Adaptation of Leptocybe invase to Varying Environmental Conditions
[Objective]Adaptability to environmental variations of Leptocybe invase Fisher et LaSalle for growth and survival was investigated based on the physiological mechanisms of the pest in dealing with the adverse conditions.[Methods]Geography-,temperature-,and host-specific morphological indicators,respiratory intensity,and activities of protective enzymes(such as,superoxide dismutase,catalase,peroxidase)and detoxification enzymes(such as,acetylcho-linesterase,carboxylesterase,glutathione-S-transferase,polyphenol oxidase)of the insect were analyzed.[Results]The morphological indicators of L.invase were inversely correlated to the latitude of the area it lived in.Its respiratory intensity and protective enzyme activity were relatively stable between 20℃and 30℃.However,a surrounding temperature beyond 30℃significantly raised the respiration rate and reduced the protective enzyme activity,while below 20℃significantly decreased both.The diet also induced morphological differentiations in the insect.For instance,and the activities of 4 detoxification enzymes(acetylcholinesterase,carboxylesterase,glutathione-S-transferase,and polyphenol oxidase)were higher in the insects fed on DH201-2(Eucalyptus grandis×E.tereticornis)than those on E.exserta.[Conclusion]L.invase found in areas of lower latitude were smaller in body size than those of higher latitude.They thrived between 20℃and 30℃.And the host plants on which they infested affected their morphology as well as the detoxification enzymes in the insect.
Environmental factorsLeptocybe invase Fisher et LaSallemorphological indicatorsrespiratory intensityprotective enzymesdetoxification enzymes