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Morphometry of the reproductive system of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) when submitted to different temperatures

Morfometria do aparelho reprodutor de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) quando submetidos a diferentes temperaturas

ABSTRACT:

In order to manipulate the mass rearing of natural enemies, temperature variations can be used. The effects are widely studied for their survival and developmental duration; however, there is little information about their reproductive system in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different temperatures on the reproductive system of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The predator was kept at temperature conditions of 17, 21, 25, and 29 °C until reaching 15 days of age, the adult stage. The insects were then killed, measured for both weight and size, dissected, and then evaluated for the following parameters: length of the most developed ovariole; number of ovarioles per ovary; number of oocytes per the more developed ovarioles; number of oocytes per P. nigrispinus female; and the total area of the testicles was measured in the male insects. Results showed that as the temperature increased, the parameters were positively affected. These temperature variations can be used to manipulate the mass rearing of P. nigrispinus under controlled conditions.

Key words:
pentatomidae; predator; natural enemies; mass rearing; biological control

RESUMO:

As variações de temperatura podem ser utilizadas para manipular a criação massal de inimigos naturais e seus efeitos são amplamente estudados para a sobrevivência e duração de desenvolvimento, porém, existem poucas informações sobre o sistema reprodutivo na literatura. Por isso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes temperaturas sobre o aparelho reprodutivo do predador Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). O predador foi mantido nas temperaturas de 17, 21, 25 e 29 °C até atingir 15 dias de idade na fase adulta. Esses insetos foram mortos, medido o peso e tamanho, dissecados e avaliados nos seguintes parâmetros: comprimento do ovaríolo mais desenvolvido; número de ovaríolo por ovário; números de ovócitos por ovaríolo mais desenvolvidos; número de ovócitos por fêmea; e, nos machos, área total do testículo. Os resultados evidenciaram que a medida que aumenta a temperatura os parâmetros foram afetados positivamente. Essas variações de temperatura podem ser utilizadas para manipular a criação massal de P. nigrispinus em condições controladas.

Palavras-chave:
pentatomidae; predador; inimigos naturais; criação massal; controle biológico

INTRODUCTION:

Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a species of stinkbug that is common in Neotropical regions and due to its generalist eating behavior (LUNDGREN, 2011LUNDGREN, J. G. Reproductive ecology of predaceous Heteroptera. Biological Control, v.59, n.1, p.37-52, out. 2011. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2011.02.009 >. Accessed: Sep. 18, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.201...
), it is regarded as an important biological pest control agent in various agricultural and forest crops (MEDEIROS et al., 2003MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Temperature influence on the reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus, a predator of the noctuid larva Alabama argillacea. BioControl, v.48, n.6, p.695-704, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902 >. Accessed: Sep. 21, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902...
; VACARI et al., 2014VACARI, A. M. et al. Effect of Egg Rearing Temperature and Storage Time on the Biological Characteristics of the Predatory Stink Bug Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America, v.107, n.1, p.178-183, 1 jan. 2014. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1603/AN13027 >. Accessed: Sep. 16, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1603/AN13027...
; ZANUNCIO et al., 1994ZANUNCIO, J. et al. Hemipterous predators of eucalypt defoliator caterpillars. Forest Ecology and Management, v.65, n.1, p.65-73, 1994. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-1127(94)90258-5 >. Accessed: Sep. 08, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-1127(94)902...
), such as soy, (FERREIRA et al., 2008FERREIRA, J. A. M. et al. Predatory behaviour of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) on different densities of Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae. Biocontrol Science and Technology, v.18, n.7, p.711-719, set. 2008. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09583150802271220 >. Accessed: Mar. 20, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0958315080227122...
), cotton (MEDEIROS et al., 2000MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Age-dependent fecundity and life-fertility tables for Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Het., Pentatomidae). Journal of Applied Entomology, v.124, p.319-324, 2000. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2000.00482.x >. Accessed: Nov. 13, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2000...
), tomato (TORRES et al., 2002TORRES, J. B. et al. Dispersal of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs preying on tomato leafminer: Effect of predator release time, density and satiation level. Journal of Applied Entomology, v.126, p.326-332, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2002.00653.x >. Accessed: Mar. 23, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2002...
), and eucalyptus (ZANUNCIO et al., 2002ZANUNCIO, J. C. et al. Effect of body weight on fecundity and longevity of the stinkbug predator Podisus rostralis. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.37, n.9, p.1225-1230, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2002000900004 >. Accessed: Sep. 11, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200200...
).

