Potential cuckoo hosts have similar egg rejection rates to parasitized host species

Background:Thrush species are rarely parasitized by cuckoos,but many have a strong egg recognition ability.To date,there is a limited understanding of the relationship between host egg rejection and cuckoo parasitism rate.Methods:By using egg experiments in the field,we compared egg rejection between two non‑parasitized potential host species and two parasitized hosts of cuckoos in the same region.Results:The White‑bellied Redstart(Luscinia phoenicuroides),a host of the Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus),rejected 66.6%of blue model eggs;the Elliot’s Laughingthrush(Trochalopteron elliotii),a host of the Large Hawk Cuckoo(Hierococcyx sparverioides),rejected 25%of blue model eggs and 46.1%of white model eggs;and the Chestnut Thrush(Turdus rubrocanus)and the Chinese Thrush(T.mupinensis),in which cuckoo parasitism has not been recorded,rejected 41.1 and 83.3%of blue model eggs,respectively.There were no significant differences in the egg rejection among them,although the Chinese Thrush showed the highest rate of egg rejection.Conclusions:This study indicates that the egg recognition ability of cuckoo hosts has no correlation with the actual parasitism rate of cuckoos.We suggest that the egg recognition ability of the two potential host species may have been retained from a parasitic history with the cuckoo,while the two common host species have developed their egg rejection abilities due to current parasitism pressure.In addition,our study highlights the importance of the multicuckoo parasite system for better understanding the selection pressure of parasitism on the evolution of host egg recognition abilities.

Genetic relationship between parasitized and non-parasitized Haloxylon ammodendron in the Alxa Desert

Haloxylon ammodendron （C. A. Mey.） Bunge is a host for the holoparasitic plant Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, the original source of medicinal material known as Herba Cistanchis. The inter-simple sequence repeat marker was used to assess the genetic variations and relationships among six accessions ofH. ammodendron with a total of 120 individuals collected from three localities in the Alxa Desert, Inner Mongolia, China. At each locality, individuals both parasitized （PP） by C. deserticola and non-parasitized （NP） were sampled. The results showed that Nei＇s gene diversity and Shannon＇s index of PP accessions were higher, but were not significantly different, from those of NP accessions. An unweighted pair-group method arithmetic average dendrogram showed two clusters, one that included all PP accessions, and the other the NP accessions. Genetic differentiation therefore existed between PP and NP accessions, which might be attributed to low gene flow between the NP and PP groups （Nm〈 1）. However, the relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance within each group, although not statistically significant in this study, might be associated with high gene flow in both the NP and PP groups.

Parasitized wasp mitogenomes mistaken for scale insect host mitogenome sequences

The mitogenome is a double strand molecule that has become an extensively studied molecular marker used in the study of the phylogeny of insects.A recent study investigated the mitogenomes of Planococcus citri(Risso,1813)and Unaspis yanonensis(Kuwana,1923)published by PeerJ(Liu et al.2020).In our study,we determine that the putative“P.citri and U.yanonensis”mitogenomes did not originate from Coccoidea but from parasitic wasps in the Chalcidoidea.These results are based on the genetic distances of the barcoding sequences of cytochrome c oxidase I(COI)and on molecular identifications performed against the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool(BLAST)in NCBI.

Seasonal increase in nest defense,but not egg rejection,in a cuckoo host

The interactions between avian brood parasites and their hosts provide an informative and easy-to-handle system for studying coevolution.Avian brood parasitism reduces the reproductive success of hosts,and thus,hosts have evolved anti-parasitic strategies,such as rejecting parasitic eggs and adopting aggressive nest defense strategies,to avoid the cost brought on by brood parasitism.To test whether host anti-parasitic strategies are adjusted with the risk of being parasitized when the breeding seasons of brood parasites and hosts are not synchronous,we conducted a field experiment assessing nest defense and egg recognition behaviors of the Isabelline Shrike(Lanius isabellinus),a host of the Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus).In the local area,the host Isabelline Shrike begins to breed in April,whereas the summer migratory Common Cuckoo migrates to the local area in May and begins to lay parasitic eggs.Results showed that nest defense behaviors of the Isabelline Shrike increases significantly after cuckoo arrival,showing higher aggressiveness to cuckoo dummies,with no significant difference in attack rates among cuckoo,sparrowhawk and dove dummies,but their egg rejection did not change significantly.These results imply that Isabelline Shrikes may adjust their nest defense behavior,but not egg rejection behavior,with seasonality.

