Effect of Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae) agglutinin on the life table parameters of Apomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

A Castanea crenata agglutinin (abbreviated as CCA) was extracted and purified from bitter apple, Citrullus colocynthis L., to determine its effects on the demographic parameters of Apomyelois ceratoniae Zeller. Two groups of first larval instars were reared on an artificial diet containing ۲% (w/w) of CCA and control diets until emergence of adults. Two Sex MS-chart life table software was used to analyze data and calculate life table parameters. Developmental times of larvae in control and CCA dietsshowed statistical differences for male, female except for third and fourth larval instars. It was found that A. ceratoniae larvaefed on control had a survival of ۱۸ days but individuals fed on CCA diet survived for ۱۲ days. The highest fecundity values of individuals fed on control and CCA diets were obtained at the age of ۳۰ and ۲۷ days, respectively. Adult longevity, pre-oviposition period, oviposition period and mean fecundity of A. ceratoniae fed on control were higher than those of individuals fed on CCA diet. The probabilities of a newborn egg surviving to age ۲۸ days were ۰.۴۲ and ۰.۳ for control and CCA, respectively. Each female started egg laying on day ۲۲ for control and ۲۵ for CCA. Life expectancies of a newly laid egg were ۲۹ days for control and ۲۶ days for CCA treatment. Life table parameters except for mean generation time showed statistical differences between control and CCA treatments. These results demonstrated the negative effects of CCA on life table parameters of A. ceratoniae that might lead to a promising and alternative way to suppress population increase and damage caused by A. ceratoniae.

Keywords:

Apomyelois ceratoniae , Citrullus colocynthis , Lectin , Life table