Tissue distribution of cadmium and its effect on reproduction in Spodoptera exigua

Vegetable fields are often contaminated by heavy metals,and Spodoptera exigua is a major vegetable pest which is stressed by heavy metals mainly by feeding.In this study,cadmium accumulation in the tissues of S.exigua exposed to cadmium and its effects on the growth and development of the parents and the offspring were investigated.Under the stress of different concentrations of cadmium(0.2,3.2,and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)),the cadmium content in each tissue of S.exigua increased in a dose-dependent manner.At the larval stage,the highest cadmium accumulation was found in midgut in all three cadmium treatments,but at the adult stage,the highest cadmium content was found in fat body.In addition,the cadmium content in ovaries was much higher than in testes.When F1S.exigua was stressed by cadmium and the F_(2)generation was not fed a cadmium-containing diet,the larval survival,pupation rate,emergence rate and fecundity of the F_(2)generation were significantly reduced in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment compared to the corresponding F1generation.Even in the F_(2)generation of the 3.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,the fecundity was significantly lower than in the parental generation.The fecundity of the only-female stressed treatment was significantly lower than that of the only-male stressed treatment at the 3.2 and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)cadmium exposure levels.When only mothers were stressed at the larval stage,the fecundity of the F_(2)generation was significantly lower than that of the F1generation in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,and it was also significantly lower than in the 3.2 and 0.2 mg kg^(-1)treatments.The results of our study can provide useful information for forecasting the population increase trends under different heavy metal stress conditions and for the reliable environmental risk assessment of heavy metal pollution.

Induced CTL-S15 gene expression by Bacillus thuringiensis declines susceptibility in Spodoptera exigua

It has been reported that C-type lectins(CTLs),which are pattern recognition receptors of the insect innate immunity response,may compete with Cry toxin for the receptor alkaline phosphatase to decrease its toxicity in insects.However,to date,which CTLs affect larval susceptibility to Bt in Spodoptera exigua is not clear.In this study,33 CTL genes were identified from S.exigua.Based on the number of carbohydrate-recognition domains(CRDs)and the domain architectures,they were classified into three groups:(1)nineteen CTL-S(single-CRD),(2)eight immulectin(dual-CRD)and(3)six CTL-X(CRD with other domains).RT-qPCR analysis revealed that expression levels of SeCTL-S15,IML-4 and CTL-X6 were upregulated after challenge with Bt and Cry1Ab.Tissue and developmental stage expression analysis showed that only SeCTL-S15 was mainly expressed in the midgut and larva,respectively.Knockdown of SeCTL-S15 significantly increased Bt susceptibility,as indicated by reduced survival and larval weight.These results suggest that CTL-S15 might play a vital role in the low susceptibility of larvae to Bt in S.exigua.Our results provide new insights into CTL function in insects.

Insect Resistance of Different Tissues of Transgenic Cotton to Spodoptera exigua(Hbner)

[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua （Hbner）. [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK12 and SGK321 were used to feed S. exigua neonates respectively. Survival larvae and dead ones were counted on the 3rd,the 7th,the 10th,the 16th and the 19th day; meanwhile,the pupae amount was recorded,and the pupae weight was measured at the 24th h after pupation. [Result] The survival curves,pupation rates and pupae weights of S. exigua feeding on different tissues of transgenic cotton were not significantly different from those of S. exigua feeding on the corresponding tissues of conventional cotton; pupation rate of S. exigua feeding on different leaves of the same cotton variety were not significantly different from each other,but all higher than that of S. exigua feeding on the flowers of that cotton; and there were no differences among pupation weights of S. exigua feeding on different leaves or flowers of the same cotton variety. [Conclusion] Transgenic cotton showed weak resistance to S. exigua. Hence,in the transgenic cotton fields,more attention should be paid to occurrence trend of S. exigua and its control.