This predator has been massively reared in the laboratory and then released into cultivated areas where pest-insect outbreaks occurs (BOTTEGA et al., 2014BOTTEGA, D. B. et al. Comportamento de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) na interação com lagartas de Spodopteracosmioides (Walker) (Lepidoptera: noctuidae) e cultivares de soja com diferentes graus de resistência. Revista de Agricultura, v.89, n.1, p.53-64, 2014. Available from: <Available from: http://www.revistadeagricultura.org.br/index.php/revistadeagricultura/article/view/157 >. Accessed: Aug. 03, 2020. doi: 10.37856/bja.v89il.157.
http://www.revistadeagricultura.org.br/i...
; ZANUNCIO et al., 2002ZANUNCIO, J. C. et al. Effect of body weight on fecundity and longevity of the stinkbug predator Podisus rostralis. Pesquisa Agropecuária Brasileira, v.37, n.9, p.1225-1230, 2002. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X2002000900004 >. Accessed: Sep. 11, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0100-204X200200...
). Once the balance is established in the field, companies that maintain these particular mass rearing extend the developmental cycle of the insects. This is mostly because maintaining a mass-rearing at high population levels throughout the year requires a high economical cost (NEVES et al., 2010NEVES, R. C. et al. Production and storage of mealworm beetle as prey for predatory stinkbug. Biocontrol Science and Technology, v.20, n.10, p.1013-1025, ago. 2010. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2010.500718 >. Accessed: Oct. 04, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09583157.2010.50...
).

This increment of the developmental cycle can be accomplished by exposing the natural enemy to low temperatures, since it is known that temperature is the main factor responsible for the insect’s functions, such as survival, development, and reproduction (REBAUDO & RABHI, 2018REBAUDO, F.; RABHI, V. B. Modeling temperature-dependent development rate and phenology in insects: review of major developments, challenges, and future directions. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, v.166, n.8, p.607-617, ago. 2018. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12693 >. Accessed: Oct. 08, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12693...
). The influence of temperature on P. nigrispinus is well understood on the adult’s survival, developmental time, and longevity parameters (COSTA et al., 2016COSTA, V. H. D. da et al. Egg storage of Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Predators at low temperatures. Revista Árvore, v.40, n.5, p.877-884, out. 2016. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-67622016000500011 >. Accessed: Out. 10, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-67622016000...
; MEDEIROS et al., 2003MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Temperature influence on the reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus, a predator of the noctuid larva Alabama argillacea. BioControl, v.48, n.6, p.695-704, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902 >. Accessed: Sep. 21, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902...
; SANTOS et al., 2018SANTOS, Í. T. B. F. DOS et al. Effects of temperature on the development of Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae): Implications for Mass Rearing. Florida Entomologist, v.101, n.3, p.458-463, set. 2018. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.101.0303 >. Accessed: Oct. 01, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1653/024.101.0303...
). However, there is a lack of studies about the reproductive system of this predator.

For this reason, it is important to understand the influence of temperature on the reproductive system of insects, aiming to the improve mass rearing (MEDEIROS et al., 2003MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Temperature influence on the reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus, a predator of the noctuid larva Alabama argillacea. BioControl, v.48, n.6, p.695-704, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902 >. Accessed: Sep. 21, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902...
), since unfavorable conditions may cause morphological variations in the reproductive organ of the predator P. nigrispinus(LEMOS et al., 2005aLEMOS, W. DE P. et al. Morphology of female reproductive tract of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on different diets. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, v.48, n.1, p.129-138, jan. 2005a. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2003.00765.x >. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2003...
). Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different temperatures on the reproductive system of the predator P. nigrispinus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Insects

The tests were carried out at the Forest Entomology Laboratory in the Forestry Sciences Department located in the Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil. In the laboratory, the insects used were reared in screened cages of 60 x 40 x 40 cm (adults) and Petri dishes (9.0 cm diameter × 1.5 cm H) (nymphs) under the conditions of 25 ± 0.5 °C, 60 ± 9.5% RH, and a 12:12 h (L:D) photoperiod.

