Mate choice is affected by parasite infestation rate of the choosing individual as well as of potential mating partners

Parasites are known to be a key driving force in mate choice and are important for the expression and evolution of ornaments and behavioral traits being used.However,there is little experimental evidence on how the parasite’s burden of the choosing individual is integrated into the mate-choice process and how it affects decision-making,especially in relation to parasite infestation of potential mates.Thus,the aim of our study was to determine whether female house sparrows Passer domesticus adjust their mate preference according to their own as well as the parasite load of prospective partners.To do this,we experimentally manipulated female parasite load and determined their mate preferences prior to and after parasite treatment.We manipulated the chronic coccidian parasite burden of females either by initiating the acute infection phase via re-infecting them with coccidian or by temporally reducing the parasite load of coccidia.We then measured the effect of this manipulation on mate preference by presenting females with a choice of four stimuli:three males with similar ornaments,but unmanipulated,naturally varying chronic coccidiosis levels,and an unmanipulated control female.Additionally,we recorded some males’behavior in relation to their infection status pointing toward an increased or reduced interest in mating.We found that females preferred highly infested males prior to manipulation,regardless of their own infestation level.However,after manipulation,infested females avoided highly infested males probably in response to the deterioration of their health condition by parasites.Our study suggests that mate-choice decisions are more complex when they are mediated by parasites.The implications of parasites for evolutionary theories of sexual signaling and mate choice are discussed.

Mating Ethogram of a Video-aided Study of Mating and Parturition in Captive Chinese Crocodile Lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

Mating behavior and parturition are important components in the life history of any species. The endangered Chinese crocodile lizard(Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is suffering dramatic population decreases in the wild. Successful captive breeding can provide individuals to be reintroduced into their natural habitat and help to restore the wild populations. Studying the mating behavior and parturition of these lizards in captivity will enable us understand how is this ancient species reproduction and optimize artificial reproduction protocol. We studied the mating behavior and parturition of Chinese crocodile lizards in captivity using video recordings at the Daguishan National Nature Reserve, China, from 2015 to 2017. We analyzed pre-copulation and copulation, which occurred in mid-March to late May from all studied years. Pre-copulation and copulation lasted on average 7.51(n=11) and 27.45(n=11) minutes, respectively. We found that large-bodied male lizards have longer copulation periods, a pattern seen in other lizard species. In the mating event, males always initiated sex, while the females were passive. The duration of parturition lasted 153.8 ± 26.8(n=46) minutes, and larger females had heavier clutches. In addition, even though Chinese crocodile lizards represent an ancient lizard clade with primitive characteristics, they still abide by the reproduction patterns seen in most other lizard species.

Genetic gain and inbreeding from simulation of different genomic mating schemes for pig improvement

Background Genomic selection involves choosing as parents those elite individuals with the higher genomic estimated breeding values(GEBV)to accelerate the speed of genetic improvement in domestic animals.But after multi-generation selection,the rate of inbreeding and the occurrence of homozygous harmful alleles might increase,which would reduce performance and genetic diversity.To mitigate the above problems,we can utilize genomic mating(GM)based upon optimal mate allocation to construct the best genotypic combinations in the next generation.In this study,we used stochastic simulation to investigate the impact of various factors on the efficiencies of GM to optimize pairing combinations after genomic selection of candidates in a pig population.These factors included:the algorithm used to derive inbreeding coefficients;the trait heritability(0.1,0.3 or 0.5);the kind of GM scheme(focused average GEBV or inbreeding);the approach for computing the genomic relationship matrix(by SNP or runs of homozygosity(ROH)).The outcomes were compared to three traditional mating schemes(random,positive assortative or negative assortative matings).In addition,the performance of the GM approach was tested on real datasets obtained from a Large White pig breeding population.Results Genomic mating outperforms other approaches in limiting the inbreeding accumulation for the same expected genetic gain.The use of ROH-based genealogical relatedness in GM achieved faster genetic gains than using relatedness based on individual SNPs.The GROH-based GM schemes with the maximum genetic gain resulted in 0.9%-2.6%higher rates of genetic gainΔG,and 13%-83.3%lowerΔF than positive assortative mating regardless of heritability.The rates of inbreeding were always the fastest with positive assortative mating.Results from a purebred Large White pig population,confirmed that GM with ROH-based GRM was more efficient than traditional mating schemes.Conclusion Compared with traditional mating schemes,genomic mating can not only achieve sustainable genetic progress but also effectively control the rates of inbreeding accumulation in the population.Our findings demonstrated that breeders should consider using genomic mating for genetic improvement of pigs.