Field Trials of 20% Tebufenozide SC against Spodoptera exigua Hbner

[Objective] The study was aimed to determine and evaluate control effect and security of 20% tebufenozide SC against Spodoptera exigua HObner, which would provide technical support for its promotion and utilization. [ Method] By using foliar spray method, control effects of different concentration of 20% tebufenozide SC and 25 g/L deltamethrin EC against S. exigua were determined. [ Result] 20% tebufenozide SC had better control effects on S. exigua. After spraying for 3 and 7 d, control effects of 20% tebufenozide SC in each treatment could reach 81% and 84%, which was higher than 25 g/L deltamethdn EC treatment. [ Conclusion] 20% tebufenozide SC for controlling S. exigua had good effect, which had permanent effectiveness for over 7 d. It also caused less environmental pollution, and was safe to cabbage, being the ideal pesticide for controlling S. exigua in vegetables.

交配和温度对甜菜夜蛾(Spodoptera exigua)雌蛾性信息素产生的影响

研究表明 ,交配对甜菜夜蛾雌蛾性信息素各组分的滴度、比例及其在个体间的变异均无显著的影响 ,因此交配不影响雌蛾在下一暗期的再次求偶和交配 .环境温度对甜菜夜蛾性信息素的产生则有显著的影响 .15～ 2 5℃最有利于甜菜夜蛾性信息素的产生 ,而 10℃低温和 35℃高温则使性信息素产生受到明显影响 ,其中以 10℃低温的影响更甚 .10℃低温处理不仅使各组分的滴度产生显著改变 ,而且使二元性信息素组分的比例受到显著影响 ,并使二元组分通讯信道的个体间变异明显增大 (CV >10 % ) .这些改变必将扰乱甜菜夜蛾雌雄间的正常交配 .

A Fragment of Cadherin-Like Protein Enhances Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1B and Cry1C Toxicity to Spodoptera exigua(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis（Bt） are effective biological insecticides against certain insect species.In this study,bioassay results indicated that Cry1B and Cry1C were toxic to Spodoptera exigua.We also identified a cadherin-like gene in S.exigua that could enhance the toxicity of Cry1B and Cry1C.The cadherin-like gene identified from the larvae midgut tissue was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） and rapid amplification of cDNA ends（RACE）.The full-length cDNA of the gene consisted of 5 220 bp encoding 1 740 amino acid with a predicted molecular mass of 196 kD.BLAST search analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence had a high sequence identity to the published sequences of cadherin-like proteins from other Lepidoptera insects.Spatial expression of the cadherin-like gene detected by qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the cadherin-like gene was mainly present in the gut of 4th instar larvae and during different life stages.The results suggested that the commercial development of this synergist has the potential to enhance Cry1B and Cry1C toxicity against Lepidoptera insects.

Effect of Host Plants on Development,Fecundity and Enzyme Activity of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner)(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

The beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua （Lepidoptera：Noctuidae）,is an economically important pest of crops worldwide,attacking plants from over 20 families including trans-continental agricultural cotton,corn and citrus crops.In this study,performance and subsequent enzyme activity of beet armyworm reared on host plants from five families were investigated.Significant differences were found in development,fecundity and enzyme activity on different host plants.Survival rate was the highest （42.8%） on asparagus lettuce （Lactuca sativar var.asparagina） and the lowest （17.0%） on sweet pepper （Capsicum annuum）.Larval duration was the shortest on asparagus lettuce （12.0 d）,and was 43.4% longer on sweet peppers （21.2 d）.The activity of acetylcholine esterase （AChE） and carboxylesterase （CarE） in 3rd instar larvae,and soluble carbohydrate and crude protein contents in different host plants were determined.AChE activity was the highest in the larvae feeding on Chinese cabbage （Brassica rapa）,but declined by nearly 60% on maize （Zea mays） seedlings.The ratio of soluble carbohydrate content to crude protein content in host plants was found to have a positive effect on oviposition and a negative correlation with larval duration and life time （from larval to adult stages） of the insect.

甜菜夜蛾(Spodoptera exigua)自然种群与抗拟除虫菊酯有关的L1014F突变的发现

应用PCR扩增技术 ,克隆了甜菜夜蛾 (Spodopteraexigua)自然种群的部分钠离子通道基因片段 ,并对其进行了测序 .后将推断的氨基酸序列与其它敏感昆虫的相应序列进行了比较 ,发现在钠离子通道ⅡS6的 10 14同源位点上存在Leu(CTT)→Phe(TTT)点突变 ,表明该种群的抗药性可能与击倒抗性 (kdr)

Joint Toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and Two Insect Growth Regulators on Beet Armyworm,Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)

