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Chemoreception plays an important role in mediating a diverse range of behaviours, including predation and food selection. In the present study, we combined anatomical observations, electrophysiology and proteomics to investigate sensilla that mediate chemoreception on the antenna and the legs of Tribolium. Scanning electron microscopy was used to differentiate the coxal and trochanteral segments of the pro-, meso- and metathoracic legs by the presence of sensilla trichoidea and chaetica, while the antennae were covered with five types of sensilla (chaetica, basiconica, trichoidea, squamiformia and coeloconica). Antenna morphology and ultrastructure were similar in both sexes. Electrophysiological recordings allowed us to characterize a row of small sensilla basiconica on the terminal segment of the antenna as taste receptors, responding to sucrose and NaCl. Proteomics investigations of antennae and legs yielded several proteins with specific interest for those involved in chemoreception. Odorant-binding proteins were antenna-specific, while chemosensory proteins were detected in both tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a research conducted in order to investigate the role of cuticular hydrocarbons in Tribolium brevicornis (T. brevicornis) as feeding deterrents that function to prevent pupal cannibalism and predation. It discusses the characterization of the cuticular hydrocarbons of T. brevicornis pupae using flour disk bioassays. The study revealed the role of cuticular chemistry of T. brevicornis pupae in deterring predation by conspecific and congeneric beetles.

Historical and recent aerial photograph and satellite images were analysed to study the change of land use/land cover and soil degradation in different agroecological zones of Nigeria and Benin. The sites were characterized by an expansion of farmland at the expense of forest and shrub, fallow and uncultivated land, at an increasing rate due to population growth, food demand and land scarcity. Sheet and gully erosion were the consequences of the land use intensification and have destroyed extensive areas of farmland and grazing land. Reduced agricultural and livestock production, declining revenue, as well as increased conflict from resource competition between farmers and pastoralists are expected for the future. To combat these problems, improved land use management through continuing land inventory, generating an environmental database, developing land use plans and controlling erosion through adequate soil conservation measures are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article related to the development of the ear trainer model.