An Insect- and Rain-Proof Net Raises the Production and Quality of Chinese Bayberry by Preventing Damage From Insects and Altering Bacterial Communities

Abstract

Chinese bayberry (Myrica rubra) is a popular, nutrient- and antioxidant-rich fruit in Asia. However, it is susceptible to Drosophila during ripening, which disrupts production and causes economic loss. This study compared the effects of insecticides, insect-proof nets (IPNs), and insect- and rain-proof nets (IRPNs) on Chinese bayberry production and quality. Drosophila was absent in fruits from IPN- or IRPN-treated trees but only significantly reduced by insecticides. IPNs and IRPNs significantly increased fruit diameter, weight, edible rate and the Brix/acid ratio, and IRPNs had the strongest effect. Analysis of 16S rDNA showed that fruits collected from differently treated trees had unique bacterial communities. In IRPN fruits, Acetobacter and Gluconobacter were significantly decreased, reducing sugar consumption and disease; in addition, PICRUSt analysis predicted imputed functional profiles related to carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism and mineral transport for fruit growth and development. This study proposed the use of IRPNs for improving Chinese bayberry production and quality.

Coordinated molecular and ecological adaptations underlie a highly successful parasitoid

“…banana pieces, cherries, and grapes) on Myrica rubra trees at several locations in East China (e.g. Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Taizhou), where D. suzukii is heavily distributed ( Wang et al, 2020 ; Yu et al, 2021 ). Among the reclaimed parasitic wasps, we primarily characterized two species: Trichopria drosophilae (Td) (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae), which parasitizes D. suzukii pupae, and Asobara japonica (Aj) (Braconidae), which parasitizes larvae.…”

Olfactory behavioral responses of two Drosophila species and their pupal parasitoid to volatiles from bananas

“…For Chinese bayberry ( Myrica rubra ), the mature stage matches the population and oviposition peak of Drosophila 9,13 . Larvae emerge in the fruit during the harvest or post‐harvest time, which would impact the quality and flavor of the fruit 14 . Besides, they were associated with sour rot in grapes, 15,16 and responsible for the rapid spread of bacterium blood disease in a banana plantation in Indonesia 17 …”

“…9,13 Larvae emerge in the fruit during the harvest or post-harvest time, which would impact the quality and flavor of the fruit. 14 Besides, they were associated with sour rot in grapes, 15,16 and responsible for the rapid spread of bacterium blood disease in a banana plantation in Indonesia. 17 The control of Drosophila relies heavily on broad-spectrum chemical insecticides including carbamates, pyrethroids, organophosphates, diamides and spinosyns.…”