Protective Effect of Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 on TGF-β1 Pathway via mTOR in Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective: To demonstrate whether the expression of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) affects the level of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. Methods: First, recombinant plasmids DNA (rSIRT1) and siRNA targeting SIRT1 were constructed which were transfected into Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell (HEK293) cells, respectively. Then, the generation of intracellular ROS in cells was examined by flow cytometry using the oxidation-sensitive probe. Last, the expressions of TGF-β1, smad3, P53, mTOR, p-mTOR, LC3-I and LC3-II in cells were detected to observe the effect of SIRT1 on TGF-β1 Pathway by western blot analysis. Results: We demonstrated that overexpressing of SIRT1 may decrease TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. In addition, the result is the opposite when SIRT1 was silent in HEK293 cells. Conclusions: SIRT1 is closely related to TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway that correlates with the regulation of mTOR and ROS generation and causes diabetic nephropathy. The available evidence implies that SIRT1 has great potential as a clinical target for the prevention and treatment of renal fibrosis in the development of DN.

Mating Calls of Six Forms of Pelobatid in Wawu Mountain National Forest Park,Sichuan,China (Anura:Pelobatidae)

The mating calls of six forms belonging to four genera Megophrys,Oreloalax,Scutiger and Leptolalax were recorded in Wawu Mountain National Forest Park,Sichuan Province of China,using cassette tape recorder (Aiwa) and Sony tape with an external microphone.All recordings were analyzed with an IBM PC based 'SIGNAL' software analysis system (Engineering Design,USA).The range of analyzed frequency was set as 0-10 kHz.Acoustic analysis shows that the dominant frequency of L.oshanensis,M.minor,M.sp.,S.(S.)chintingensis,O.omeimontis,and O.schmidti is 4521.9,3456.4,2293.8,1076.5,1071.0 and 1849.4 Hz on average respectively;the note duration is 46.2,90.8,99.6,72.2,78.8 and 110.3 millisecond on average respectively;the note interval is 140.4,253.0,681.4,1517.7,461.3 and 619.5 millisecond on average respectively.One-Way ANOVA analysis indicates that there are significant differences among the analyzed six forms on the dominant frequency,the note duration,and the note interval (P<0.01).Multiple comparisons using Least-Significant Difference (LSD) show that the difference of the dominant frequency between S.(S.) chintingensis and O.omeimontis is not significant (P=0.917>0.05);on the note duration,only L.oshanensis is significantly different from M.minor,M.sp.,O.omeimontis and O.schmidti (P<0.01);on the note interval,L.oshanensis is not significantly different from M.minor,the same with M.sp.versus O.schmidti and O.omeimontis versus O.schmidti (P>0.05).Correlation analysis indicates that there are no significant correlation among the three acoustic characters of dominant frequency,note duration and note interval,and two environmental factors of the elevation and air temperature (P>0.05) except that the note interval is significantly linear correlated with the elevation (r=0.943,P=0.005<0.01).In the light of above,it is suggested that acoustic characteristics of calls are useful in distinguishing forms;the change of the note interval with the elevation may be a kind of strategy of reproduction.