An Electrochemical Perspective of Aqueous Zinc Metal Anode

Based on the attributes of nonflammability,environmental benignity,and cost-effectiveness of aqueous electrolytes,as well as the favorable compatibility of zinc metal with them,aqueous zinc ions batteries(AZIBs)become the leading energy storage candidate to meet the requirements of safety and low cost.Yet,aqueous electrolytes,acting as a double-edged sword,also play a negative role by directly or indirectly causing various parasitic reactions at the zinc anode side.These reactions include hydrogen evolution reaction,passivation,and dendrites,resulting in poor Coulombic efficiency and short lifespan of AZIBs.A comprehensive review of aqueous electrolytes chemistry,zinc chemistry,mechanism and chemistry of parasitic reactions,and their relationship is lacking.Moreover,the understanding of strategies for suppressing parasitic reactions from an electrochemical perspective is not profound enough.In this review,firstly,the chemistry of electrolytes,zinc anodes,and parasitic reactions and their relationship in AZIBs are deeply disclosed.Subsequently,the strategies for suppressing parasitic reactions from the perspective of enhancing the inherent thermodynamic stability of electrolytes and anodes,and lowering the dynamics of parasitic reactions at Zn/electrolyte interfaces are reviewed.Lastly,the perspectives on the future development direction of aqueous electrolytes,zinc anodes,and Zn/electrolyte interfaces are presented.

Hepatolithiasis:Epidemiology,presentation,classification and management of a complex disease

The term hepatolithiasis describes the presence of biliary stones within the intrahepatic bile ducts,above the hilar confluence of the hepatic ducts.The disease is more prevalent in Asia,mainly owing to socioeconomic and dietary factors,as well as the prevalence of biliary parasites.In the last century,owing to migration,its global incidence has increased.The main pathophysiological mechanisms involve cholangitis,bile infection and biliary strictures,creating a self-sustaining cycle that perpetuates the disease,frequently characterised by recurrent episodes of bacterial infection referred to as syndrome of“recurrent pyogenic cholangitis”.Furthermore,long-standing hepatolithiasis is a known risk factor for development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.Various classifications have aimed at providing useful insight of clinically relevant aspects and guidance for treatment.The management of symptomatic patients and those with complications can be complex,and relies upon a multidisciplinary team of hepatologists,endoscopists,interventional radiologists and hepatobiliary surgeons,with the main goal being to offer relief from the clinical presentations and prevent the development of more serious complications.This comprehensive review provides insight on various aspects of hepatolithiasis,with a focus on epidemiology,new evidence on pathophysiology,most important clinical aspects,different classification systems and contemporary management.

Summer gregarine infection in Antarctic krill Euphausia superba in the Dumont D’Urville Sea,East Antarctic

Antarctic krill Euphausia superba plays a key role in the Antarctic food web.The trophic linkage between krill and other macro-organisms has been studied in the past decades,but the variability of parasites in krill is less studied and remains poorly understood.Therefore,it is important to understand the factors that influence abundance and infection of parasites in krill.Moreover,the relationship between the infection intensity of parasite and krill diet needs to be clarified,which is helpful for understanding the role of parasite in the food web.We investigated the abundance of the highly prevalent gregarine parasites in the digestive tract of krill and the factors influencing the gregarine infection to krill in the East Antarctic.The infection rate of Cephaloidophora pacifica Avdeev,1985 to krill(n=50 individuals)was 94%.The results of generalized linear model show the infection intensity of C.pacifica to the host was related significantly to the station,krill size,and maturity stage,but not the food species and abundance in the stomach of krill.Abundance of C.pacifica in krill differed among stations,and the lowest abundance occurred in the station nearest to the coast.Gregarines abundance varied among sexual maturity stages of krill and increased with krill size.

Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus)nestlings adapt their begging behavior to the host signal system

Common Cuckoos(Cuculus canorus)dependent on parental care for post-hatching demonstrate an intriguing ability to modify their begging vocalizations to ensure maximum care and resources from their interspecific foster parents.Here,we compared begging calls of the Common Cuckoo nestlings fed by four host species,the Grey Bushchat(Saxicola ferreus),Siberian Stonechat(Saxicola maurus),Daurian Redstart(Phoenicurus auroreus),and Oriental Magpie-robin(Copsychus saularis).Results showed that begging calls of the stonechat-,redstart-,and robin-cuckoo resemble those of host species'nestlings in various aspects like low frequency,high frequency,frequency bandwidth and peak frequency,while the bushchat-cuckoo chicks'begging calls were only comparable to their host species in terms of how long they lasted and their peak frequency.In addition,cuckoo nestlings raised in different host nests displayed significant variations in their begging calls in low and peak frequency.This study suggests that cuckoo nestlings do not mimic host species nestlings'begging calls throughout the nestling period,but may tune their begging calls according to host species,while begging calls vary with cuckoo and host species nestlings'ages.Future research should study the parents'reactions to these calls in different host species for a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying such adaptations.

Feeding ecology and interactions with mammal hosts in a symbiotic genus of birds(Buphagus spp.)in Namibia

As the sole obligate symbiotic birds in Africa,oxpeckers offer a unique model for studying symbiotic relationships.Due to the multitrophic level they occupy and the context dependent foraging behavior they exhibit,the type of symbiotic relationship can be variable.In addition to providing a cleaning service to the host by removing ticks,oxpeckers frequently feed on blood,mucus,and saliva,inflicting potential damage on the host.Here,we used DNA metabarcoding on faecal samples to analyze the taxonomic composition of the trophic interactions of the Yellow-billed Oxpecker(Buphagus africanus)and Red-billed Oxpecker(B.erythrorhynchus)in northeastern Namibia.In contrast to conventional methods,DNA metabarcoding allows for a detailed identification of dietary resources encompassing both mammal hosts and consumed arthropods within the same samples.With this information,we examined differences in the diet composition between oxpecker species and localities,as well as the co-occurrence between host and arthropod species.Our findings revealed that oxpeckers predominantly source their diet from mammals,ticks,and flies;however,ticks and flies rarely co-occur in the diet of an individual.We observed variability among individuals in their feeding ecology,which is strongly correlated with locality and,to a lesser extent,with the mammal host.We noted a high degree of mobility between hosts within relatively short periods,with 32%of the samples showing traces of at least two mammal hosts.This study illustrates the dynamic foraging behavior of these specialized symbiotic birds,shedding light on their potential role in pest control services and disease transmission.

Parasites of the liver:A global problem?

Parasitic liver diseases can be caused by trematodes,cestodes,nematodes,and protozoa.This pathology is significant because millions of people in different parts of the world have liver parasites,which can manifest themselves in the development of inflammation,liver cysts,cholecystitis,cholelithiasis,pancreatitis and liver cirrhosis that are often threatening their lives.The International Agency for Research on Cancer considers three species of trematodes,Schistosoma haematobium,Opisthorchis viverrini and Clonorchis sinensis,to be carcinogens.Complex modern examination methods,in some cases including extensive screening of large populations,are required for diagnosing liver parasites.Treatment of parasitic liver diseases is differentiated and can involve a combination of surgical and therapeutic measures.There is no doubt that the clinical and epidemiological scale allows one to regard parasitic liver diseases as a global healthcare problem.

