Search

Microplastics (MPs) have become a prominent environmental concern due to their ubiquity in various ecosystems and widespread distribution through multiple channels. In this study, the oral effects of 2,000 mesh polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microplastics were tested against Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen), at concentrations of 0, 0.1, 1, 10, and 20. After exposure to a microplastic-containing medium for 20 days, energy metabolism, fecundity, spontaneous movement, and sleeping time were measured. The study results showed that glucose levels in male flies were significantly reduced after exposure to PTFE-MPs. Measurement of lipid and protein levels indicated an increase in males but decrease in females, whereas these changes were not statistically significant. Reduction in sleep time was also observed, especially in males at the concentration of 20 g/l. Our study indicates that chronic exposure of PTFE-MPs can change energy metabolism and the amount of sleep on D. melanogaster in a sex dependent and dose dependent way. The results of our study are hoped to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of microplastics as new pollutants on insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loaches are highly nutritious and global demand has been recognized for only few species especially of ornamental importance. Lepidocephalichthys thermalis is an important food species of loach fetching high market price but there is limited data related to its nutritional requirements and reproductive biology. Therefore, a detailed study was carried out to analyze the effect of vitamin enriched diets on the captive maturation and breeding performance of L. thermalis. Vitamins A, C and E were incorporated at three different doses in basal feed containing 23% C.P and fed to brooders for a period of 90 days. Fecundity, GSI, gonad histology, hormone (cortisol and progesterone) variations, breeding performance and growth parameters were recorded. Significant differences in the growth and breeding performance of female brooder under different treatments were noted. Among the selected vitamins, incorporation of vitamin C at 150 mg/kg of diet resulted in maximum mean weight gain (2.51 ± 0.043 g), mean weight gain percentage (70.74 ± 1.219), mean DGR (0.16 ± 0.003) and mean SGR (3.13 ± 0.0037). Based on the histological observation, maximum maturity of L. thermalis was obtained when fed with diet incorporated with 200 mg/kg vitamin E. All the treatments recorded higher mean estimated growth and maturation parameters when compared to control and were significantly different (p<0.05). The results obtained were statistically analysed using One way ANOVA following Duncan multiple range test in SPSS-22.0 to compare the significant differences in growth parameters among all treatments and discussion was made in the light of available literatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The white‐backed planthopper (WPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is a destructive rice pest with strong reproductive capacity. To gain insights into the roles of chitinases in the reproductive process of this insect species, this study represents the first‐ever endeavor to conduct an in‐depth exploration into the reproductive functions of four chitinase genes. RESULTS: In this study, it was observed that four chitinase genes were expressed in female adults, with a relatively high expression level in the ovaries. SfCht2 and SfIDGF1 were highly expressed during later ovarian development. while SfENGase increased and then decreased with ovarian development. SfCht2, SfCht6‐2 and SfENGase were highly expressed in fat body on the first and second days after eclosion, whereas SfIDGF1 highest on day 7. Compared with control group, Silencing four chitinase genes inhibited ovarian development and significantly shortened the oviposition period of S. furcifera, reducing egg‐laying capacity but not affecting egg hatching. The detection demonstrated that the expression levels of SfVg, SfVgR and 70–90% juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathway‐related reproductive genes was significantly down‐regulated. Moreover, SfCht6‐2 and SfENGase significantly affected the expression levels of Target of Rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway genes. SfENGase had the ability to impact nutrient signaling pathways and fatty acid metabolism, repressing vitellogenin synthesis and ultimately influencing ovarian development of S. furcifera. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study provides insight into the function of chitinases in insect fecundity and is of great significance for enriching the cognition of insect chitinase function. They will become the suitable target genes for controlling the most destructive rice planthoppers. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endemic (small-ranged) species are distributed non-randomly across the globe. Regions of high topography and stable climates have higher endemism than flat, climatically unstable regions. However, it is unclear how these environmental conditions interact with and filter mammalian traits. Here, we characterize the functional traits of highly endemic mammalian assemblages in multiple ways, testing the hypothesis that these assemblages are trait-filtered (less functionally diverse) and dominated by species with traits associated with small range sizes. Compiling trait data for more than 5000 mammal species, we calculated assemblage means and multidimensional functional metrics to evaluate the distribution of traits across each assemblage. We then related these metrics to the endemism of global World Wildlife Fund ecoregions using linear models and phylogenetic fourth-corner regression. Highly endemic mammalian assemblages had small average body masses, low fecundity, short lifespans and specialized habitats. These traits relate to the stable climate and rough topography of endemism hotspots and to mammals' ability to expand their ranges, suggesting that the environmental conditions of endemism hotspots allowed their survival. Furthermore, species living in endemism hotspots clustered near the edges of their communities' functional spaces, indicating that abiotic trait filtering and biotic interactions act in tandem to shape these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present study was to determine the heritability of some productive traitsin sheep of Ile de France breed. The study was conducted with 369 ewes and 473 lambs of Ile de France breed for the period 2016-2020, bred at the Experimental Base of the Institute of Animal Science -- Kostinbrod. Biological fecundity was determined as the ratio of the litter size, stillbirths and aborted lambs to the number of lambed ewes. Live weights were measured at birth, at 10 days, at 30 days and at 70 days, with a deviation of ± 2 days. The information was processed using the methods of variational statistics. A variance analysis was performed using NOVA model, significance of the effect of the factor was determined by the values of Fisher's F-criterion, and the significance of the differences between the studied groups -- by the Student's t-test, with the statistical software Data Analysis, Excel 2021, Microsoft. The coefficients of the heritability of the studied productive traits were estimated. A significant effect of the year of lambing F = 2.725* on biological fecundity and the year of birth on the live weight at birth F = 5.721***, at 10 days F = 23.875***, at 30 days F = 14.363*** and at 70 days of age F = 44.715*** was found. The average fecundity of the ewes was 154%. There were statistically significant differences for the average live weight of lambs at different stages of development depending on the year of birth. Estimated heritability values for biological fecundity h²-0,03* and live weight at birth h²-0.05***, at 10 days h²-0.18***, at 30 days h²-0.12***, and at 70 days of age h²-0.30*** were from low to average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