Joint toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and two insect growth regulators, methoxyfenozide and hexaflumuron, on beet annywonn larvae, Spodoptera exigua （ Htthner）, were investigated. An obvious synergism effect of the two insect growth regulators with B. beauveria was observed. When the insect growth regulators at LC50 concentrations （25 × 10^-6 g/L for methoxyfenozide and 1 000 × 10^ -6 g/L for hexaflumuren） were mixed with B. bassiana at the volume ratio of 4： 1, the mixtures achieved the best efficacy. The co-toxicity co-efficient （CTC） of methexyfenozide and B. bass/ana was 285, and that of hexaflumuron and B. bass/ana was 208. Scanning electron microscope observation of the longitudinal section of S. exigua revealed obviously different patterns of integument in different treatment groups.

Cloning and Sequencing of a Gene Encoding GOBP2 in the Antenna of Spodoptera exigua

A pair of degenerate primers was designed, based on the comparison of five insects' GOBP2 gene sequences reported previously. A specific band (about 400bp in length) was amplified from cDNA of Spodoptera exigua antenna and another specific band (about 2kb in length) was amplified from genomic DNA. The two segments were cloned into T-easy vector, respectively. Results of sequencing and structural analysis showed that the full-length of GOBP2Sexi ORF is 426bp, 141 amino acid residues were encoded. The predicted MW and pI are 16.07ku and 5.09 .respectively. There are six conservative Cys locus in the sequence, which is the typical characteristic of OBPs. GOBP2Sexi gene was inserted by two introns between amino acid residue 22 and 23 and between 82 and 83. The length of two introns is 160bp and 1403bp. Results of Northern blot showed that GOBP2 gene expressed specifically in the antenna of Spodoptera exigua, and the expression level is nearly equal in the antenna of male and female moths. The sequence was deposited in GenBank/EMBL and the accession number is AJ294809.

Impact of Variegated Temperature, CO<SUB>2</SUB>and Relative Humidity on Survival and Development of Beet Armyworm <i>Spodoptera exigua</i>(Hubner) under Controlled Growth Chamber

Climate change will have a noteworthy bearing on survival, development, and population dynamics of insect pests. Therefore, we contemplated the survival and development of beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua under different temperatures, (15°C, 25°C, 35°C, and 45°C), CO2 (350, 550, 750 ppm) and relative humidity (55%, 65%, 75% and 85%) regimes. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 25°C. The growth of S. exigua was faster at 35°C (larval period 7.4 days and pupal period 4.5 days) than at lower temperatures. At 15°C, the larval period was extended for 61.4 days and there was no adult emergence from the pupae till 90 days. The S. exigua hatchling was absent at 45°C. The larval survival ranged from 31.6% - 57.2%, maximum survival was recorded at 25°C, and minimum at 45°C. The maximum (84.27%) and minimum adult emergence were recorded in insects reared at 25°C and 35°C respectively. Maximum fecundity (384.3 eggs/female) and egg viability (51.97%) were recorded in insects reared at 25°C. Larval and pupal periods increased with an increase in CO2 concentration. The highest pupal weights (128.6 mg/larva) were recorded at 550 ppm. The highest larval survival (73.50%) was recorded at 550 ppm and minimum (37.00%) at 750 ppm CO2. Fecundity was the highest in insects reared at 550 ppm CO2 (657.4 eggs/female), and the lowest at 750 ppm. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 75% relative humidity (RH). The growth rate of S. exigua was faster at 85% RH than at lower RH. The larval survival ranged between 40.0% - 58.5%. Maximum adult emergence (88.91%) was recorded in insects reared at 75% RH and minimum at 85% RH. Maximum fecundity (447.6 eggs/female) and the highest egg viability (72.95%) were recorded in insects reared at 75% and 65% RH respectively. Elevated temperatures and relative moistness will diminish the life cycle, while hoisted CO2 will drag the life expectancy. Therefore, there is a need for thorough assessment of the impact of climatic factors on the population dynamics of insect pests, crop losses, and sustainability of crop production.