Harmonics in the Squirrel Cage Induction Motor Analytic Calculation Part III: Influence on the Torque-speed Characteristic

The harmonics that appear in the squirrel cage asynchronous machine have been discussed in great detail in the literature for a long time. However, the systematization of the phenomenon is still pending, so we made an attempt to fill this gap in the previous parts of our study by elaborating formulas for calculation of parasitic torques. It was a general demand among those who work in this field towards the author to verify his formulas with measurements. In the literature, it seems,only one detailed, purposeful series of measurements has been published so far, the purpose of which was to investigate the effect of the number of rotor slots on the torque-speed characteristic curve of the machine. The main goal of this study is to verify the correctness of the formulas by comparing them with the referred series of measurements. Relying on this, the expected synchronous parasitic torques were developed for the frequently used rotor slot numbers-as a design guide for the engineer.Thus, together with our complete table for radial magnetic pull published in our previous work, the designer has all the principles, data and formulas available for the right number of rotor slots for his given machine and for the drive system. This brings this series of papers to an end.

Do brood parasitic Common Cuckoos develop brood patches during the breeding season?

Many birds develop brood patches on their ventral apterium under hormonal regulation to effectively transmit body heat to eggs during incubation.The developed patch has several characteristics,including de-feathering,vascularization,and edema.However,little is known about whether avian brood parasites that do not incubate their eggs exhibit brood patch development during the breeding season.In this study,we measured the size of the ventral apterium in 114 Common Cuckoos(Cuculus canorus)captured in the field throughout the breeding season and examined the appearance of the ventral apterium to confirm the development of brood patches.We also examined whether morphological traits and various factors correlated with the size of the ventral apterium(sternal apterium and abdominal apterium)and how it changed during the breeding season.We found no clear signs of brood patch development in Common Cuckoos captured throughout the breeding season,indicating that they likely did not develop brood patches on the ventral apterium during this period.We also found that ventral apterium size was positively correlated with wing length and body weight.In addition,Common Cuckoos with newly growing feathers on the boundary of the ventral apterium with pteryla were frequently observed as seasons progressed to the end.In conclusion,Common Cuckoos exhibit neither brood patch development nor the vestigial characteristics of ancestral brood patches,except for the growth of feathers on boundary the ventral apterium.Further studies examining brood patches across different groups of avian brood parasites are valuable for enhancing our understanding of the developmental and physiological adaptations of avian brood parasites.

Oriental Reed Warblers do not abandon Common Cuckoo chicks during prolonged nestling periods

The Oriental Reed Warbler(Acrocephalus orientalis)is one of the most commonly used hosts for the parasitic Common Cuckoo(Cuculus canorus).However,as hosts that feed unrelated parasitic nestlings may suffer extra reproductive costs,they may be less willing to care for nestlings that have prolonged nestling periods.To test this hypothesis,the duration of feeding by Oriental Reed Warblers under natural conditions for their own nestlings was compared with the duration of feeding under natural conditions for Common Cuckoo nestlings and for artificially prolonged cuckoo nestlings.The results showed that Oriental Reed Warblers did not starve,drive away,or desert any of the nestlings in the experiment,and neither parent was left alone.Our experimental study indicates that both Oriental Reed Warbler parents were willing to care for nestlings with a prolonged nestling period(up to 30 days,twice the average duration time that the Oriental Reed Warblers fed their own chicks in natural conditions).However,further experiments and observations are required in other host bird species to examine whether both parents or one of the parents may exhibit the behavior of abandoning nestlings with a prolonged nestling period.