17β-Estradiol (E2) has been widely detected in natural water and treatment with E2 induces potential endocrine disrupting effects in fish. However, effects on fish fecundity and steroid system after treatment with environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 for the full sexual maturation cycle remain unclear. In this study, zebrafish were treatment with 0, 10 or 100 ng/L E2 from embryo to adult stage, and effects on gonadal development and differentiation, steroid hormone levels, transcription of genes associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPG) axis in adults and fertilization rate of offspring were assessed. The results showed that treatment with E2 lead to increased number of feminization in zebrafish. In females, E2 decreased cumulative amount of spawning and inhibited the maturation of oocyte. In males, E2 inhibited the maturation and motility of sperm, as well as decreased the movement speed of sperm. These adverse effects on sperm might be responsible for the reduced fertilization observed in offspring. In addition, treatment with E2 changed the levels of steroid hormones in zebrafish gonad and altered the transcriptional levels of genes associated with HPG axis, which is responsible for the regulation of germ cells maturation and gonadal development in zebrafish. Overall, these results suggested that treatment with environmentally relevant concentrations of E2 for the full sexual maturity cycle resulted in adverse effects on reproduction in zebrafish. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the length–weight relationship (LWR) and various reproductive parameters of Sardinella melanura caught by artisanal fishers using gillnets along the coast of Phetchaburi. The LWRs were significant (p < 0.001) in female, male, and combined sexes, with corresponding LWR equations of W = 0.0077L3.0616 (r2 = 0.867), W = 0.0067L3.1055 (r2 = 0.890), and W = 0.0061L3.1473 (r2 = 0.893), respectively. Regression coefficients (b) indicated isometric growth in females and males, while in pooled samples, b showed positive allometric growth. The relative condition factors (Kn) (mean ± SE) were 1.02 ± 0.004 in females and 0.99 ± 0.004 in males, and reached a peak in September. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) reached a peak in September, and the breeding season was between August and October. The relative fecundity estimates (mean ± SE) were 2249.3 ± 80.8 eggs⋅cm–1 and 1037.7 ± 27.9 eggs⋅g–1. The relationship equations for fecundity–length and fecundity–weight were F = 2.6943 SL3.79 (r2 = 0.587) and F = 603.5 + 1012.9 W (r2 = 0.512), respectively. Examples are presented to show how the results of this study could help fishery managers develop appropriate conservation management strategies for this species in the Inner Gulf of Thailand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mate choice is a fundamental behavior of polyandrous insects, in which individuals prefer mates that exhibit characteristic traits of higher reproductive quality. Tuta absoluta (Meyrick 1917) is the main pest in tomato cultivation and is difficult to control. Pheromones-based strategies; including monitoring, mass trapping and mating disruption; are recommended within integrated pest management of this pest. However, significant losses in tomato production are still reported despite the effective capture of males suggesting a potential failure of the used pheromones-based technologies in the field. As this situation may be related to the sexual behavior of this species, this study aimed to investigate how male's characteristics, such as body weight, mating status, and age, influence the reproductive behavior of T. absoluta females and thus understanding the reported efficacy losses. First, we conducted a set of tests in which females were allowed to choose between males of different weights, mating status, and age. The effects of mating with males presenting the most contrasting characteristics on the females, reproductive outputs and longevity were assessed. Our results show that females of T. absoluta prefer males with higher reproductive quality (young, virgin and heavy) and that the male's body weight had a direct influence on the increased longevity and reproductive performance of females. Understanding the reproductive success of these insects can help develop more effective control technologies to better reduce losses in tomato production caused by this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst, 1783) is an important commercial crab with a wide distribution along the Indian coast. In Kerala it is landed mainly in trawls, and ranks first in the landings in most years, recording about 50% of the crab landings of the state during 2012-2019, with the exception of 2014. Females dominate the fishery and their sizes range between 55 and 170 mm carapace width (CW), with 90-110 mm being dominant in the landings. Berried females are recorded throughout the year, without any regular dominance in a particular month, although during March-May good percentages of these are observed in overall landings. Newly spawned eggs are bright yellow/orange in colour, with an average size of 270 μ m, and by the time of hatching the colour changes to dark grey, and it takes 8-10 days to hatch to the first zoea stage. Fecundity in numbers of eggs varied between 80 960 and 2 357 004 with an average of 512 914 for females of different size groups from 81 to 170 mm CW. Captive studies showed that the species is capable of multiple spawnings, with a maximum of three in an intermoult cycle. Size at maturity (LM50) in females was estimated at 86.5 mm CW and in males at 80.1 mm CW. All the females were mature above 120 mm CW and mature females below 70 mm CW were not recorded in the landed crabs. The smallest size of the mature and berried females recorded in the landings was 71 mm CW/22 g and 80 mm CW/32 g, respectively. In the landings, males comprised sizes between 51-170 mm carapace width (CW) with 91-105 mm forming the major size group contributing to the fishery. In males, 100% maturity was observed in crabs above the size of 95 mm CW, whereas sizes below 60 mm CW were immature. The smallest size of the mature male crab recorded in the landings was 60 mm CW/16 g. Minimum Legal Size (MLS) was implemented in the state in 2016 and for P. sanguinolentus. MLS is fixed at 70 mm CW and it has been proven that this helps in the sustainable utilization of the resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past half a century many countries have witnessed a rapid fall in total fertility rates, particularly in the world's most advanced economies including the industrial powerhouses of Eastern Asia and Europe. Such nations have now passed through the first and second demographic transitions and are currently exhibiting fertility rates well below the replacement threshold of 2.1, with no sign of recovery. This paper examines the factors responsible for driving these demographic transitions and considers their impact on both fertility and fecundity (our fundamental capacity to reproduce). I argue that because the first demographic transition was extremely rapid and largely driven by socioeconomic factors, it has had no lasting impact on the genetic/epigenetic underpinnings of human fecundity. However, the second demographic transition will be different. A series of conditions associated with low fertility societies, including relaxed selection pressure for high-fertility genotypes, the indiscriminate use of assisted reproductive technologies to treat human infertility, and environmental contamination with reproductive toxicants, may impact our genetic constitution in ways that compromise the future fecundity of our species. Since any fundamental change in the genetic foundations of human reproduction will be difficult to reverse, we should actively pursue methods to monitor human fecundity, as sub-replacement fertility levels become established across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma parasitoids are effective biocontrol agents and a reliable component of integrated strategies against lepidopterous pests. The success of these parasitoids in pest management relies not only on their ability to parasitize their hosts but also on their adaptation to the climatic conditions of the release area, particularly temperature. The expression