About 200 adults of the predatory stinkbug P. nigrispinus were kept in cages and fed with the pupae of its alternative prey Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) (previously obtained from a mass rearing in the same laboratory). Water was provided through moistened cotton balls, which were deposited on the top screen of the cage. Eggs deposited by the females in the cages were collected daily with aid of a cotton ball, and then about 40 eggs were transferred to the Petri dishes (9.0 cm diameter × 1.5 cm H) containing a moistened cotton plug with distilled water. After hatching, the nymphs remained in these cages and were fed with T. molitor pupae until the adult stage, when they were transferred to another cage (60 cm × 40 cm × 40 cm) for mating.

Morphometry of the ovaries and the testicles of the P. nigrispinus adults that were submitted to different temperatures

The eggs of up to 24 hours were collected and submitted to the treatments, which consisted of four temperatures, 17, 21, 25, and 29 °C ± 0.5 °C. Each treatment was composed of ten replicates, and in each replicate, one egg was deposited in the Petri dishes containing a moistened cotton ball with distilled water on the lid. After hatching, the nymphs were kept in the same Petri dishes, where the water supply was provided daily, as well as with the feeding of T. molitor pupae.

Once they reached the adult stage, the stinkbugs were dissected for further analysis of the reproductive system. Females, who were obtained from the nymphs, were exposed to the temperatures as cited above. They were killed at 15 days of age in the adult stage by the usage of ethyl acetate and then dissected under a binocular stereoscopic microscope. This 15-day-age was used because the maturation peak of the eggs occurs between 8 and 18 days old (MEDEIROS et al., 2000MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Age-dependent fecundity and life-fertility tables for Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Het., Pentatomidae). Journal of Applied Entomology, v.124, p.319-324, 2000. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2000.00482.x >. Accessed: Nov. 13, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2000...
).

Before the dissection, the weight, the width, and the length of the females were measured with an analytical balance and a Vernier caliper. The ovaries were photographed and evaluated for the following parameters: (a) the length of the most developed ovariole; (b) the number of ovarioles per ovary; (c) the oocyte numbers per the more developed ovariole; and (d) the number of oocytes perP. nigrispinus female.

For the males, the 15-day-old P. nigrispinus adults were killed, measured, and dissected the same way as mentioned for the females. The evaluated parameter was the total area of the insect’s testicles. All of the parameters were quantified through Image-Pro Plus version 4.5.1.29 (Media Cybernetics, Inc) (LEMOS et al., 2005bLEMOS, W. P. et al. Effect of diet on male reproductive tract of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Brazilian Journal of Biology, v.65, n.1, p.91-96, 2005.b. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/101590/S1519-69842005000100012 >. Accessed: Dec. 13, 2017.
https://doi.org/101590/S1519-69842005000...
).

Statistical analysis

All of the parameters were submitted to an analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) and then to regression analysis, being the models selected, according to the significance of the regression coefficients (t, P<0.05) and the coefficient of determination (R 2 ). The statistical analyses were performed by the usage of SISVAR 5.0 software (FERREIRA, 2014FERREIRA, D. F. Sisvar: a Guide for its Bootstrap procedures in multiple comparisons. Ciência e Agrotecnologia, v.38, n.2, p.109-112, 2014. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-7054201400020000 >. Accessed: Aug. 21, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-7054201400...
).

RESULTS:

When kept under the temperatures of 17, 21, 25, and 29 °C, the predator P. nigrispinus presented variations over the evaluated parameters and, in general, as the temperature increased, the parameters were positively affected (Table 1 and Table 2; Figure 1 and Figure 2).

Table 1
Morphometric parameters of the body and the reproductive system of the P. nigrispinus females when submitted to different temperatures (17, 21, 25, and 29 °C ± 0.2 °C).
Table 2
Morphometric parameters of the body and the reproductive system of the P. nigrispinus males when submitted to different temperatures (17, 21, 25, and 29 °C ± 0.2 °C).

Figure 1
Reproductive system of the P. nigrispinus females when submitted to different temperatures: 17 °C (A); 21 °C (B); 25 °C (C); and 29 °C (D) . Common oviduct (CO); Oocyte (Oc); Lateral oviduct (LO); Left ovary (LOv); Right ovary (ROv). Bars = 0.10 mm.

