Developmental rate

Current research focuses largely on aboveground successional studies, developmental rate studies, and other factors that impact on PMI estimation. DNA-based studies are becoming more common, facilitating the use of DNA for identification of insects and increased accuracy and efficiency (Harvey et al. 2003 Wallman, Leys, and Hogendoorn 2005). Studies have also concerned the possible characterization of human DNA ingested by blowfly larvae (Carvalho et al. 2005 Wells and Sperling 2001). 

Several problems have been associated with the comparison of genotypes for their production of induced volatiles when other differences between the genotypes can not be controlled (23). For example, differences may exist in direct defense between genotypes that cause differences in developmental rate of herbivores that may lead to differences in volatile formation. To circumvent this problem, in addition to spider mite infestation, we used jasmonic acid treatment in a comparison between seven cucumber genotypes. Earlier research had shown that jasmonic acid treatment mimics the effect of spider mite infestation in several plant species. Different cucumber genotypes... 

Genetic manipulation of arthropod natural enemies Is an old concept (9-10), although field Implementation of genetically-improved natural enemies was not achieved until recently (8,11). Various biological and behavioral attributes have been discussed as amenable to genetic selection. Including sex ratio, temperature tolerance, developmental rate, fecundity, diapause, and host preference, as well as pesticide resistances (12). 

Traits commonly used to quantify fitness, fecundity, viability of eggs, larvae and pupae, lifespan and developmental rate were recorded for homozygous resistant (RR) and homozygous susceptible (SS) flies. We also compared heterozygous flies where resistance was inherited from the female (RS) and where resistance was inherited from the male [SR] [13]. 

The ultimate purpose of finding, examining, and consuming behaviors is, of course, to increase the probability that the insect (or its offspring) consumes hosts on which fitness, i.e., developmental rate, survivorship and/or fecundity, are maximized (Jaenike, 1978 Mitchell, 1981 Rausher, 1983). These fitness components are influenced by such plant characteristics as nutritional quality, presence or absence of toxins, and exposure to natural enemies, which collectively determine the host plant s suitability. Although documented cases are yet few, it is generally hypothesized that the acceptability of plant cues is positively correlated with suitability. 

The reduced developmental rate and small body size observed in the APQQ-mono-associated animals are reminiscent of animals with defective ILP signaling. Indeed, APQQ-mono-associated animals are found to possess reduced insulin... 

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