of life history traits of Trichogramma spp. can vary significantly with temperature, depending on the species or strains being tested. Trichogramma cacoeciae (Marchal), T. euproctidis (Girault), T. minutum (Riley), and T. brassicae (Bezdenko) (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) are currently used in biocontrol programs against important lepidopteran pests. We aimed to assess the temperature sensitivity of these parasitoids during oviposition and preadult development, and to identify the most tolerant species to high temperatures conditions commonly encountered in Mediterranean Basin countries during the growing seasons. The biological characteristics of the four species were determined at seven temperature regimes expressed as temperatures during oviposition and preadult development (25/25, 25/30, 25/35, 25/40, 30/30, 35/35 and 40/40 °C), using Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs. Trichogramma cacoeciae showed the highest level of parasitism at 30/30 °C, while the other species exhibited the highest levels at 25/25 °C and 25/30 °C. All Trichogramma species were able to develop and survive from 25 °C to 35 °C, but not at 40 °C. Temperature significantly affected the longevity and fecundity of female progeny, with both decreasing when the temperature increased from 25 °C to 35 °C. When exposed to 35/35 °C, T. cacoeciae demonstrated the most optimal performance in terms of parasitization efficiency, developmental capacity, progeny longevity, and fecundity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Floral resources have been increasingly utilized in conservation-based biological control to support the natural enemies of insect pests or pest mites. The native predatory mite Neoseiulus bicaudus, found in Xinjiang, plays a crucial role in the integrated pest management of agricultural crops. The aim of this experiment was to compare the impacts of floral resources on the longevity, fecundity, and predation ability of N. bicaudus. Finally, a comparative analysis of the adaptation of eight nectar and pollen plants to N. bicaudus was performed, as well as further investigation into the effect of pollen from these nectar and pollen plants on the predation ability of predatory mites. The obtained results have significant implications for the utilization of nectar and pollen plants for eco-friendly pest mite control in farmland. Neoseiulus bicaudus is a predatory mite species that could potentially be used for the biological control of spider mites and thrips. Floral resources can provide excellent habitats and abundant nutrients for natural enemies. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of eight floral resources on the longevity, fecundity, and predation ability of N. bicaudus. Among the considered plants, Cnidium monnieri led to the highest longevity (24 days) and fecundity (13.8 eggs) of N. bicaudus, while Tagetes erecta resulted in the lowest longevity (7 days) and fecundity (0.1 eggs) observed in the predatory mites. By comparing the effects of three nectar and pollen plants on the predation of predatory mites, it was observed that N. bicaudus still exhibited a type II functional response to Tetranychus turkestani. In the presence of pollen, the predation efficacy (a/Th) of N. bicaudus exhibited a lower value, compared to that in the absence of pollen (Control: a/Th = 24.00). When pollen was supplied, the maximum consumption (1/Th) of predatory mites was higher than in its absence (Control: 1/Th = 9.90 d−1), with the highest value obtained in the presence of B. officinalis pollen (B. officinalis: 1/Th = 17.86 d−1). The influence coefficient of predation of N. bicaudus on T. turkestani in the presence of pollen was compared in the presence of three nectar and pollen plants: Cnidium monnieri, Centaurea cyanus, and Borago officinalis. At low prey densities, the influence coefficient of C. cyanus exceeded that of B. officinalis, and the overall influence coefficient values were negative (i.e., the presence of pollen reduced predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani). They exhibited similar values at high prey densities, and all of the influence coefficient values were close to 0 (i.e., the presence of pollen had no effect on predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani). The findings revealed that diverse plant species exert differential impacts on N. bicaudus, with some influencing its lifespan and others affecting its reproductive capabilities. Furthermore, the presence of nectar and pollen plants had a significant impact on predatory mite feeding on T. turkestani at low prey densities; however, this effect diminished as the prey density increased. Therefore, we recommend planting C. monnieri, C. cyanus, and B. officinalis in the field to ensure an ample population of predatory mites. The obtained results hold significant implications for the utilization of nectar and pollen plants in eco-friendly pest management strategies within agricultural contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inactive ovaries of cattle caused a significant economic loss, so the current study is intended to recover and enhance the fertility of dairy cattle suffering from anestrus by kisspeptin-10. Forty Holstein Friesian cows, aged 3.5-6.8 years with inactive ovaries for 60-70 days of postpartum, were distributed randomly into four equal groups. The control (C) group administered 5 mL intramuscularly (I.M) of normal saline, Gn group administered 0.5 mg/animal I.M of GnRH. K1 and K2 were administered with 6 μg/kg BW I.M and 12 μg/kg BW I.M of kisspeptin-10, respectively. After heat signs were detected, artificial insemination was performed. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 6, 24, and 72 hours post-hormonal injection to estimate fertility hormones, and fecundity features were demonstrated after hormonal treatment and after twelve months. The current results noted a significant (p<0.05) increment in estradiol, FSH, and LH in K1 and K2 cows compared to Gn and C at 6-24 h post hormonal treatment, while progesterone showed a significant (p<0.05) drop in K1, Gn, and K2 in comparison with C. Also, the calving and fertility rates were significantly higher (p<0.05) in K2 and K1 compared with Gn and C after hormonal treatment and after one year. The kisspeptin-10 injection improved the fertility of anestrus cows by enhancing the reproductive hormonal profile and fertility traits for long-term effects and without requiring a second kisspeptin-10 injection in Holstein Friesian cows; therefore, administration of kisspeptin-10 can be regarded as an alternative application of using some hormones like GnRH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inbreeding can have detrimental effects on reproductive fitness, but the extent of lineage-specific variation in these effects remains poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of brother and sister inbreeding on reproductive fitness in 2 lineages (L1 and T) of T. tabaci. Inbred females from both lineages exhibited a significant reduction in longevity compared with the control group. The L1 lineage experienced a 27% and 43% decrease in longevity in the F2 and F3 generations, respectively, while the T lineage showed a similar trend with a 30% and 44% decrease. The T lineage consistently displayed slightly longer lifespans than the L1 lineage across all generations. Brother and sister inbreeding also led to a decrease in fecundity rates in both lineages. In the F3 generation, the number of eggs laid decreased by 59% compared with the F2 generation. The T lineage consistently exhibited slightly lower fecundity rates compared with the L1 lineage. Egg hatchability rates declined with subsequent inbreeding, with the F3 generation showing lower rates compared with the F2 generation. However, the T lineage did not exhibit a significant difference in inbreeding depression for egg hatchability rates, while the L1 lineage demonstrated a noticeable decrease. Deformities observed in male L1 lineage resulting from inbreeding were consistent with disruptions in normal developmental processes, affecting various body parts such as legs, antennae, and wings. Continued inbreeding increased susceptibility to inbreeding depression in terms of longevity, fecundity, and egg hatchability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