Figure 2
Reproductive system of the P. nigrispinus males when submitted to different temperatures: 17 °C (A); 21 °C (B); 25 °C (C); and 29 °C (D) . Testicle (TE); Vas deferens (VS); Ejaculatory duct (ED); Aedeagus (AE). Bars = 0.20 mm.

The weight of the females who underwent the treatments was enhanced with an increase of temperature and this was represented by an increasing linear equation. The same situation was observed for the width and the length of the females and in the length of the most developed ovariole (Table 1).

When regarding the number of ovarioles per ovary, the study observed seven at all of the temperatures, with no significant differences between the treatments. The number of oocytes per ovariole and the number of oocytes per female were enhanced with an increase of temperature, and it was evidenced that the amount of oocyte at 29 °C was approximately twice as high as it was at 17 °C (Table 1).

In the P. nigrispinus males, the lowest weight was observed at the lowest temperature, but the weight was enhanced as the temperature increased. Conversely, the width of the male body was higher at temperatures of 17 °C and 29 °C than it was at temperatures of 21 °C and 25 °C (Table 2).

The length of the male body and its testicular area were also enhanced with the temperature increase. However, it was observed that the testicular area at 17 °C was much smaller when compared to both body length and width of the insect, so in this condition, the testicles were considered immature (Table 2).

DISCUSSION:

In this study, the P. nigrispinus insects that were kept under different temperature conditions and fed with T. molitor presented weights of between 51.78 to 62.40 mg and 36.75 to 44.15 mg for the females and the males, respectively. Normally, under ambient temperature conditions, the females had a higher body mass (45 to 140 mg) than did the males (35 to 100 mg) (TORRES et al. 2006TORRES, J. B. et al. The predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus: biology, ecology and augmentative releases for lepidoperan larval control in Eucalyptus forests in Brazil. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, v.1, n.015, p.1-18, 1 abr. 2006. Available from: <Available from: https://www.cabi.org/bni/FullTextPDF/2006/20063071083.pdf >. Accessed: Mar. 23, 2019. doi: 10.1079/PAVSNNR20061015.
https://www.cabi.org/bni/FullTextPDF/200...
). The weight variations between same-sex individuals were attributed to the nutritional quality of their prey (LEMOS et al., 2003LEMOS, W. DE P. et al. Effects of diet on development of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas)(Het., Pentatomidae), a predator of the cotton leafworm. Journal of Applied Entomology, v.127, n.389-395, 2003. Available from:<Available from:https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2003.00765.x >. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2003...
; VACARI et al., 2007VACARI, A. M. et al. Desenvolvimento de Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) alimentado com lagartas de Diatraea saccharalis (Fabricius, 1794) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Arquivo do Instituto Biológico, v.74, n.3, p.259-265, 2007. Available from: <Available from: http://www.biologico.agricultura.sp.gov.br/uploads/docs/arq/v74_3/vacari.pdf >. Accessed: Aug. 03, 2020.
http://www.biologico.agricultura.sp.gov....
). However, the weight variations in the same-sex insects within the studied temperatures were related to the prey’s T. molitor consumption stimulus, and not to its nutritional quality.

The temperature was an environmental factor that affected the food consumption rate, as well as the digestibility and the conversion efficiency of the food by the insects (RAHMATHULLA & SURESH, 2012RAHMATHULLA, V. K.; SURESH, H. M. Seasonal Variation in Food Consumption, Assimilation, and Conversion Efficiency of Indian Bivoltine Hybrid Silkworm, Bombyx mori. Journal of Insect Science, v.12, n.82, p.1-14, jul. 2012. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1673/031.012.8201 >. Accessed: Feb. 19, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1673/031.012.8201...
). This was observed in the insects that were submitted to 17 °C and that presented a low consumption of the T. molitor prey, resulting in poor performance of the reproductive system. This was because the energy resource that is acquired in the immature phase through nutrition, subsidizes the growth and the reproduction of the insects; this process contributes to vitello genesis and the maturation of the eggs (CHAPMAN, 2013CHAPMAN R. F. The insects: Structure and function. 5 ed. Cambridge: United Kingdom, 2013.; ATTARDO et al., 2005ATTARDO, G. M. et al. Nutritional regulation of vitellogenesis in mosquitoes: Implications for anautogeny. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, v.35, n.7, p.661-675, jul. 2005. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibmb.2005.02.013 >. Accessed: Mar. 05, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibmb.2005.02.0...
).