Antiviral function of peptidoglycan recognition protein in Spodoptera exigua(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins(PGRPs)are a class of molecules that play a critical role in insect immunity.Understanding the function of PGRPs is important to improve the efficiency of microbial insecticides.In this study,we investigated the role of PGRP-LB(a long type PGRP)in insect immunity against viruses using Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus(SeMNPV)as an insect-virus model.We cloned and identified a PGRP-LB gene from S.exigua;the gene consisted of 7 exons that encoded a polypeptide of 234 amino acids with a signal peptide and a typical amidase domain.Expression analysis revealed that the abundance of SePGRP-LB transcripts in the fat body was greater than in other tissues.Overexpression of SePGRP-LB resulted in a significant decrease of 49%in the rate of SeMNPV-infected cells.In addition,the multiplication of SeMNPV was significantly decreased:a decrease of 79%in the production of occlusion-derived virion(ODV),and a maximum decrease of 50%in the production of budded virion(BV).In contrast,silencing of SePGRP-LB expression by RNA interference resulted in a significant 1.65-fold increase in the rate of SeMNPV-infected cells,a significant 0.54-fold increase in ODV production,a maximum 1.57-fold increase in BV production,and the larval survival dropped to 21%.Our findings show that SePGRP-LB has an antiviral function against SeMNPV,and therefore this gene may provide a target for lepidopteran pest control using virus insecticides.

Molecular characterization and developmental expression of the gene encoding the prothoracicotropic hormone in the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua

Prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), a neuropeptide hormone stimulating the prothoracic glands to synthesize ecdysone, plays an important role in regulating postembryonic development in insects. The cDNA encoding PTTH was isolated and sequenced from the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Spe). The deduced a?mino acid sequence is composed of a signal peptide, a peptide (65 amino acids) of un-known function, and a mature PTTH molecule (111 amino acids). The Spe-PTTH shows similarities (45.5%―70.3%) to other known PTTHs reported in Lepidoptera species, but 7 cysteine r?esidues and the hydrophobic regions were conserved. Whole-mount immunocytochemistry by using an antiserum against recombinant Helicoverpa armigera PTTH showed that Spe-PTTH was synthesized in two pairs of neurosecretory cells in the S. exigua brain. Northern blot analysis demonstrates the presence of a 1.2-kb transcript in the brain. The Spe-PTTH mRNA is detectable at high levels at the wandering larval stage, early pupal stage, and pharate adult stage, suggesting that the Spe-PTTH gene might be corre-lated with molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction.

The expression of Spodoptera exigua P450 and UGT genes: tissue specificity and response to insecticides

Cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT) as phase I and phase II metabolism enzymes, respectively, play vital roles in the breakdown of endobiotics and xenobiotics. Insects can in crease the expression of detoxificatio n enzymes to cope with the stress from xenobiotics including insecticides. However, the molecular mechanisms for insecticide detoxification in Spodoptera exigua remain elusive, and the genes conferring insecticide metabolisms in this species are less well reported. In this study, 68 P450 and 32 UGT genes were identified. Phylogenetic analysis showed gene expansions in CYP3 and CYP4 clans of P450 genes and UGT33 family of this pest. P450 and UGT genes exhibited specific tissue expression patterns. Insecticide treatments in fat body cells of S. exigua revealed that the expression levels of P450 and UGT genes were significantly influenced by challenges of abamectin, lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, metaflumizone and indoxacarb. Multiple genes for detoxification were affected in expression levels after insecticide exposures. The results demonstrated that lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorantraniliprole, metaflumizone and indoxacarb induced similar responses in the expression of P450 and UGT genes in fat body cells;eight P450 genes and four UGT genes were co-up-regulated significantly, and no or only a few CYP/UGT genes were down-regulated significantly by these four insecticides. However, abamectin triggered a distinct response for P450 and UGT gene expression;more P450 and UGT genes were down-regulated by abamectin than by the other four compounds. In con elusion, P450 and UGT genes from S. exigua were identified, and different responses to abamectin suggest a different mechanism for insecticide detoxification.