Changes of Estrogen in Serum and Estrogen Receptor β in the Relevant Brain Regions Following Mating Behavior of the Male Mandarin Vole Microtus mandarinus

In order to investigate the estrogen and estrogen receptor β changes after mating behavior of male mandarin vole （Microtus mandarinus）, the radioimmunoassay （RIA） and immunohistochemistry methods were used to investigate changes of the serum estrogen （E） concentrations, estrogen immunoreactive neurons （E-IRs） and estrogen receptor β immunoreactive neurons （ERβ-IRs） in the relevant brain regions following mating behavior. Fifteen sexually matured male voles were randomly divided into three groups and treated differently： （1） control group： voles were exposed to clean hard-wood shavings （n=5）, （2） exposure group： voles were exposed to the soiled bedding for more than 24h on which estrous females had been placed （n=5）, and （3） mating group： voles were placed with an estrous female for more than 24h （n=5）. The results showed circulating serum E concentrations were significantly higher in the mating group than in the exposure group and the control group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group. E-IRs and ERβ-IRs were detected in the following brain regions related to mating behavior： the arcuate nucleus （ARC）, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis （BST）, lateral septal nucleus （LS）, medial amygdaloid nucleus （ME）, medial preoptic area （MPO） and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus （VMH）. The results showed that there were significantly more E-IRs in the six brain regions in the mating group than in the control group and the exposure group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group except for LS. There was no significant difference in ERβ-IRs in the six brain regions among the three groups, and there were some lighter -stained ERβ-IRs in these brain regions. The results suggested that estrogen affect mating activity of male mandarin voles, but ERβ might not play an important role in mating behavior of male mandarin voles. Instead, it might be through other receptors.

Mating Genotype Analysis of Ganoderma lucidum Populations

[Objective] The mating genotype was studied and compared with esterase isozyme of Ganoderma lucidum populations between groups in order to clarify their differences in genetic relationship analysis. [Method] OWE-SOJ technique was applied to identify standard mating types and determinate mating genotype between groups of monokaryons isolates from 24 G. lucidum stains. Genetic relationships were analyzed by combined group mating genotype determination with esterase isozyme assay. [Result] All strains of G. lucidum could be divided into 7 large groups of the mating genotype. Four alleles of A factor, four alleles of B factor and one mixed alleles of A factor were found in this study. Distorted segregation ratio among monokaryon mycelia of G. lucidum had been observed in four kinds of mat- ing types to some extent. Twenty-eight different types of enzyme bands were determined in esterase isozyme test, Twenty-four strains of G. lucidum could be divided into 9 large groups through the cluster analysis when the genetic similarity coefficient was 0.73214. Comparing the results of mating genotype analysis and esterase isozyme analysis, it showed great similarity. [Conclusion] Mating genotype analysis could be used as an important supplementary method for strain identification and genetic diversity research.

Analysis of the Evolutionary Significance of Heterosis——taking the contribution of fitness to the genetic diversity in random mating population as an example

Upon the analogy of definition of heterosis and inbreeding depresstion in terms of population genetics, the heterosis is thought to be evaluated overall with fitness. By establishing a mathematical model, the equilibrium status of three genotypes of random mating population （i. e. RR, Rr and rr） under different fitness, which exposes that heterosis is the precondition for multiallele to exist in the population. The heterosis protects the genetic diversity and makes the population owning a stronger self-control and evolution potential by improving the hetemzygote＇s fithess so as not to wash out different types of genes. It deepens Darwin＇s thoughts of individual section by making the individual fitness consonant with population fitness.

Genetic benefits of female from extra-pair paternity are context dependent within the socially monogamous Tree Sparrow

