economic loss since the reduction in borer damage value, due to diazinon use, is lower than the cost of control （spray）. However, the applications of one spray for the moderate resistant genotype （IPA 2052） and two sprays for the sensitive genotype （CML 323） during corn growing season would be of value to cover the cost of control （spray） but do not achieve similar economic value of revenue comparing with the resistant genotype.

Effects of Different Agroecosystems on Prevalence of Different Species of Pests and Coccinellid Predators

This study was aimed at determining the effects of mixed and single cropping agroecosystems on the prevalence of different species of insect pests and coccinellids. It involved six growing crops： maize Zea mays L., beans Phaseolus vulgaris L. and cowpeas Vignaunguiculata L. Walp in single and mixed stands and sampling throughout the phenology of the crops. Eight insect pest species were recorded on maize grown alone, while thirty seven insect species were endemic on cowpea mono cropped and were of six orders whereas twenty two insect pest species occurred on beans. The predator population was most abundant in the mixed stands of maize and beans （2.33 predators per 30 aphids） as compared to their occurrence in pure stands of cowpeas （0.85 predators per 30 aphids） as there were numerous aphids on beans at pre-flowering phase that supported a higher population level of coccinellids. Also, predator population was at the peak during the tussling stage of maize as they fed on the pollen grains while aphids on cowpeas co-existed mutualistically with black ants that protected them against predation. The genus Cheilomenes spp. was the most ubiquitous predator with a mean of 4.00 individuals per 30 aphids while Hippodamiavariegata was the least abundant predator species with a mean of 0.92 individuals per 30 aphids in all the agroecosystems as the Cheilomenes spp. had a faster discovery rate, range of perception, effective capture efficiency and a shorter handling time of a prey.

Selection of Maize Genotypes Resistant to Pink Stem Borer and Sugarcane Borer

Maize is an important economic crop grown in Nigeria. Its production is dramatically affect by the pink stem borer--Sesamia caIamistis （Hampson, Noctuidae） and sugarcane borer--Eldana saccharina （Walker, Pyralidae） that are endemic in Southeastern Nigeria. In areas of stress, existing genotypes may marginally do well due to their inherent capabilities. Therefore, it is possible to find useful genes in such areas of stress, since such genes have been responsible for the survival of host crops over the years. Evaluation study was conducted for a range of agronomic characteristics and resistance attributes for 209 local maize collections from Southeastern Nigeria along with three improved check varieties. Field trials were conducted at three locations in a total of four environments in 2001. Highly significant genotypic variances as were noted in all the traits, are indicative of the magnitude of variation that exists among the genotypes, thus providing the opportunity of selection for desirable traits. Furthermore, four traits, namely, leaf feeding, ear damage, stalk lodging and yield were used from across the environments to construct a rank summation index （RSI）, which was used to rank the entries for resistance to stem borers. This RSI led to the identification of 11 genotypes which represents the best 5% of the 212 genotypes in resistance ability. Genotype AMA TZBR-WC1 （from International Institute of Tropical Agriculture （IITA）, Ibadan） had the best overall resistance levels, followed by genotypes SE NG-77 and SE NG-67 （from Umuahia North）, SE NG-62 （from Ikwuano）, SE NG-148 （from Ukwa West）, SE NG-106 （from Bende）, SE NG-119 （from Isiala Ngwa）, SE NG-33 （from Ikwuano） and SE NG-65 （from Umuahia North）.

Pest Management of Storage Pests Using Extracts of Afrostyrax lepidophyllus against Sitophilus zeama＇（s, Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica

The use of botanical pesticides in pest management during storage against insects is often encouraged because synthetic insecticides produce multiple side-effects on human health and environment. Insecticidal activity of the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of bark ofAfrostyrax lepidophyllus was tested on Sitophilus zeama~：~, Tribolium castaneum and Rhy-opertha dominica. The mortality rate was measured variable. The results of analysis showed that the mortality rate has a very highly significant variation following extracts, doses, insects and time considered （P 〈 0.001）. Extracts with ethyl acetate and hexane of A. lepidophyllus are effective against S. zeamais at the highest doses （1 g/10 mL and 0.5 g/10 mL of solvent）. These effective extracts werc characterized by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Molecules such as thiocyanic acid, ethyl ester： dimetbylditbiophosphinic acid and other were characterizated. These results may consolidate traditional use ofA. lepidophylh^s in pest management.