Yr5-virulent races of Puccinia striiformis f.sp.tritici possess relative parasitic fitness higher than current main predominant races and potential risk

Wheat stripe rust,caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp.tritici(Pst),is one of the most destructive fungal diseases of wheat,and seriously threatens safe production of the crop worldwide.In China,new races historically appeared and rapidly developed to be predominant races and have resulted in ineffectiveness and replacement of wheat resistance cultivars as well as massive reduction in yield.In the present study,the relative parasitic fitness of the two newlyemerged Yr5-virulent races(TSA-6 and TSA-9)were compared with those of four currently predominant Chinese races(CYR31,CYR32,CYR33,and CYR34)based on evaluation on 10 Chinese wheat cultivars.As a result,there were significant differences in the relative parasitic fitness parameters among overall tested races based on multiple comparison(LSD)analysis(P<0.05).The principal component analysis(PCA)of overall parasitic fitness parameters indicated that the sporulation ability,infection and spore survivability,expansion capacity,and potential pathogenicity were the most important parasitic fitness attributes of the tested races.Based on the establishment of extracted three principal components and a comprehensive factor score mathematical models,evaluations of the parasitic fitness attributes of tested races showed that the level of relative parasitic fitness of the tested six races was:CYR32(1.15)>TSA-9(0.95)>TSA-6(0.92)>CYR34(0.29)>CYR31(–1.54)>CYR33(–1.77).The results indicated that two Yr5-virulent races TSA-9 and TSA-6 possessed relative parasitic fitness higher than races CYR34,CYR31,and CYR33,but lower than race CYR32,and have potential risks in developing to be predominant races.Therefore,continual monitoring of both Yr5-virulent races,and their variants is needed.The use of wheat cultivars(lines)with Yr5 resistance gene singly in wheat breeding is essential for being avoided,and is suggested to combine with other effective stripe rust resistance genes.

Ankylosing spondylitis coexisting with Clonorchis sinensis infection: A case report

BACKGROUND Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease.The prevailing theory links AS onset to infections in susceptible individuals.Furthermore,infections may impair the immune responses.Numerous studies have investigated links between AS and various infections-bacterial,viral,fungal,and other microorganism infections.However,limited attention has been given to the association between AS and Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis)infection.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old male with a 10-yr history of AS presented to our hospital with inflammatory lower back pain as the primary manifestation.Ten years ago,the patient had achieved a stable condition after treatment with biological agents.However,he experienced a recurrence of lumbosacral pain with an unexplained cause 10 d before hospital admission.A lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scan revealed bone marrow edema in the left sacroiliac joint,and laboratory indicators were elevated.Moreover,the presence of C.sinensis eggs was detected in the stool.The patient was prescribed praziquantel,resulting in the disap-pearance of C.sinensis eggs in subsequent routine stool tests and relief from lumbosacral pain.A follow-up MRI scan performed after 4 months revealed a reduction in bone marrow edema around the left sacroiliac joint.CONCLUSION C.sinensis infections could potentially trigger the exacerbation of AS.Clinicians should pay attention to investigating the presence of infections.INTRODUCTION Ankylosing spondylitis(AS)is a chronic inflammatory and rheumatic disease resulting from an imbalance between innate and acquired immune responses[1].While it can affect any part of the spine,its primary symptoms are persistent back pain and stiffness in the lower back and pelvis.The prevalence of AS per 10000 individuals is 23.8 in Europe,31.9 in North America,16.7 in Asia,10.2 in Latin America,and 7.4 in Africa[2].Infections commonly occur in the first 3 months and may act as potential triggers for the first symptoms of AS,often manifesting as gastrointestinal,urinary tract,and respiratory infections of microbiological origin[3,4].Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis)infection is a severe parasitic disease affecting millions globally,especially prevalent in China,South Korea,the Far East of Russia,and Vietnam,with an estimated 15 million cases[5].Transmission occurs through the consumption of undercooked freshwater fish containing metacercariae.Adult C.sinensis parasites then establish themselves within the human hepatobiliary system[6].C.sinensis infection triggers the activation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2,leading to the injury and fibrosis of the hepatobiliary[7].Recent research in a rat model found that C.sinensis infection increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma by stimulating hepatic progenitor cell proliferation[8].Complications of C.sinensis infection include cholestasis,cholangitis,biliary system fibrosis,and in severe cases,the development of cholangiocarcinoma[9].Consequently,the primary preventive measure is to abstain from consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish.Praziquantel is the recommended and effective treatment for this infection[10].While there is existing literature on the coexistence of AS and parasitic infections,there is limited research specifically addressing the simultaneous presence of AS and C.sinensis infection.This case report details a rare scenario of AS coexisting with C.sinensis infection,underscoring the potential impact of C.sinensis infection on AS disease activity.