Females actively seek extra-pair paternity(EPP)to acquire a fitness advantage for their offspring.The“contextdependence hypothesis”posits that female extra-pair mate choice has plasticity in response to environmental conditions,and therefore magnitude of female genetic benefits from EPP depends on the environmental variation.Furthermore,chronic heavy metal pollution can cause adverse effects on fitness-related traits of wild birds.However,few studies were available on the interactions between heavy metal pollution and EPP.We selected an area that was contaminated by heavy metals for more than 60 years(Baiyin,BY),a relatively unpolluted area(Liujiaxia,LJX),and Tree Sparrows(Passer montanus)as study species to explore the response of female extrapair mate choice and genetic benefits from EPP to heavy metal pollution in socially monogamous birds.The relatedness between social mates and extra-pair mates was investigated.Additionally,we compared the body size and heterozygosity of extra-pair offspring(EPO),within-pair offspring(WPO),social males and extra-pair males from the two Tree Sparrow populations.We found that at BY,female Tree Sparrows tended to choose extra-pair males with larger body size and lower genetic similarity,thereby producing higher heterozygosity and larger body size of EPO compared with those of WPO.However,no similar phenomenon was observed in the Tree Sparrow population from LJX.In addition,there was a significant interaction between population and paternity in the analyses of the fitness-related traits,suggesting that environmental variation could affect female genetic benefits from EPP.This study confirmed the existence of presumed interactions between environmental pollution and EPP within the natural population of socially monogamous Tree Sparrows.Our findings shed lights on the possible effects of long-term environmental stress on mating system in wild birds.

中药治疗病毒后间质性肺纤维化的系统性评价和Meta分析

目的:研究通过Meta分析的方法,对近年来运用中医药干预治疗病毒后间质性肺纤维化有效性以及安全性进行客观评价,以期为今后应用中医药治疗本病提供更多的循证依据。方法:计算机检索中英文数据库,时限均自建库起至2024年03月01日,经文献筛选、数据提取后,对纳入文献的结果及结论进行描述性分析,采用PRISMA声明对纳入研究的文献质量进行评价,应用AMSTAR 2量表对方法学质量进行评价,运用RevMan5.4进行Meta分析。结果:共纳入7篇文献,包含8个随机对照研究,包含临床治疗患者844例,其中试验组437例,对照组407例。与对照组相比,试验组(中药/中药联合西医常规治疗)临床症状改善[OR = 3.22, 95% CI (2.20, 4.72), P MD = −0.79, 95% CI (−0.19, −0.48), P MD = −2.74, 95% CI (−4.09, −1.38), P MD = 3.29, 95% CI (−0.67, 7.25), P = 0.10]。1个研究报告了不良反应,主要症状为心悸、胃食管反流、口腔溃疡、腹泻,可自行缓解或消失。结论:当前证据显示,中药不论是汤剂还是中成药亦或是中药制剂,其治疗病毒后间质性肺纤维化,能够有效改善患者呼吸困难、喘息、憋气等临床症状,提高患者生活质量;延缓肺部纤维化的进展;暂未报告严重不良反应。但研究结论尚需更多标准严格、质量高、大样本的随机对照试验研究予以证实。Objective: To objectively evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the intervention of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the treatment of post-viral interstitial pulmonary fibrosis using meta-analysis, with the aim of providing more evidence-based support for the future application of TCM in treating this condition. Method: A computerized search was conducted in both Chinese and English databases, with the time limit extending up to March 1, 2024. Following literature screening and data extraction, a descriptive analysis of the results and conclusions of the included studies was performed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the PRISMA statement, and the methodological quality was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. Results: A total of 7 studies were included, comprising 8 randomized controlled trials with 844 clinical treatment patients, of which 437 were in the experimental group and 407 in the control group. Compared to the control group, the experimental group (TCM/TCM combined with conventional Western medicine treatment) showed significant improvement in clinical symptoms [OR = 3.22, 95%CI (2.20, 4.72), P MD = −0.79, 95% CI (−0.19, −0.48), P MD = −2.74, 95% CI (−4.09, −1.38), P MD = 3.29, 95% CI (−0.67, 7.25), P = 0.10]. One study reported adverse reactions, mainly symptoms such as palpitations, gastro esophageal reflux, oral ulcers, and diarrhea, which could resolve on their own or disappear. Conclusion: Current evidence indicates that TCM, whether in the form of decoctions, patented medicines, or herbal preparations, can effectively improve clinical symptoms such as dyspnea, wheezing, and breathlessness in patients with post-viral interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, thereby enhancing their quality of life and delaying the progression of pulmonary fibrosis. No severe adverse reactions have been reported thus far. However, the conclusions of the study still require confirmation through more rigorous, high-quality, large-sample randomized controlled trials.