STUDY QUESTION Is fecundity, measured as time to pregnancy (TTP), associated with mortality in parents? SUMMARY ANSWER Prolonged TTP is associated with increased mortality in both mothers and fathers in a dose–response manner. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Several studies have linked both male and female fecundity to mortality. In women, infertility has been linked to several diseases, but studies suggest that the underlying conditions, rather than infertility, increase mortality. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective cohort study was carried out on 18 796 pregnant couples, in which the pregnant women attended prophylactic antenatal care between 1973 and 1987 at a primary and tertiary care unit. The couples were followed in Danish mortality registers from their child's birth date until death or until 2018. The follow-up period was up to 47 years, and there was complete follow-up until death, emigration or end of study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS At the first antenatal visit, the pregnant women were asked to report the time to the current pregnancy. Inclusion was restricted to the first pregnancy, and TTP was categorised into <12 months, ≥12 months, not planned, and not available. In sub-analyses, TTP ≥12 was further categorized into 12–35, 36–60, and >60 months. Information for parents was linked to several Danish nationwide health registries. Survival analysis was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) with a 95% CI for survival and adjusted for age at the first attempt to become pregnant, year of birth, socioeconomic status, mother's smoking during pregnancy, and mother's BMI. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mothers and fathers with TTP >60 months survived, respectively, 3.5 (95% CI: 2.6–4.3) and 2.7 (95% CI: 1.8–3.7) years shorter than parents with a TTP <12 months. The mortality was higher for fathers (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09–1.34) and mothers (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12–1.49) with TTP ≥12 months compared to parents with TTP <12 months. The risk of all-cause mortality during the study period increased in a dose–response manner with the highest adjusted HR of 1.98 (95% CI: 1.62–2.41) for fathers and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.56–2.63) for mothers with TTP >60 months. Prolonged TTP was associated with several different causes of death in both fathers and mothers, indicating that the underlying causes of the relation between fecundity and survival may be multi-factorial. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limitation is that fecundity is measured using a pregnancy-based approach. Thus, the cohort is conditioned on fertility success and excludes sterile couples, unsuccessful attempts and spontaneous abortions. The question used to measure TTP when the pregnant woman was interviewed at her first attended prophylactic antenatal care: 'From the time you wanted a pregnancy until it occurred, how much time passed?' could potentially have led to serious misclassification if the woman did not answer on time starting unprotected intercourse but on the start of wishing to have a child. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS We found that TTP is a strong marker of survival, contributing to the still-emerging evidence that fecundity in men and women reflects their health and survival potential. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The authors acknowledge an unrestricted grant from Ferring. The funder was not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article, or the decision to submit it for publication. M.L.E. is an advisor to Ro, VSeat, Doveras, and Next. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The present study investigated the population structure and breeding biology of the burrowing brachyuran crab species Dotilla blanfordi Alcock, 1900, which is commonly found on the sandy beach of Bhavnagar, located on the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat coast, India. Methods. Monthly sampling was conducted from February 2021 to January 2022 at the time of low tide using three line transects perpendicular to the water line, intercepted by a quadrate (0.25 m²) each at three different levels of the middle intertidal region: 20 m, 70 m, and 120 m. The quadrate area was excavated up to 30 cm and sieved for specimen collection. The collected specimens were categorised into different sexes viz., male, non-ovigerous female, or ovigerous female. For the fecundity study of D. blanfordi, the carapace width (mm) as a measure of size as well as their wet weight (g), size, number, and mass of their eggs were also recorded. Results. The study revealed sexual dimorphism among the population, with females having significantly smaller sizes as compared to males. The overall population was skewed towards females, with a bimodal distribution of males and females. The occurrence of ovigerous females throughout the year suggests that the population breeds incessantly throughout the year, with the highest occurrence in August and September. A positive correlation was observed between the morphology of crabs (carapace width and wet body weight) and the size, number, and mass of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional condition and body size influence the mating and female remating behaviour of a predaceous ladybird, Coccinella transversalis. When well-fed males were provided with females of three different dietary conditions, viz. (i) well-fed, (ii) food-deprived and (iii) honey-fed, the well-fed ones were most fecund with highest percentage of egg-viability and least preoviposition period and remating refusals, while food-deprived ones showed vice-versa. However, honey-fed females laid unfertile eggs after coercively mating with males, and resisted the most to remate, which gets strengthened in the second mating trial. This indicates females' nutritional condition modulates the females' mating behaviour and post-mating outcomes. The adult body size was directly proportional to reproductive output with heavier females showing high fecundity and percentage of egg viability with least preoviposition period than the lighter ones. Large females resisted the least to remate with larger males than with smaller males, while large males coercively mated with smaller females. Regardless of body-size, the females' remating resistance was enhanced in the second mating trial. Both diet and adult body size modulate the re-mating behaviour of female C. transversalis, as the food-deprived and large females greatly resisted to re-mate with smaller males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aptness of two hosts viz., cotton and brinjal for mass rearing of Aphis gossypii Glover under laboratory conditions was investigated using the age-stage and two-sex lifetable method. The results showed that A. gossypii could complete its entire lifecycle on both hosts. The total nymphal duration (7.93± 0.33 days), reproductive period (6.95± 0.60 days), adult longevity (8.11± 0.68 days) and fecundity (24.66± 2.34 days) were significantly higher on brinjal than on cotton. The differences in pre-reproductive and postreproductive periods on both hosts were not statistically significant. The mean reproductive period was longer on brinjal (6.95± 0.56 days) than that on cotton (5.06± 0.47 days); consequently, the fecundity was also significantly high in brinjal (24.66± 2.34 nymphs/ female) compared to cotton (14.11± 1.31 nymphs/ female). The difference in an intrinsic rate of increase, infinite rate of increase and doubling time were non-significant. In contrast, the net reproductive rate, gross reproduction rate, and mean generation time on brinjal were significantly higher. Lifetable parameters such as age-stage-specific survival rates, fecundity, life expectancy and reproductive value of A. gossypii were higher on brinjal compared to cotton. The results of this study indicate that brinjal is a better host than cotton for the mass rearing of A. gossypii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A laboratory experiment was conducted to study the biology of pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) on cotton at four different temperature levels. It was found that males have a considerably shorter total life cycle duration on cotton at 35±1°C (29.5 days) followed by 30±1°C (37.2 days), 25±1°C (46.9 days) and highest at 20±1°C (50.8 days). Similarly, minimum total life cycle duration of female P. gossypiella was recorded at 35±1°C (30.2 days) followed by 30±1°C (38.0 days), 25±1°C (47.3 days) and maximum at 20±1°C (51.7 days). The highest fecundity was observed at 30±1°C (106.2) followed by 25±1°C (100.1), 35±1°C (60.1) and lowest at 20±1°C (55.2). Male as to female sex ratio was highest at 35±1°C (1:1.5) followed by 25±1°C (1:1.4), 30±1°C (1:1.3) and lowest at 20±1°C (1:1.2). These findings revealed that variation in temperature significantly influences the life cycle duration, fecundity and sex ratio of pink bollworms on cotton, with higher temperatures accelerating development and enhancing reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The age and sex composition of the schools, food activity, the age of sexual maturity, breeding period and fecundity of the alien species Prussian carp indicate the presence of favorable environmental conditions for its wide distribution in the reservoirs of Armenia. The ratio of female/male of Prussian carp in most of the studied reservoirs was 3 : 1; most of the fish were diploids. The age composition of Prussian carp usually has 4 age groups, with maximum of 7 groups, and a minimum of 3 age groups. The age of sexual maturity of Prussian carp differs in the northern (1+ to 4+) and southern (0+ to 3+) populations in Armenia, as well as in flowing and stagnant water bodies. In some reservoirs, the percentage of Prussian carp in catches has increased over the past decades, which negatively affects the local fish species composition. This fact may indicate the formation of the invasive populations of Prussian carp in Armenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Spodoptera frugiperda, a global agricultural pest, can be effectively controlled through the sterile insect technique. However, exposure to low‐dose radiation below the sterilization threshold may induce hormetic effects. Here, the biphasic aspects of the fertile progeny population of S. frugiperda were analyzed using an age‐stage, two‐sex life table after dosing male and female pupae with 10–350 Gy gamma radiation. RESULTS: The parental sterilizing dose for 6‐day‐old female and male pupae was 200 and 350 Gy, respectively. The total longevity, pre‐adult survival rate, net reproduction rate, and intrinsic growth rate of the offspring population increased with decreasing radiation doses from 250 to 10 Gy. Offspring population of parents treated with low doses of 10–100 Gy showed better life table parameters compared to non‐irradiated controls. Females and males fecundity irradiated with 10, 50, and 100 Gy and 10 Gy, respectively, exceeded controls, producing 2339.4, 2726.4, 2311, and 2369 eggs, as opposed to 1802.9 eggs produced by the controls. Males irradiated with 10 Gy displayed the highest intrinsic rates of increase and net reproduction rate, at 0.1709 and 682.3, respectively. Projections from the survival rate and fecundity indicated that female and male S. frugiperda populations after 10 Gy irradiation may grow considerably faster than the controls. CONCLUSION: This study explores the hormetic effects of low‐dose radiation on S. frugiperda through life table analysis, while providing enhancements for utilizing substerilizing gamma dose in a modified F1 sterility technique. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Temperature plays a critical role in the development and reproductive process of insects, therefore understanding how insects respond to temperature is vital for comprehending and predicting their population dynamics, particularly when it comes to agricultural pests. Spodoptera eridania Stoll is a polyphagous pest that has recently expanded its distribution beyond its native range. In this study, we assessed the impact of temperature on the reproduction of S. eridania and used the obtained data to develop an oviposition model that could be used to predict egg‐laying behavior under field conditions. The reproductive parameters were evaluated at temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 28, and 32 °C. RESULTS: Temperature had a significant impact on the reproductive parameters examined. Overall, as temperature increased, the pre‐oviposition period, oviposition period, and longevity decreased. Total fecundity exhibited a bell‐shaped response to temperature, with peak egg‐laying observed at 20 and 25 °C. In line with the experimental data, our model predicted higher rates of oviposition between 20 and 26 °C, thus reinforcing that this temperature range may represent the optimal conditions for the reproduction of S. eridania. CONCLUSION: The findings from our study provide a significant contribution to the understanding of the ecology of an important agricultural pest. The information generated can have practical applications in developing control strategies by enabling the aligning of the timing of control measures with peaks of reproductive activity. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed-feeding weevil Smicronyx lutulentus Dietz (Curculionidae) was released in South Africa in 2015 to supplement the biological control programme against the invasive annual weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae). Larval feeding within young, developing ovules and larval-induced abortion of adjacent seeds within the flowerheads causes seed destruction, augmenting low levels of natural seed abortion. We studied female fecundity in a glasshouse trial, to identify critical periods in oviposition and inform mass-rearing and field release protocols. Newly emerged mated females displayed a pre-oviposition period of 1–2 weeks, a peak in oviposition after 7–8 weeks and a lifetime fecundity of 324–446 eggs. We also studied the relationship between weevil density and seed damage during two separate glasshouse trials, to facilitate predictions of seed damage under field conditions. Plants exposed to 15 mating pairs of weevils harboured substantially higher proportions of larval-damaged flower buds (75 %) than plants with five pairs (45–56 %) or a single pair (19 %). Larval progeny from five adult pairs caused significantly higher seed inviability (38 %) than progeny from a single pair (14 %), versus the weevil-free control (5 %). Progeny from 15 pairs damaged 30 % of developing seeds, potentially causing up to 60 % seed inviability due to enhanced abortion of neighbouring seeds. Although ≥5 females per plant caused appreciable seed damage, the proportions of unexploited new buds (25–55 %) versus buds with multiple occupancy (≥2 larvae; 35–47 %) indicate the importance of floral phenology in oviposition site selection, as flowerbuds of 2–3 mm are preferred. Although progeny from five females per plant could cause up to 30 % seed reduction, within a week of oviposition, higher densities are required to limit the entry of viable seeds into the soil seed banks.

