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Influence of Four Plant Growth Regulators on Development of the Melon Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett)

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Abstract

Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of four plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely coumarin, kinetin, gibberellic acid (GA3) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), on the development of the melon fruit fly, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae). All four compounds exerted growth- and development-inhibitory effects on the fly. Coumarin was most potent, followed by kinetin, GA3 and IAA. The first and second instars of the fly were more sensitive than the third instar. Treatment with the PGRs also prolonged the fly’s developmental period, reduced percentage emergence and increased percentage of abnormal flies emerging. At the higher concentrations tested (125, 625 and 3125 μg/ml) coumarin, kinetin and GA3 caused 100% mortality in first instars.

Résumé

Des expérimentations ont été conduites pour évaluer les effets de 4 régulateurs de croissance de plante (RCP), la coumarine, la kinétine, l’acide gibbérélique (AG) et l’acide indole-3-acétique (AIA), sur le développement de la mouche du melon, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Les 4 composés ont des effets inhibiteurs sur la croissance et le développement de la mouche. La coumarine est peu active, suivie de la kinétine, de l’AG et de l’AIA. Les premiers et seconds stades de la mouche sont plus sensibles que le troisième stade. Le traitement avec les RCP prolonge également la période de développement de la mouche, réduit le pourcentage d’émergence et augmente le pourcentage de mouches adultes anormales. Aux plus fortes concentrations utilisées (125, 625 et 3125 μg/ml) la coumarine, la kinétine et TAG sont responsables de 100% de mortalité au premier stade.

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  1. Insect Physiology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143 005, India

    Rabinder Kaur & P. J. Rup

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  1. Rabinder Kaur
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  2. P. J. Rup
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Kaur, R., Rup, P.J. Influence of Four Plant Growth Regulators on Development of the Melon Fruit Fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett). Int J Trop Insect Sci 23, 121–125 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400020336

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