Square Logistic Model for the Appearance of Lethal Recessive Homozygous Genotype in Random Mating Population

From the random mating population of maize, the relationship between heterosis and albino seedling was analyzed by means of mathematical theory, further the square logistic model for the appearance of lethal recessive homozygous genotype was deduced. The model shows that heterosis can determine the genetic structure and proportion of population. It approves, that the proportion of aa in each generation of maize seedlings shows a similar Logistic curve in growth process till equilibrium, so long as Aa containins lethal gene a from mutation presents heterosis. The ratio of equilibrium state of aa is determined by the ratio of AA-Aa fitness. Heterosis is helpful for the keeping of genetic diversity of population.

中医适宜技术对2型糖尿病患者血糖指标水平影响的Mate分析

通过Mate分析评价中医适宜技术对糖尿病患者血糖水平的干预效果。方法 人工系统检索PubMed、Co-chraneLibrary、Embase、WebofScience、中国知网(CNKI)、万方数据库(WanfangDatabase)、中国生物医学文献数据库(CBM)、维普中文科技期刊数据库(VIP)等有关中医适宜技术对糖尿病患者血糖水平干预的相关实验。检索时间为建库日期至2024年3月,由2名研究者按照文献纳入和排除标准进行文献筛选并整理相关数据资料。本文对纳入的文献采用revman5.4软件进行mate分析。结果 共纳入文献13篇,患者病例数共551例。Meta分析结果显示:中医适宜技术可以有效降低2型糖尿病患者的血糖指标[MD=-0.62,95%CI(-0.71,-0.54),P<0.001]结论 中医适宜技术特别是针灸技术对于降低2型糖尿病患者的血糖指标有显著性效果,但其他中医适宜技术需要相互配合才能到达理想效果水平。

Cryptochromes mRNA Expression Under Mating and Black light Treatment on Helicoverpa armigera

[ Objective ] The paper was to confirm the effect of mating and black light treatment on cryptochromes mRNA expression of Hclicoverpa armigera. [ Method ] Quantitative real-time PCR （ SYBR Green） technique was applied to detect the expression of cryptochromes gene （ cryl and cry2 ） of H. armigera under different conditions. Total RNA was extracted from the head of H. armigera, and carried out reverse transcription to synthesize cDNA after digested by DNase I. Specific primers were used to carry out quantitative real-time PCR on cryl, cry2 and EF-Ict gene, respectively. [ Result] The expression of cryl mRNA of H. ar- migera significantly decreased after exposure to black light for 2 h, the mRNA expression of cry2 was smaller than control, they had no significant difference with each other. Mating had significant effect on mRNA expression of cryl and cry2 of H. armigera, and the mRNA expression of cryl and cry2 of male and female adults showed decreasing trend with the prolongation of time after mating. [ Conclusion] The result had important significance for further studying on function of cry gene and the control of cotton bollwonn.

Cardiovascular and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease:Sharing common ground through SIRT1 pathways

As a non-communicable disease,cardiovascular disorders have become the lea-ding cause of death for men and women.Of additional concern is that cardio-vascular disease is linked to chronic comorbidity disorders that include nonal-coholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).NAFLD,also termed metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease,is the greatest cause of liver disease throughout the world,increasing in prevalence concurrently with diabetes mellitus(DM),and can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis that leads to cirrhosis and liver fi-brosis.Individuals with metabolic disorders,such as DM,are more than two times likely to experience cardiac disease,stroke,and liver disease that includes NAFLD when compared individuals without metabolic disorders.Interestingly,cardiovascular disorders and NAFLD share a common underlying cellular me-chanism for disease pathology,namely the silent mating type information regu-lation 2 homolog 1(SIRT1;Saccharomyces cerevisiae).SIRT1,a histone deacetylase,is linked to metabolic pathways through nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and can offer cellular protection though multiple avenues,including trophic factors such as erythropoietin,stem cells,and AMP-activated protein kinase.Translating SIRT1 pathways into clinical care for cardiovascular and hepatic disease can offer significant hope for patients,but further insights into the complexity of SIRT1 pathways are necessary for effective treatment regimens.