Background Gonipterus platensis Marelli, 1926 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main defoliating beetles in Eucalyptus plantations. Biological control with egg parasitoids is one of the main control strategies for this pest and a constant supply of fresh host eggs is required to rear the parasitoids. Polyandry can influence Gonipterus oviposition by increasing female fecundity and fertility; however, the high density of individuals in laboratory colonies can lead to male harassment, resulting in lower reproduction rate. The aim of this study was to measure the effects of monoandry and polyandry on the reproduction of G. platensis and the effects of male harassment on laboratory rearing conditions. Methods Reproductive parameters were compared between three treatments: monoandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with the same male; no choice polyandry, where the female was allowed to mate daily with a different male; and polyandry with choice, where the female was allowed to mate daily, but with a choice between five different males. Another experiment varying the density of males was conducted to evaluate the effect of male harassment. Results Polyandry with choice resulted in the longest period of oviposition, highest fecundity and highest number of eggs per egg capsules when compared to monoandrous females. No negative effect related to male harassment in the laboratory, such as decreased fertility, fecundity, or number of eggs per egg capsule, was detected. Conclusion Polyandry contributes to mass rearing as it increases fecundity and oviposition period on females and there is no evidence of male harassment on G. platensis.

Abstract A total of 381 specimens of the tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus collected monthly from May 2017 to May 2018 in the Laguna de Los Patos, Cumaná, Venezuela, to evaluate reproductive parameters of this non-native species. Significant differences were found in relation to average height and weight between males and females, with the highest values in males. The sex ratio was 1:1.5 (males:females), which deviates significantly from the expected 1:1 ratio. The mean length of sexual maturity (Lm50) was 18.0 cm in females and 20.1 cm in males, reflecting that females mature at smaller sizes than males. The monthly variations of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the stages of sexual maturity show two reproductive peaks during the study, in October 2017 and April 2018, coinciding with the rainy and dry seasons in the region respectively. The condition factor (CF) showed significant differences between months, but not between sexes, with an average of 1.87 in females and 1.84 in males. The average absolute fecundity was 921 ± 604.6 eggs per fish, with a relative fecundity of 8.36 ± 3.09 eggs per gram of fish. Differences in oocyte size in mature females confirm that the species can spawn repeatedly over a period, which is considered an important factor for the establishment of tilapia in non-native environments.

