Effects of artificial selection for reduced flight ability on survival rate and fecundity of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract

The effects of artificial selection for reduced flight ability on the survival rate and fecundity of the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis were assessed. The hatching rate, emergence rate and fecundity of the flightless strain were significantly lower than the control in the 36th generation after artificial selection was started under laboratory conditions. In greenhouses containing cultivated eggplant in which the flightless strain was released, the incidence of fourth instar larvae, i.e., offspring of released adults, was delayed for 7 days compared with the control and commercial strain. These results suggest that artificial selection for reduced flight ability reduces the survival and reproductive characteristics of H. axyridis.

A ‘Goldilocks’ hypothesis for dispersal of biological control agents

“…One such study was conducted in Japan by Seko et al (2008), who found both longer residence times of a flightless strain of the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis in field plots of eggplant than by a flighted control group, and greater control of the target prey, Aphis gossypii by the flightless beetles. However, the inbreeding regimen used to provide the flightless beetles in this study led to some fitness declines (Seko and Miura 2009). Lommen et al (2008) have suggested taking advantage of natural variation in flight ability to overcome this problem.…”

Control of Myzus persicae and Lipaphis erysimi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) by adults and larvae of a flightless strain of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on non-heading Brassica cultivars in the greenhouse

“…Finally, we investigated whether the release of flightless H. axyridis reduced aphid damage on plants of a non-heading Brassica cultivar. Adults (\seven days old) and second instars of the flightless strain of Harmonia axyridis were provided from the stock culture of Agrisect (Tokyo, Japan) that was originally established by artificial selection for reduced flight ability at the National Agricultural Research Center for the Western Region of Japan (Seko and Miura 2009).…”

Assessment of hybrid vigor between flightless lines to restore survival and reproductive characteristics in the ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis

“…Ueno et al Early fecundity (expressed as no. eggs per female) was measured over the first ten days after the onset of oviposition Data of line A and control 1 were from a previously published study (Seko and Miura 2009) Values within a column followed by different letters are significantly different (P \ 0.05) Assessment of hybrid vigor 89 (2004) suggested that the wingless gene has strong negative pleiotropic effects on certain fitness components in A. bipunctata. Hybridization should be effective to reduce the loss of fitness by inbreeding depression, but not be effective to reduce fitness loss due to pleiotropic effects.…”

“…These experiments were conducted under LD 16:8 at 25°C and 40-60% RH. The data of the isofemale line A (except the flight distance) and control 1 were taken from Seko et al (2008) and Seko and Miura (2009). …”

“…These factors can lead to reduced fitness in terms of development and reproduction of flightless ladybird beetles. Seko and Miura (2009) found that artificial selection for reduced flight ability can induce inbreeding depression on developmental and reproductive trait of H. axyridis. To be successful in the mass rearing and biological control of aphid populations, the genetics of the flightless H. axyridis should be managed for quality assurance.…”