Taxonomic Study of Five Parasitic Polypores of the Hymenochaetaceae Family of TIN Vegetation in Western Burkina Faso

The aim of this work is to inventory and study the lignicolous parasitic macrofungi of the Tin plant formation. The mycological outings from July to September 2018 and 2019, collected forty-four (44) basidiomes through a random sampling device over an area of 40,000 m2 including 1000 m long by 40 m2 wide. The standard methods and techniques used in mycology for taxonomic studies were used to describe and classify the carpophores collected in three families: Hymenochaetaceae, Ganodermataceae and Polyporaceae, into eight genera: Onnia (4.55%), Amauroderma (4.55%), Ganoderma (20.45%), Phellinus (52.27%), Inonotus (4.55%), Phellinopsis (6.82%), Grammothele (2.27%) and Trametes (4.55%). The genera Phellinus and Ganoderma were the most abundant. Finally, eight species were identified: Inonotus cf. ochroporus, Inonotus cf. pachyphloeus, Phellinus cf. cryptarum, Phellinus cf. hartigii, Phellinus cf. hippophaecola;Phellinus cf. robustus, Phellinus cf. igniarius, et Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum. Seven fungal species belong to the family Hymenochaetaceae and only the species Amauroderma cf. fasciculatum is a Ganodermataceae. However, all these fungal species are shown to be parasites of trunks and/or branches of the following woody: Parkia biglobosa (50%), Anogeissus leiocarpus (25%), Annona senegalensis (12.5%) and Mangifera indica (12.5%). Authors attest that the presence of phytoparasitic polypores in a plant formation is an indicator of aging hence the urgency to put in place the appropriate measures to safeguard and restore Tin’s plant formation.

A review of selected parasitic plants in Nigeria:converting harms to benefits

Parasitic plants are challenging to agricultural crops and forestry development,which are sources of major revenues in several countries,including Nigeria.Nevertheless,parasitic plants are important to human society as they have an abundance of bioactive compounds with pharmacological relevance.Thus,it becomes expedient to know the benefits of these plants and potential means of management.This review discusses four selected parasitic plants in Nigeria,namely Viscum album,Striga hermonthica,Tapinanthus bangwensis and Cuscuta campestris.Relevant information about their pharmacological relevance and biocontrol was obtained from credible databases,including the National Library of Medicine,SCOPUS,and Google Scholar.The review showed that all four plants have been extensively studied for their antioxidant and antitumor properties.Also,antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities are common pharmacological values among parasitic plants.These are largely due to the presence of abundant beneficial classes of phytocompounds.Furthermore,there is an increasing number of biocontrol studies on the use of microorganisms,such as Phaeobotryosphaeria visci,Sphaeropsis visci,Pandoraea pulminicol,Colletotrichum gloeosporioides,and Fusarium oxysporum in controlling and managing these seemingly disastrous plants.It is hoped that this review will spur further studies into the conservation and proper management of parasitic plants using strategically developed biocontrol.