Tillandsia landbeckii Phil. is a rootless epiphyte that grows on dunes of the Atacama Desert. There is little information on its naturalhistory, particularly concerning its reproductive ability. To better understand whether sexual reproduction can contribute torecruitment in T. landbeckii, we examined its basic reproductive traits and developed a germination protocol. We marked andcensused plants, as well as collected seeds from four localities along an inland-coast gradient of the southernmost Tillandsia dunein Chile. Seeds were tested for viability and used for germination trials using four culture mediums. Plants vary in size, capsulesize and number of seeds per capsule along the gradient, with larger plants occurring inland. Both the probability of flowering andof producing capsules increased with plant size. However, seed viability was low and did not differ across localities. Germination trialswere successful, but also yielded relatively low germination probabilities. In summary, our results revealed plant size-relatedvariation in T. landbeckii’s reproductive capacity. In spite of this variation, however, low seed viability supports previous findingsthat sexual reproduction scarcely contributes to recruitment in this population; hence propagation of this species may eventually benecessary to promote genetic diversity.

BackgroundAnastatus japonicus Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is a solitary egg endoparasitoid that has been studied for inundative biological control of Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in China. In this study, we assessed the reproductive attributes and functional response of Anastatus japonicus on a factitious host, Antheraea pernyi (Guérin-Méneville) (Lepidoptera: Anthelidae) at 25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% relative humidity and 16 h:8 h light/dark photoperiod.ResultsThe mean lifetime fecundity of Anastatus japonicus females was 404.3 progeny produced over an average oviposition period of 42.3 days. The sex ratio of adult progeny was slightly male biased (51.2%), whereas more female progeny were produced before day 20 of a female's life. Single 1-day-old mated Anastatus japonicus females exhibited a type II functional response to increasing host densities (1-50 eggs), with an inverse host density-dependent pattern of percent parasitism. The upper limit to the daily attack rate was estimated as 7.6 Antheraea pernyi eggs. Furthermore, mutual interference among Anastatus japonicus females occurred when increasing densities of parasitoids (1, 2, 4, 8, 16) were exposed to 30 host eggs.ConclusionLaboratory functional response result revealed that individual Anastatus japonicus might be unable to respond effectively to increasing host density in the field, which could be compensated by releasing larger numbers of wasps. Strong mutual interference among foraging Anastatus japonicus females should be considered in any future inundative biological control programs for the sustainable management of Halyomorpha halys or other host insect pests. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Biometric evaluation and reproductive biology of Oreochromis niloticus were studied from Geray Reservoir. Between November 2021 and August 2022, 316 O. niloticus specimens were collected from this reservoir. The observed male to female sex ratio was 1:1.14, which was statistically insignificant compared with the hypothetical 1:1 sex ratio (X2 = 1.27, p > 0.05). The length-weight relationship was curvilinear with allometric growth (b < 3) and statistically significant from the expected isometric growth pattern (b = 3). The regression equation for females was TW = 0.0264TL2.72 (r2 = 0.90, n = 168), males (TW = 0.0183TL2.79, r2 = 0.93, n = 148), and combined sexes (TW = 0.0229TL2.76, r2 = 0.91, n = 316). Gonadosomatic index (GSI) ranged from 0.8 to 1.4 (males) and 1.8 to 4.9 (females). The breeding season lasted from March to June, with a GSI peak in April. Fecundity ranged from 279 to 1,528 eggs./fish, with a mean of 1,025 eggs./fish. The correlation between absolute fecundity and length was more significant (F = 0.76TL2.8, R2 = 0.94, p < 0.05) than with weight (F = 17.683TW0.71, R2= 0.92, p < 0.05). This study provides basic information on the biology of O. niloticus in the Geray Reservoir for future fishery management tools for the conservation and utilization of this valuable freshwater fish.