Studies on the community characteristics of major arthropods in summer maize fields

This study is to integrate pest management （IPM） of maize insect pest. The paper reports the current condition of species diversity of maize field in Nanning, Guangxi Province. All exper/mcntal materials were collected dur/ng the stages of tasseling, blister, milk, maturity and after reaping respectively from 5 plots from April to July, 2007. The Shannon-Wiener index（H）, Simpson index（H＇）, Brillouin index（J）, species evenness（E） and richness index （Dmc） were used into analysis of abundance and distribution characteristics of communities and populations of major arthropods in maize fields. Result showed that a total of 19 arthropods, belonged to 10 orders and 18 families, were obtained from maize fields. Of which there are 12 pest insects, 3 natural enemy insects, 2 spiders and 2 middle insects. All of the community diversity indices were the highest in maize fields after reaping. No significant difference was found between other 4 various stages i.t. tasseling, blister, milk and maturity stages. The results of this study will help to carry out the IPM of maize field pest insect.

PCR BASED TECHNIQUE FOR IDENTIFICATION AND DETECTION OF TRICHOGRAMMA SPP. (HYMENOPTERA: TRICHOGRAMMATIDAE) WITH SPECIFIC PRIMERS

The rDNA ITS2 regions of T. dendrolimi Matsumura and T. ostriniae Pang et Chen (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were cloned and sequenced. The homologous sequences available in GenBank were retrieved and analyzed, and then specific primers were designed for molecular identification and detection of T. dendrolimi. Repeated screening showed that PCR amplification by the diagnostic primers enabled the differentiation of not only bulk samples and single adult (male or female), but also eggs and juveniles, which was not possible by conventional methods. The advantage of this system over morphology based systems is that non specialists are able to identify individuals or trace specimens efficiently. The derived molecular detection technique was then used to identify 12 specimens collected from different localities on the Chinese mainland; the results showed that this protocol could be applied to molecular monitoring of Trichogramma species in the field.Finally,ITS2s of 6 geographical populations of T.dendrolimi (TdCHA,TDJL,TdXZ,TdRH,TdGZ and TdYBL) were cloned and sequenced.The multialignment analysis of intraspecific ITS2 se quences showed that the diagnostic primers have their own theoretical bases.

EFFECTS OF FIVE NEW COMPOUNDS ON THE LARVAL GROWTH AND DIGESTIVE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE ASIATIC CORN BORER, OSTRINIA FURNA CALIS LARVAE

Five new compounds were tested on the growth and antifeeding activity compared with toosendanin against fifth instar larvae Ostrinia furnacalis. The activities of two proteases, a weak alkaline trypsine like enzyme and a chymotrypsin like enzyme, in the midgut of Ostrinia furnacalis larvae were also measured. Experimental results suggest that when incorporated into an artificial diet at the concentration of 500mg/kg, the antifeeding activities of toosendanin,C 19 ,C 23 ,C 24 ,C 26 ,C 28 were 51 16%,57 61%,4 28%,51 08%,36 73% and 51 67%, respectively, C 19 ,C 24 ,C 28 had no significant difference with toosendanin. At 20mg/kg, the larval growth were remarkably suppressed by C 19 ,C 26 ,C 28 , the inhibition of C 28 was close to toosendanin in 48 h. The two proteases were activated by toosendanin and C 28 while they were inhibited in 48 h but activated in 24 h by C 19 ,C 24 and C 26 . In this paper, the related functions and mechanisms were discussed.

Molecular characterization and efficacy evaluation of a transgenic corn event for insect resistance and glyphosate tolerance

A transgenic maize event ZD12-6 expressing a Bacillus thuringiensis （Bt） fusion protein CrylAb/Cry2Aj and a modified 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase （EPSPS） protein G10 was characterized and evaluated. Southern blot analysis indicated that ZD12-6 is a single copy integration event. The insert site was determined to be at chromosome 1 by border sequence analysis. Expression analyses of Bt fusion protein CrylAb/Cry2Aj and the EPSPS protein G10 suggested that they are both expressed stably in different generations. Insect bioassays demonstrated that the transgenic plants are highly resistant to Asian corn borer （Ostnnia furnacalis）, cotton boll worm （Helicoverpa armigera）, and armyworm （Mythimna separata）. This study suggested that ZD12-6 has the potential to be developed into a commercial transgenic line.