Sublethal Effects of Neonicotinoid Insecticide on Calling Behavior and Pheromone Production of Tortricid Moths

Abstract

In moths, sexual behavior combines female sex pheromone production and calling behavior. The normal functioning of these periodic events requires an intact nervous system. Neurotoxic insecticide residues in the agroecosystem could impact the normal functioning of pheromone communication through alteration of the nervous system. In this study we assess whether sublethal concentrations of the neonicotinoid insecticide thiacloprid, that competitively modulates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the dendrite, affect pheromone production and calling behavior in adults of three economically important tortricid moth pests; Cydia pomonella (L.), Grapholita molesta (Busck), and Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller). Thiacloprid significantly reduced the amount of calling in C. pomonella females at LC (a lethal concentration that kills only 1 in 10 individuals), and altered its calling period at LC, and in both cases the effect was dose-dependent. In the other two species the effect was similar but started at higher LCs, and the effect was relatively small in L. botrana. Pheromone production was altered only in C. pomonella, with a reduction of the major compound, codlemone, and one minor component, starting at LC. Since sex pheromones and neonicotinoids are used together in the management of these three species, our results could have implications regarding the interaction between these two pest control methods.

Developing a Highly Stable Carlina acaulis Essential Oil Nanoemulsion for Managing Lobesia botrana

“…However, its control often requires the use of chemicals [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Finding valid and sustainable alternatives to insecticides is a key challenge for modern agriculture; side effects of insecticide use include environmental pollution, toxicity to non-target insects, and residues on food [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In this scenario, researchers are looking for new sustainable tools and products.…”

Extremely low neonicotinoid doses alter navigation of pest insects along pheromone plumes

“…In the context of MD, two major mechanism types have been proposed, competitive (CMD) which depends on the relative attraction of males to either MD pheromone dispensers or females, with no sensory impairment in either males (or females), and non-competitive (NCMD) where sensory disability of males (or females) reduces sexual activity 10 . We speculate that the negative effect of TIA on female calling behavior 22 could increase the competiveness of pheromone dispensers relative to females, which should potentiate CMD and have no net effect on NCMD. On the other hand, a negative impact of TIA on males could enhance NCMD, while it should have no effect on CMD.…”

“…We recently found that topical application of the neonicotinoid thiacloprid (TIA) substantially reduced pheromone release behaviour in females of three tortricid moth species [ Cydia pomonella (L.), Grapholita molesta (Busck) and Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller); from here on “CP”, “GM” and “LB”, respectively], starting at the lethal concentration LC 0.001 which kills only 10 in 10 6 individuals 25,22 . In the present study, we explore the influence of TIA on male perception of, and response and orientation to sex pheromone.…”

Sublethal larval exposure to imidacloprid impacts adult behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster

“…The effect of insecticides on mating behaviour has generally been shown to be detrimental (Tappert, Pokorny, Hofferberth, & Ruther, ). owing to the “info‐disruptor” effect of insecticide residues (Tricoire‐Leignel et al, ) on pheromone communications as demonstrated in both pest (Evenden, Mclaughlin, & Czokajlo, ; Navarro‐Roldán & Gemeno, ) and beneficial arthropods (Wang, Lü, & He, ). A few notable exceptions have nonetheless been reported: in the pest moth Agrotis ipsilon, it was shown that a neonicotinoid insecticide enhanced the response to sex pheromones (Rabhi et al, ).…”