【Objective】The key target genes related to late pregnancy, lactation and fecundity in muscle tissue of Holstein cattle were screened, with a view to providing a theoretical basis for further study of gene function.【Method】The dataset GSE62159 from the GEO database on gene expression and fecundity in the muscle of Holstein cattles during late pregnancy, early lactation, and mid lactation were selected. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method was used for gene co- expression analysis, and the obtained modules were associated with late pregnancy, mid lactation and fecundity traits. The genes with connectivity in the top 30 of each module were selected as the Hub genes. The module was analyzed by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network with String website. The gene with the top 30 node connection degree value in PPI network was selected as the core gene, and intersected with Hub gene to obtain the key target genes related to different physiological periods and fecundity in the muscle.【Result】A total of 13 modules were obtained, of which the Green and Blue modules were related to late pregnancy and mid-lactation periods respectively, and the Magenta module was related to fecundity. The functional enrichment analysis of genes in each target module showed that the main functions of genes related to the late pregnancy were substance metabolism, energy metabolism, protein synthesis and secretion, body response to oxidative stress and neurodegeneration; the functions of genes related to mid-lactation included maintenance of stem cell population, protein synthesis and secretion, antigen processing and presentation and occurrence of many diseases; while those related to fecundity included angiogenesis, intrauterine embryonic development and actin filament binding, etc. Three key genes related to late pregnancy, one key gene related to mid-lactation and eight key genes related to fecundity were screened in the muscle of Holstein cattle.【Conclusion】The genes related to and late pregnancy in the muscle of Holstein cattle were identified as EIF5A, ACO2 and EEF1G, and the gene related to mid-lactation as EIF4A2, and the genes related to fecundity as ITGB1, MYH9, TLN1, CAV1, COL4A1, COL4A2, FLNA and HSPG2.

Iranian false spider mite, Cenopalpus irani is one of main pests on apple trees and some fruit trees in Iran. The life table parameters of C. irani were determined on four apple cultivars (Kohanz Golab, Imperial Gala, Lebanon Red, and Granny Smith) under laboratory conditions at 25±1ºC, 60±5% RH, and a photoperiod of 16: 8 h (L: D). The longest and shortest developmental time of immature stages was observed in Kohanz Golab (46.02 days), and Granny Smith (22.60 days), respectively. The lowest and highest survival rate for whole immature stages was 82.85% and 90.00% on Kohanz Golab, and Granny Smith, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) ranged from 0.041 day-1 on Kohanz Golab to 0.089 day-1 on Granny Smith. The mean generation time (T) on the above-mentioned cultivars was 66.04, 55.28, 48.10, and 34.99 days, respectively. The fecundity was also affected by the cultivars; it was the lowest on Kohanz Golab (29.55 eggs/female) and highest on Granny Smith (37.93 eggs/female). The results of the data analysis of different apple cultivars based on some demographic parameters of C. irani mite showed that Granny Smith and Kohenz Gulab cultivars are the most sensitive and resistant hosts to this pest, respectively. The findings of the present study provide new information to design a more comprehensive IPM program for this pest in apple orchards.

Abstract Background Although many countries have shown interest in eliminating malaria, approaches that complement existing vector control interventions are needed because existing methods have been scaled up but malaria still persists. Therefore, the effect of ivermectin administration to cattle was evaluated for its effect on mortality, survivorship and mortality of laboratory reared Anopheles arabiensis. Methods Three calves were randomly selected and injected with ivermectin at a therapeutic dose of 0.2 mg/kg, while the other two calves received no treatment and served as controls. Five tents were constructed for the trial. Calves were housed in tents (one per tent) and then 30 starved female An. arabiensis were introduced into each tent. Only fully engorged females were collected from each tent and placed in different mosquito cages to monitor their mortality, survival and fecundity. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. Results During the follow-up period (until day 21), ivermectin induced significantly higher mortality when compared to controls. It resulted in an average 24-h mortality rate of 81.6% against An. arabiensis on the first day following treatment. 100% An. arabiensis that fed on ivermectin-treated calves on the first day after treatment died within four days. Egg production rate of An. arabiensis that fed on ivermectin-treated calves was significantly lower compared to controls (F = 768.7, P

Abstract Studies on insecticide-induced stimulatory effects in pest insects have become of utmost importance due to their potential implications in pest management. Temperature influences the physiology and biology of ectothermic organisms like pest insects. It can also affect the toxicity and relative efficacy of insecticides that are used in agricultural fields. However, the impact of temperature on the insect stimulatory responses after exposure to mild insecticide-induced stresses has frequently been overlooked. Here, we investigated how different temperature levels (15; 20; 25; 28 °C) can modulate the toxicity of two synthetic insecticides chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and deltamethrin pyrethroid); and subsequently how temperature impacts the survival and reproduction of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae exposed to sublethal concentrations of the two insecticides. Our findings indicated temperature-dependent effects of the two chemicals on mortality, longevity, and the number of nymphs produced by the aphids after lethal and sublethal exposures. In fact, besides the high toxicity induced by temperature at lower concentrations, the change’s magnitude and occurrence of stimulatory responses varied between temperatures and depended on the sublethal concentrations faced by the aphid females. Temperature increase from 15 to 28 °C increased chlorpyrifos and deltamethrin toxicity 4 and fivefold. Sublethal exposure of aphids extended the longevities for individuals treated with chlorpyrifos at 15 (all sublethal concentrations) and 25 °C (LC15 and LC20) and with deltamethrin at 20 (LC1) and 28 °C (LC20). Additionally, the total number of nymphs produced during the females' lifespan was increased after sublethal exposure to chlorpyrifos at 15 °C (LC1, LC5, and LC20) and at 20 °C (LC10) and to deltamethrin at 20 °C (LC1), 25 °C (LC5 and LC10) and 28 °C (LC1, LC5, and LC20). Our results reinforce the importance of a shift from studies focusing on the stimulatory effects of single stresses to studies investigating the effects of stressors’ combinations on insect hormetic response.

Absolute fecundity of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta is investigated for the commercial herd dwelled at Iturup Island. Currently, the herd is formed mostly by fish of hatchery origin but has retained the same species and regional features that distinguished it when it was formed mainly due to natural spawning. The value of absolute fecundity is determined for 3833 females and ranges from 769 to 4400 oocytes. For the fish of two dominant age groups (3+ and 4+), this number usually decreases with age, with the exception of particularly large older fish with greater fecundity. Same factors that promote abundance of hatchery fish in the herd also contribute to decreasing of abortive processes in the ovaries, therefore the absolute fecundity correlates closely and positively with the catch of chum salmon in the coastal waters.