Identification of four caspase genes from Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and their regulations toward different apoptotic stimulations

Apoptosis plays critical roles in multiple biological processes in multicellular organisms.Caspases are known as important participators and regulators of apoptosis.Here,four novel caspase genes of Spodoptera exigua were cloned and characterized which were designated as SeCasp-1,SeCasp-6,ScCasp-7 and SeCasp-S.Analysis of the putative encoded protein sequences of these SeCasps indicated that SeCasp-1 and ScCasp-7 were possible homologs of executor caspases;SeCasp-8 was a possible homolog of initiator caspases;and SeCasp-6 was a unique caspase of S.exigua that shares low similarity with all the identified insect caspases.Based on baculovirus expression system analyses,SeCasp-1 exhibited similar caspase activity to human caspase-1,-3,-4,-6,-8 and-9;SeCasp-6 presented similar caspase activity to human caspase-2,-3,-4,-6,-8 and-9;SeCasp-7 exhibited similar caspase activity to human caspase-2,-3 and-6;and SeCasp-8 presented similar caspase activity only to human caspase-8.Induction with diiTcrent chemicals revealed that SeCasp-1 showed extreme upregulation after 24 h in the treated fat body cell line(IOZCAS-Spex-II)of S.exigua.Developmental expression analysis revealed that SeCasp-1 was highly transcribed in the larval stages,while SeCasp-6,SeCasp-7,SeCasp-H were down-regulated.The in vivo detection of the relative expression levels of SeCasps in S.eixgua larvae inoculated with different pathogens suggested that SeCasp-J was sensitive to Bacillus thuringiensis infection and that SeCasp-6 was sensitive to baculovirus infection.SeCasp-7 and SeCasp-H showed slight changes under either in vitro chemical apoptosis induction or in vivo pathogen infection.

De novo transcriptome analysis of Spodoptera exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus(SeMNPV) genes in latently infected Se301 cells

Cells of the P8-Se301-C1 strain are Spodoptera exigua cell clones that each harbor a partial version of the S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus （SeMNPV） genome and which are resistant to homologous SeMNPV infections. The cells produce no viral progeny, suggesting that the infection is a latent-like viral infection. To investigate the SeMNPV genes harbored in the P8-Se301-C1 cells, the de novo transcriptomes of P8-Se301-Cl cells and S. exigua Se301 cells were analyzed and compared. A total of 54,569,296 reads were obtained from the P8-Se301-C1 cells that yielded 112,565 final unigenes with a mean length of 1,093 nt. A total of 56,865,504 reads were obtained from the Se301 cells that yielded 102,996 final unigenes with a mean length of 1,082 nt. Ten SeMNPV gene transcripts （se5, se7, se8, se12, se43, se45, se89, se90, se124, and se126） were detected in the P8-Se301-C1 cells by RNA-Seq but not in the Se301 cells, which was verified by RT- PCR. 5＇/3＇ RACE analyses showed that the 3＇- or 5＇-end sequences of the viral transcripts are aligned to the host gene sequences in P8-Se301-C1 cells, suggesting that the SeMNPV genes may integrate into and be transcribed with the host genes in the P8-Se301-C1 cells. Furthermore, six additional viral gene transcripts, sell, se42, se44, se88, se91, and se127 （incorporated into chimeric fusion transcripts in the P8-Se301-C1 cells）, were detected in the RACE analyses. Taken together, sixteen SeMNPV transcripts were identified in the P8-Se301-C1 cell strain. This study provides information to develop the understanding of baculovirus latent infections and superinfection exclusion.

Temporal allocation of metabolic tolerance to transgenic Bt cotton in beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua(Hübner)

Digestive and detoxification enzyme activity and nutrient composition were examined in the body of fourth instar beet armyworms,Spodoptera exigua(Hübner),fed on transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) and non-Bt cotton for different time periods.Nutrient composition and specific enzyme activities differed significantly between the S.exigua fed Bt vs.non-Bt cotton.At 1,6 and 24 h,free fatty acid and glucose levels were significantly lower in S.exigua fed on Bt cotton than those fed on non-Bt cotton.S.exigua fed on Bt cotton had significantly higher trypsin and total superoxide dismutase(T-SOD) activities and significantly lower lipase,carboxylesterase and acetylcholinesterase activities than non-Bt fed worms for all feeding time periods.Differences were also observed among feeding times within each cotton variety group.Significantly lower free fatty acid and total amino acid were observed in S.exigua fed on Bt cotton for 24 h than in those fed for 1 h.Significantly lower activities of lipase and trypsin were detected in S.exigua fed on Bt cotton for 24 h than those for 1 and 4 h.However,carboxylesterase and acetylcholinesterase activities in S.exigua fed on Bt cotton for 24 h were significantly higher than those for 1,4 and 6 h.The interaction between cotton variety and feeding time significantly affected the activities of lipase,trypsin,acetylcholinesterase and T-SOD enzymes in S.exigua.Measuring the temporal allocation of protection and detoxification enzyme activities in the body of S.exigua in response to B.thuringiensis can provide a meaningful evaluation on the metabolic tolerance of herbivorous insects under the continuous selection pressure of a toxic protein.