Effects of Yerba Mate Consumption (Ilex paraguariensis) on Cardiac Remodeling in Rats

This study investigated the effects of yerba mate consumption, a South American beverage, on cardiac remodeling in rats. For this purpose, 24 male Wistar rats were divided into Control Group (CG) which received filtered water and a standard diet, and Yerba Mate Group (YM), 6 g of Ilex paraguariensis in 100 ml water and the same diet, for 30 days. The YM group showed a reduction in final body weight and food consumption without altering weight gain. Regarding cardiac remodeling, the YM group exhibited a decrease in the right ventricle weight/final body weight ratio, suggesting cardiac atrophy, without affecting the atria and left ventricle. There was no change in cardiomyocyte area or nuclear fractal dimension in both groups. However, animals that consumed yerba mate showed increased collagen deposition and a smaller fractal dimension in the left ventricle. The consumption of yerba mate at room temperature for 30 days induced changes in cardiac remodeling, as evidenced by increased collagen deposition and alterations in fractal dimension in the left ventricle.

A de novo originated gene depresses budding yeast mating pathway and is repressed by the protein encoded by its antisense strand

Recent transcription profiling studies have revealed an unexpectedly large proportion of antisense transcripts in eukaryotic genomes. These antisense genes seem to regulate gene expression by interacting with sense genes. Previ- ous studies have focused on the non-coding antisense genes, but the possible regulatory role of the antisense protein is poorly understood. In this study, we found that a protein encoded by the antisense gene ADF1 acts as a transcription suppressor, regulating the expression of sense gene MDF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on the evolutionary, ge- netic, cytological and biochemical evidence, we show that the protein-coding sense gene MDF1 most likely originated de novo from a previously non-coding sequence and can significantly suppress the mating efficiency of baker＇s yeast in rich medium by binding MATa2 and thus promote vegetative growth. These results shed new light on several im- portant issues, including a new sense-antisense interaction mechanism, the de novo origination of a functional gene, and the regulation of yeast mating pathway.

Effects of back fat,growth rate,and age at first mating on Yorkshire and Landrace sow longevity in China

In the present study, genetic parameters for longevity and genetic correlations with back fat （BF）, average daily gain （ADG）, and first mating age （FMA） were estimated from 19 300 Yorkshire and 18 378 Landrace sows from 12 farms derived from one breeding system. General linear models （GLM） were employed to estimate genetic correlations with heritability （h2）. Longevity was defined by six different parameters （i.e., traits） and heritability ranged from h2=0.13 to 0.16 （P〈0.05） in both swine breeds. Genetic correlations between different longevity definitions were positive and high （r=0.79 to 0.99; P〈0.05）. BF exhibited low positive genetic correlations （r=0.12 to 0.15; P〈0.05） with longevity traits identified in both pig breeds which were dependent on trait definition, whereas ADG and FMA showed weak negative genetic correlations with longevity traits. The influence of BF, ADG, and FMA on longevity traits was examined by dividing the production and reproductive traits into several numerical groups; the influence of each longevity trait was subsequently analyzed among the different groups. The results indicated BF was the best trait to improve longevity among BF, ADG, and FMA, which showed positive effects for almost all longevity traits. For Yorkshire sows, gilts with over 18 mm BF were most desirable; Landrace with 10.6-13 mm BF were suitable for longevity. ADG was not favorable for gilt selection, because the correlation between growth rate and longevity very low. For FMA, our results indicated gilts mating before 230 days exhibited a longer life span. Therefore, we suggest farmers should select for thicker back fat and mate at an earlier age to improve sow longevity.