Proteome changes in the plasma of Pieris rapae parasitized by the endoparasitoid wasp Pteromalus puparum

Parasitism by the endoparasitoid wasp Pteromalus puparum causes alterations in the plasma proteins of Pieris rapae. Analysis of plasma proteins using a proteomic approach showed that seven proteins were differentially expressed in the host pupae after 24-h parasitism. They were masquerade-like serine proteinase homolog (MSPH), enolase (Eno), bilin-binding protein (BBP), imaginal disc growth factor (IDGF), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), cellular retinoic acid binding protein (CRABP), and one unknown function protein. The full length cDNA sequences of MSPH, Eno, and BBP were successfully cloned using rapid amplification of cDNA ends-polymerase chain reaction (RACE-PCR). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis indicated that the transcript levels of MSPH and BBP in the fat bodies of host pupae were inducible in response to the parasitism and their variations were consistent with translational changes of these genes after parasitism, while the transcript levels of Eno and IDGF were not affected by parasitism. This study will contribute to the better understanding of the molecular bases of parasitoid-induced host alterations associated with innate immune responses, detoxification, and energy metabolism.

Automated detection of parasitized Cadra cautella eggs by Trichogramma bourarachae using machine vision

Cadra(Ephestia)cautella(Walker)is a moth that attacks dates from ripening stages while on tree,throughout storage,and until consumption,causing enormous qualitative and quantitative damages,resulting in economic losses.Image-processing algorithms were developed for detecting and differentiating between three Cadra egg categories based on the success of Trichogramma bourarachae(Pintureau and Babaul)parasitization.These categories were parasitized(black and dark red),unparasitized fertile unhatched(yellow),and unparasitized hatched(white)eggs.Color,light intensity,and shape information was used to develop detection algorithms.Two image processing methods were developed based on three randomly selected images and were tested on a larger validation image set of 40 images:(i)segmentation and extractions of color and morphological features followed by Watershed delineation,and is referred to as Algorithm 1(ALGO1),(ii)finding circular objects by Hough Transformation followed by convolution filtering,and is referred to as Algorithm 2(ALGO2).ALGO1 and ALGO2 achieved correct classification rates(CCRs)for parasitized eggs of 92%and 96%,respectively.Their CCRs for unhatched eggs were 48%and 94%,and for hatched eggs were 42%and 73%,respectively.Regarding parasitized eggs,both methods performed satisfactorily,but,in general,ALGO2 outperformed ALGO1.These results ensure automatic evaluation of the efficiency of biological control of Cadra cautella by the egg parasitoid Trichogramma bourarachae by quantifying the rate of parasitization.The developed detection methods can be used by producers of biocontrol agents for online monitoring of Trichogramma and similar insect natural enemies during mass production and before release against crop pests.Moreover,with few adjustments these methods can be used in similar applications such as detecting plant diseases.

Egg rejection and egg recognition mechanism in a Chinese Azure-winged Magpie(Cyanopica cyanus)population

Recognition and rejection of foreign eggs are effective defense of hosts against brood parasitism.However,brood parasitism can impose various selection pressures on different geographic populations of the same host species.In a multiple cuckoo system in China,Azure-winged Magpies(Cyanopica cyanus)are parasitized by both Indian Cuckoos(Cuculus micropterus)and Asian Koels(Eudynamys scolopaceus).In this study,egg recognition ability and recognition mechanism of the Azure-winged Magpie were investigated using a population in Fusong,southeastern Jilin,China.The results showed that 55.6%(20/36)of the Azure-winged Magpies correctly rejected quail(Coturnix japonica)eggs in their nests,while 13.9%(5/36)of the individuals experienced rejection costs by wrongly rejecting their own eggs.Azure-winged Magpies could accurately reject the experimental eggs when the number of such eggs in the nests was the same as that of the magpie eggs.However,Azure-winged Magpies do not recognize and reject conspecific eggs(0/28).The present study indicates that the Azure-winged Magpie has moderate egg recognition ability toward non-mimetic quail eggs and shows a true recognition mechanism with rejecting foreign eggs by accurately recognizing their own eggs.However,they cannot recognize conspecific eggs.