Effect of log seasonality on reproductive potential ofMonochamus galloprovincialis reared in scots pine logs under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) is the vector of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle, in Europe and Asia. Reproduction is probably the most important event in the life history of insects and may be affected by a number of factors, such as seasonal changes in larval or adult nutrition. In this study the effect of season on the reproductive potential of M. galloprovincialis females reared in black pine logs was investigated by constructing fertility tables for each of 43 pine logs that differed only in the season that they were cut. Population parameters were compared among 3 seasonal cohorts. The intrinsic rate of increase and related population parameters of the beetles that emerged from autumn logs were mostly higher than for beetles that emerged from spring and summer logs. These results suggest that seasonal differences in the nutritional quality of the logs (for immature development) and pine twigs (for adult feeding) may have caused the observed differences in M. galloprovincialis survival and reproduction.

Insect vectors of the pinewood nematode: a review of the biology and ecology of Monochamus species

“…In contrast, beetles from P. sylvestris had higher reproductive potential when emerging from spring logs compared with summer and autumn logs. Other studies revealed similar results with other Monochamus vectors studied in North America (M. carolinensis) and East Asia (M. alternatus), suggesting that these species have similar life-history patterns (Naves et al 2006a(Naves et al , 2008Akbulut et al 2007Akbulut et al , 2008aAkbulut 2009). Generally, P. sylvestris logs had a greater reproductive performance than the logs of P. nigra under laboratory conditions (Akbulut 2009).…”

“…Akbulut et al (2008c) found notable similarities between M. carolinensis and M. galloprovincialis in many biological characteristics, such as apparent survivorship from egg to larvae, generation survivorship and the number of adults emerged. Other studies revealed similar results with other Monochamus vectors studied in North America (M. carolinensis) and East Asia (M. alternatus), suggesting that these species have similar life-history patterns (Naves et al 2006a(Naves et al , 2008Akbulut et al 2007Akbulut et al , 2008aAkbulut 2009).…”

“…Although separated by thousands of miles of ocean, M. carolinensis and M. galloprovincialis share similar apparent survivorship from egg to adult, generation survivorship and adult emergence numbers (Akbulut et al 2008a). Recent studies of M. galloprovincialis indicate very similar life-history dynamics, as well (Naves et al 2006a(Naves et al , 2008Akbulut et al 2007Akbulut et al , 2008aAkbulut et al 2009). Intraspecific cannibalism by developing larvae within tree boles or logs appears to be another common characteristic of Monochamus beetles (Alya and Hain 1985;Akbulut et al 2004).…”

“…Akbulut et al (2008a) found that P. sylvestris L. and P. nigra, the two common host tree species in Turkey, proved equally suitable for M. galloprovincialis development, and tree species should be included in a monitoring plan for M. galloprovincialis and B. xylophilus in Turkey. Log seasonality of the both tree species impacted the reproductive potential of M. galloprovincialis (Akbulut et al 2007(Akbulut et al , 2008b. Beetles emerging from autumn logs of P. nigra showed higher reproductive potential than those emerging from spring and summer logs.…”

Comparison of the reproductive potential of Monochamus galloprovincialis on two pine species under laboratory conditions

“…Therefore, the possible introduction of the pinewood nematode and other exotic pests during forest product trade is a constant threat in Turkey. The only known potential vector of the pine wood nematode in Turkey is M. galloprovincialis; published information is very limited, with some general description and distribution details (Çanakçıoğlu and Mol 1998) and biology of M. galloprovincialis (Akbulut et al 2008a, b). It is important to study the detailed biology and ecology of M. galloprovincialis, including the potential different effects of commonly distributed host trees such as P. sylvestris and P. nigra.…”