At the evaluated temperatures, the insects with a higher body mass presented a greater length and width. This was because the weight was a critical factor in determining the body size (DAVIDOWITZ et al., 2003DAVIDOWITZ, G. et al. Critical weight in the development of insect body size. Evolution & development, v.5, n.2, p.188-197, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-142X.2003.03026.x >. Accessed: Jan. 21, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-142X.2003...
); consequently, the larger individuals tended to have a higher body mass, with longevity and fecundity (WANG et al., 2009WANG, X.-G. et al. Larger olive fruit size reduces the efficiency of Psyttalia concolor, as a parasitoid of the olive fruit fly. Biological Control, v.49, n.1, p.45-51, abr. 2009. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2009.01.004 >. Accessed: Jan. 16, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.200...
).

The length of P. nigrispinus varied from 0.96 to 1.03 cm and 0.82 to 0.90 cm for the females and the males, respectively. These results are common and are in agreement with the ones reported by TORRES et al.(2006TORRES, J. B. et al. The predatory stinkbug Podisus nigrispinus: biology, ecology and augmentative releases for lepidoperan larval control in Eucalyptus forests in Brazil. CAB Reviews: Perspectives in Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Nutrition and Natural Resources, v.1, n.015, p.1-18, 1 abr. 2006. Available from: <Available from: https://www.cabi.org/bni/FullTextPDF/2006/20063071083.pdf >. Accessed: Mar. 23, 2019. doi: 10.1079/PAVSNNR20061015.
https://www.cabi.org/bni/FullTextPDF/200...
), where in adulthood, the predator had a size ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 cm (females) and 0.85 to 1.0 cm (males).

One of the parameters of the reproductive system evaluated was the number of ovarioles per ovary, which regardless of the temperature used, seven ovarioles were reported. This result revealed that the temperature did not affect the number of ovarioles since it remained similar to those reported when the predator P. nigrispinus was fed with different prey (LEMOS et al., 2005aLEMOS, W. DE P. et al. Morphology of female reproductive tract of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) fed on different diets. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, v.48, n.1, p.129-138, jan. 2005a. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2003.00765.x >. Accessed: Jan. 10, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0418.2003...
) or when the ovary development in the mated and virgin females was compared (SOARES et al., 2011SOARES, M. A. et al. Ovary development, egg production and oviposition for mated and virgin females of the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Acta Science, v.33, n.4, p.597-602, 2011. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v33i4.6694 >. Accessed: Mar. 27, 2020.
https://doi.org/10.4025/actasciagron.v33...
).

The ideal temperature for P. nigrispinus and its development was 25 °C. At conditions above 33 °C, the predator was negatively affected presenting low hatching of eggs (26%) (MEDEIROS et al., 2003MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Temperature influence on the reproduction of Podisus nigrispinus, a predator of the noctuid larva Alabama argillacea. BioControl, v.48, n.6, p.695-704, 2003. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902 >. Accessed: Sep. 21, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026395729902...
). In the evaluated morphometric parameters, the temperature of 25 °C was favorable to the predator P. nigrispinus, however, at 29 °C, the evaluated parameters were higher, so it was possible to keep the insects under these conditions, without harming the reproductive potential of the species.

The temperature influenced the speed of the insect’s development, being greater under the higher conditions (BUSATO et al., 2004BUSATO, G. R. et al. Consumo e utilização de alimento por Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) em duas temperaturas. Ciência e Agrotecnologia, v.28, n.6, p.1278-1283, dez. 2004. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-70542004000600008 >. Accessed: Mar. 21, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-7054200400...
). Therefore, the increase in temperature led to the fast development of the ovarioles, resulting in a larger amount of oocytes per ovariole and per ovarian. In the insects that were maintained at a temperature of 17 °C, besides presenting lower weights and body sizes, they presented a shorter ovariole length, oocyte number, and a smaller testis area. The same occurred for Pentatomidae Piezodorus guildinii (Hemiptera) when exposed to temperature variations, where the body size was related to the reproductive performance (the size of the ovaries and the testicles) (ZERBINO et al., 2014ZERBINO, M. S. et al. Phenological and physiological changes in Adult Piezodorus guildinii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Due to Variation in Photoperiod and Temperature. Florida Entomologist, v.97, n.2, p.734-743, jun. 2014. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.097.0255 >. Accessed: Jan. 28, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1653/024.097.0255...
).

