Determination of host-associated variability in the shape of the mandible of white rice stem borer Scirpophaga innotata (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae
Journal Title: Advances in Environmental Sciences - International Journal of the Bioflux Society - Year 2011, Vol 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Host-plant modifications are known to promote high taxonomic diversity and ecomorphological disparity among its insect-herbivores. Studies on mouthpart morphology specifically the mandible are central to understanding these adaptive modifications as they are used as major feeding apparatus. In this study, mandible shape of a monophagous white rice stem borer, Scirpophaga innotata Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) which were obtained from different host-plant rice cultivars were assessed using image analysis and Elliptic Fourier techniques. Contours of the mandibles were extracted via chain-coding and principal component analyses were performed to determine patterns of shape differences. Observed variation ranges from the arrangement and length of its teeth, from the basal and external margins and the contour of the side of attachment from the body. The greatest variations accounted by the first two principal components (PC’s) are on the arrangement, length and number of its teeth which is attributable to continuous wear of the individual mandible in effect of the biochemical properties of the plant. Intra-population variation is associated with the influence of rice plant morphological characteristics associated with resistance or susceptibility to white stem borer.
Authors and Affiliations
Alma Alegre, Mark Torres, Cesar Demayo
Mining-induced land use and landscape changes in Roşia Montană metallogenetic field during the last 90 years.
The paper analyses the changes in landscape induced by the occurrence of mining wastes structures and exploitation voids, as a result of the mining activities in the last 90 years in Rosia Montana metallogenetic field. T...
Drinking water quality assessment of rural wells from Aiud Are
The present paper presents the assessment of physico-chemical quality of drinking water coming from rural wells of Aiud area (villages: Măgina, Livezile, Poiana Aiudului, Vălişoara). Water quality was evaluated through a...
Influence of short- and long-term exposition to Roundup on the spontaneous and hormonally stimulated LH secretion and gills condition in Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio)
Roundup is the most extensively used herbicide in world agriculture. In the present study we examined the influence of Roundup at the concentration of 15 mg L-1on luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and reproduction of Pr...
The influence of parasites on harmful insects of the deciduous forests of the north of Argeş county
This article presents a study on the parasites of harmful insects of the acacia and oak forests from the superior basin of Doamnei river. Between 2008-2011, we identified in these forests the following species of harmful...
Strategic elements for an evaluation of extreme events risk
Extreme events, especially those generated by climate change, have been scientifically approached for a better understanding of their causes as well as for finding efficient ways in which potential damages be diminished...