Characterization of a β-1,3-glucan recognition protein from the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua （Insecta： Lepidoptera： Noctuidae）

The β-1,3-glucan recognition protein gene from Spodoptera exigua （SeβGRP） was cloned and characterized. The cDNA of this gene is 1？644 nucleotides in length and the predicted polypeptide is 491 amino acids （aa） in length, with a calculated molecular mass of 54.8 kDa. The first 22 aa encode a predicted secretion signal peptide. A BLAST search, multiple sequence alignment, and phylogenetic analysis of the aa sequence of SeβGRP revealed that this protein is most similar to the β-1,3-glucan recognition protein （βGRP） family of pattern recognition proteins. Using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, we detected the presence of SeβGRP transcripts in the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages of S. exigua. In addition, the SeβGRP transcript was expressed in all the tissues examined including the brain, hemocytes, fat body, intestine, and cuticle. There were no changes in SeβGRP mRNA levels in larvae infected with ultraviolet （UV）-killed Escherichia coli DH5α compared with the control larvae inoculated with the water; however, SeβGRP mRNA levels were markedly elevated 4–8 h after infection and slightly induced 12–24 h after infection in larvae injected with UV-killed Fusarium oxysporum. This may be because β-1,3-glucan is the main component of the cell wall of F. oxysporum, but not E. coli DH5α.

Three metabolites from an entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, inhibit larval development of Spodoptera exigua （Lepidoptera： Noctuidae） by inhibiting a digestive enzyme, phospholipase A2

An entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, has been known to induce significant immunosuppression of target insects by inhibiting immune-associated phospholipase A2 （PLA2）, which subsequently shuts down biosynthesis of eicosanoids that are critical in immune mediation in insects. Some metabolites originated from the bacterial culture broth have been identified and include benzylideneacetone, proline-tyrosine and acetylated phenylalanine-glycine-valine, which are known to inhibit enzyme activity of PLA2 extracted from hemocyte and fat body. This study tested their effects on digestive PLA2 of the beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua. Young larvae fed different concentrations of the three metabolites resulted in significant adverse effects on larval development even at doses below 100 #g/mL. In particular, they induced significant reduction in digestive efficiency of ingested food. All three metabolites significantly inhibited catalytic activity of digestive PLA2 extracted from midgut lumen of the fifth instar larvae at a low micromolar range. These results suggest that the inhibitory activities of the three bacterial metabolites on digestive PLA2 of S. exigua midgut may explain some of their oral toxic effects.

Initial detections and spread of invasive Spodoptera frugiperda in China and comparisons with other noctuid larvae in cornfields using molecular techniques

The fall armyworm,Spodoptera frugiperda,is a species native to the Americas and has spread to many countries in Africa and Asia in recent years.Proactive actions for potential invasion of S.frugiperda to China coordinated by government agencies and agricultural extension systems resulted in timely detection in January 2019 in Yunnan province neighboring onto Myanmar.The extensive monitoring in southern provinces of China since February 2019 resulted in dynamic tracking of S.frugiperda spreading to 13 provincial regions in China within 4 months by May 10,2019,which is crucial for timely management actions in the fields.The first detections of S.frugiperda(corn strain)in China were confirmed using cytochrome oxidase subunit 1(COl)and triosephosphate isomerase(Tpi)genes molecular marker method.In addition to S.frugiperda,larvae of three other noctuid species with similar morphological appearance(S.litura,S.exigna and Mythimna separata)can occur simultaneously and cause similar damage in cornfields in southern China.Thus,we can use both morphological and molecular marker methods to compare larval stages of four noctuid species.Further,we discuss the risk of potential spread of invasive S.frugiperda to other regions and impact on corn production in China.