The temperature of 17 °C also affected the reproductive system of the males through a testicle reduction, making it immature. When males of the P. guildinii was submitted to temperature variations of 20 °C and 25 °C, and 10 and 14 hours photophase, respectively, also presented smaller testicles at the lower temperature. They were then considered immature as well (ZERBINO et al., 2014ZERBINO, M. S. et al. Phenological and physiological changes in Adult Piezodorus guildinii (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Due to Variation in Photoperiod and Temperature. Florida Entomologist, v.97, n.2, p.734-743, jun. 2014. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1653/024.097.0255 >. Accessed: Jan. 28, 2019.
https://doi.org/10.1653/024.097.0255...
).

Therefore, it can be inferred that temperature plays a crucial role in the life of these insects, which can then negatively or positively affect their development, survival and reproduction (SILVA, 2004SILVA, C. A. D. Effects of temperature on the development, fecundity, and longevity ofGargaphia torresiLima (Hemiptera, Tingidae). Revista Brasileira de Entomologia, v.48, n.4, p.547-552, dec. 2004. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-56262004000400018 >. Accessed: Mar. 31, 2020.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0085-5626200400...
; MEDEIROS et al., 2004MEDEIROS, R. S. et al. Estimative of Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) development time with non linear models. Neotropical Entomology, v.33, n.2, p.141-148, apr. 2004. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1519-566X2004000200003 >. Accessed: Mar. 31, 2020.
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1519-566X200400...
; REBAUDO & RABHI, 2018REBAUDO, F.; RABHI, V. B. Modeling temperature-dependent development rate and phenology in insects: review of major developments, challenges, and future directions. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, v.166, n.8, p.607-617, ago. 2018. Available from: <Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12693 >. Accessed: Oct. 08, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1111/eea.12693...
). These insects can only reach adulthood and reproduce within a temperature gradient, with an optimal temperature. Nevertheless, negative effects can be expected when the insects are subjected to temperatures that are close to the minimum and maximum limits that they can withstand (HADDAD et al., 1999HADDAD, M. L. et al. Métodos para estimar os limites térmicos inferior e superior de desenvolvimento de insetos. Piracicaba: Fundação de Estudos Agrários Luiz de Queiroz, 1999. 29p.; CARRANO-MOREIRA, 2014CARRANO-MOREIRA, A. F. Manejo Integrado de Pragas Florestais: Conceitos, fundamentos ecológicos e táticas de controle. 1 ed. Rio de Janeiro: Technical Books, 2014. 349p.). Thus, the data obtained in this research has allowed for an understanding of the effects of different temperatures on the reproductive system of the P. nigrispinus aiming to improve mass rearing and extract the maximum of its potential as a predator. In addition, when necessary, it is possible to previously adapt the insects reared in mass to the climate and conditions of the place where they will be released.

CONCLUSION:

The temperature variations can be used to manipulate the mass rearing of P. nigrispinus. Reinforcing that within the thermal limit, the temperature of 17 °C reduce the size of the insect’s body and its reproductive system, besides reducing the number of oocytes produced by the females, as well as causing immature testicles. However, the temperature of 29 °C increase the insect’s development and this was equally favorable to the predator, as far as the recommended temperature in the literature (25 °C).

ACKNOWLEDGSMENTS

This study was financed in part by the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - Brasil (CNPq), the Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa e a Inovação Tecnológica do Estado de Sergipe (Fapitec/SE) - Brasil, the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES - Finance Code 001), the Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos - Brasil (FINEP), and the Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Brasil.

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  • CR-2019-0899.R1

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    16 Sept 2020
  • Date of issue
    2020

History

  • Received
    12 Nov 2019
  • Accepted
    04 July 2020
  • Reviewed
    16 Aug 2020
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