All available information on gametogenesis of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta cited in scientific literature is summarized. The phases of indifferent development and sex differentiation are overviewed, specific features of the testes and ovaries development are noted, forming of fecundity is analyzed.

In this study, some biological characteristics of the invasive moon crab, Matuta victor, which has recently entered the waters of the northeastern Mediterranean, Türkiye, were investigated for the first time. The study was carried out seasonally on sandy bottoms at 0.5-3 m depths along Karataş (Adana, Türkiye) coasts between 2020 -2021. A total of 364 crabs were obtained, 93 females (27 ovigerous), 270 males and one juvenile. The carapace width of female crabs ranged between 27.49-49.30 mm with a mean of 41.55±4.01 mm. The carapace width of male crabs ranged between 21.28-66.70 mm with a mean of 49.15±8.97 mm. Mean carapace length measurements in females and males were 26.83±2.52 mm and 32.71±5.85 mm, and the mean total weights were 8.18±1.99 g and 16.27±7.30 g, respectively. The male:female ratio was 2.16:1. Morphometric relationships indicated negative allometric growth for females, males, and both sexes. Ovigerous females were obtained in all seasons except the winter. The female crabs with carapace widths that ranged between 35.31-48.84 mm and a mean of 41.97±3.29 mm had a mean fecundity of 36822.04±29745.9 eggs.

Brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, is a significant pest widely recognised for its detrimental impact on rice production. Biological agents, such as the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill., can effectively control this pest. B. bassiana, known for its endophytic abilities, colonises various plant tissues. This research aims to assess B. bassiana’s colonosation capacity on rice plants and its impact on nymph mortality and BPH fecundity. Four isolates of B. bassiana (BbWS, Pb211, Td312, and BbJg) were used, each with conidial density of 108 conidia/ml. The application menthod involved soaking rice seeds in the fungus for 24 hours. The results showed that all B. bassiana isolates could successfully establish as endophytes within rice plants, colonising all tissue parts, with leaves exhibiting the highest fungal colonisation at 58%. Seed soaking with B. bassiana reduced eggs hatching by 23.88% and increased nymph mortality by 40%. The presence of B. bassiana in rice tissue also influenced BPH adults fecundity. Notably, the BbWS isolate demonstrated the most significant effectiveness in elevating nymph mortality and reducing BPH fecundity.

Nitrogen fertilization is widely known to affect plant metabolism, which subsequently influences phytophagous insects through a bottom-up effect. The interplay between plants and insects is often overlooked in studies examining the effects of nitrogen fertilization on insect performance. Here, we assessed the performance of green and red morphs of pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum feeding on alfalfa Medicago truncatula with and without nitrogen fertilization and examined how nitrogen fertilization and aphid infestation affect plant amino acid composition and phytohormone-dependent defenses. The results showed that nitrogen fertilization significantly enhanced the growth rate and fecundity of the green-morph aphid but only slightly increased the growth rate of the red morph. The feeding behaviors of the two morphs of aphid were similarly inhibited by nitrogen fertilization, manifested as prolonged stylet pathway duration and shortened phloem ingestion duration. With nitrogen fertilization, the green-morph-aphid-infested plant accumulated more free amino acids, particularly essential amino acids, when compared with the red-morph aphid. Furthermore, the infestation of both morphs of aphid repressed the expression of genes involved in salicylic acid-dependent defense while enhancing those involved in jasmonic acid/ethylene signaling under nitrogen fertilization. These results suggest that nitrogen fertilization and aphid infestation interact in manipulating plant metabolism, with nutritional changes playing a vital role in the aphid morph-specific growth and fecundity response to nitrogen fertilization.

Apigenin is an organic flavonoid abundant in some plants such as parsley, chamomile, or celery. Recently, it has been investigated for several of its pharmacological characteristics, such as its ability to act as an antioxidant, reduce inflammation, and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the existing knowledge regarding the effects of apigenin on female reproductive systems and its dysfunctions. Apigenin can influence reproductive processes by regulating multiple biological events, including oxidative processes, cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell renewal and viability, ovarian blood supply, and the release of reproductive hormones. It could stimulate ovarian folliculogenesis, as well as ovarian and embryonal cell proliferation and viability, which can lead to an increase in fertility and influence the release of reproductive hormones, which may exert its effects on female reproductive health. Furthermore, apigenin could inhibit the activities of ovarian cancer cells and alleviate the pathological changes in the female reproductive system caused by environmental pollutants, harmful medications, cancer, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ischemia, as well as endometriosis. Therefore, apigenin may have potential as a biostimulator for female reproductive processes and as a therapeutic agent for certain reproductive diseases.

Few investigations have been made to determine whether pharmaceutical drugs cause any generational effects. These effects can be divided into intergenerational and transgenerational effects. In insects, the F1 offspring of exposed individuals are considered to show intergenerational effects (as they have been exposed as germ cells or early embryos), while the F2 generation is fully non-exposed and considered to show transgenerational effects. Here, the common over-the-counter (OTC) drug, paracetamol, is investigated for genotype-specific responses and effects across generations on three life-history traits: fecundity, longevity, and spontaneous locomotor activity levels in the model species Drosophila melanogaster. Seven isofemale D. melanogaster lines were exposed to a high and intermediate dose of paracetamol determined by a dose–response curve. NMR investigations verified the long-term presence of paracetamol in the food substrate. Phenotypic effects of paracetamol ingestion were investigated on flies exposed to the drug and in their offspring and grand-offspring. The dose–response curve indicated genotype-specific responses to paracetamol. In the following experiment, all traits investigated displayed significant effects of paracetamol ingestion for at least one of the seven isofemale lines, and we detected strong genotype-specific responses to paracetamol. Fecundity tended to increase in individuals directly exposed to the drug whereas fecundity in the F2 generation was reduced (transgenerational). Longevity generally decreased in directly exposed individuals but tended to increase in F1 offspring (intergenerational). Paracetamol effects on spontaneous locomotor activity were primarily detected as transgenerational effects and were rarely seen in directly exposed individuals. However, across lines, no clear overall trend could be determined for any trait. The generational effects and marked genotype-specific response to paracetamol warrants further investigation of both genotype-specific responses and generational effects in general.