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Research article2004

A new microassay for antifeedants in Hylobius pine weevils (Coleoptera)

Schlyter F, Marling E, Lofqvist J

Abstract

A micro-feeding assay was developed for testing small amounts of synthetics and extracts as antifeedants for Hylobius pine weevils. We devised a simple setup consisting of 5 x 5-mm pieces of thin layer chromatography cellulose plates used in pairs for a bioassay involving choice. After application of 1.5 mul solutions and evaporation of the solvent, each plate received a 5 mul aliquot of 1 M sucrose as a feeding stimulant. The test period was 4 h at 25 degreesC with 6 days of starvation before the test, compared to just the 1 day sufficient for twig tests. Deprivation of water for 1 day at 65% RH before the test was critical because it increased feeding but not mortality. The combination of starvation and thirst reduced the relative variance ( coefficient of variation) to below 50%. There was a good correlation of antifeedant activity in the microassay with the activity in a standard twig test. The microassay needs only several mg for a test series, whereas the twig test needs grams

Published in

Journal of Pest Science
2004, Volume: 77, number: 4, pages: 191-195
Publisher: SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

      SLU Authors

    • Löfqvist, Jan

      • Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
      • Marling, Elisabeth

        • Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
        • Schlyter, Fredrik

          • Department of Crop Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

        UKÄ Subject classification

        Forest Science

        Publication identifier

        DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-004-0050-9

        Permanent link to this page (URI)

        https://res.slu.se/id/publ/4553