Emergence,Mating and Oviposition Behavior of the Chinese Population in Pink Bollworm,Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae)

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella （Lepidoptera： Gelechiidae） is one of the most serious lepidopteran pests of cotton in the world. This pest invaded China at the onset of the 20th century, possibly through repeated introductions from several different locations worldwide. In this paper, we describe different behavioral parameters of this Hubei P. gossypiella strain under laboratory and field conditions. Using an infra-red video recorder, we observed （nocturnal） emergence, flight and mating activities, and oviposition patterns. Moth emergence started from 13：00 and continued up till 23：00. Under laboratory and field conditions, 2-7-d-old moths initiated flight around sunset, peaked 50 rain later and gradually declined until 04：00. Although mating started immediately after darkness （i.e., 20：00）, mating behavior was most intense from 23：00 to 03：40. Oviposition also showed distinct time-related patterns, with approx. 70% eggs laid between 20：00 and 22：00. In the studies of the relationship between flight and oviposition, the duration of flight had an effect on oviposition. The 1-d-old moths flown for 6 and 12 h began oviposition earlier than the unflown ones, and the 6-h flight had no effect on the egg production. However, the longevity of the flown moths was shortened after flight. In addition, the peaks of oviposition for the flown moths were advanced 2-3 d. The age when the moths flied affected the oviposition of adult moths. The earlier the moths started to fly after emergence, the greater the fecundity they had. The average egg production of moths flown for 24 h was less than that of non-flown moths which were of the same age. Both flight and delay in mating could advance the oviposition peak. Our study provides detailed insights in nocturnal activities and the reproductive biology of local P. gossypiella populations, which could be employed to fine-tune current pest management programs in China.

Effects of Various Degrees of Antennal Ablation on Mating and Oviposition Preferences of the Diamondback Moth,Plutella xylostella L.

Using scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the distribution of the trichoid, basiconic, and coeloconic sensilla on the antennae of the diamondback moth （DBM;Plutella xylostella）. The trichoid sensilla were the most abundant sensory organ, and the male moth antennae host signiifcantly more trichoid sensilla than female moth antennae. Conversely, basiconic and coeloconic sensilla were found more frequently on female than on male antennae. We performed experiments with various degrees of antennal ablation and demonstrated that DBM antennae played a key role in the control of mating and oviposition. We found that neither oviposition preference nor mating behaviors changed signiifcantly when less than 1/4 of both antennae were removed. However, there was a signiifcant behavioral change when the antennae were ablated by more than half. As the length of the antenna was shortened, the successful mating rate decreased and mating peak was delayed. An otherwise consistent host preference for oviposition was eliminated when both antennae were completely removed. Furthermore, we found that the number of trichoid sensilla was positively correlated with mating rate and oviposition preference. However, the numbers of basiconic and coeloconic sensilla were not correlated with mating rate and mating peak, but highly correlated with oviposition preference. Taken together, our results indicate that antennal sensory information plays a critical role in the mating and oviposition behaviors of this economically important pest.

Stk2,a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase from Setosphaeria turcica,Specifically Complements the Functions of the Fus3 and Kss1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Filamentation,Invasive Growth,and Mating Behavior

Setosphaeria turcica,an essential phytopathogenic fungus,is the primary cause of serious yield losses in corn; however,its pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood.We cloned STK2,a newly discovered mitogen-activated protein kinase gene with a deduced amino acid sequence that is 96% identical to MAK2 from Phaeosphaeria nodorum,56% identical to KSS1 and 57% identical to FUS3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.To deduce Stk2 function in S.turcica and to identify the genetic relationship between STK2 and KSS1/FUS3 from S.cerevisiae,a restructured vector containing the open reading frame of STK2 was transformed into a fus3/kss1 double deletion mutant of S.cerevisiae.The results show that the STK2 complementary strain clearly formed pseudohyphae and ascospores,and the strain grew on the surface of the medium after rinsing with sterile water and the characteristics of the complementary strain was the same as the wild-type strain.Moreover,STK2 complemented the function of KSS1 in filamentation and invasive growth,as well as the mating behavior of FUS3 in S.cerevisiae,however,its exact functions in S.turcica will be studied in the future research.