RESUMEN
Temporal changes in free amino acid pools are examined in starved and cold-exposed (10 degrees C) beetles (Alphitobius diaperinus) (control beetles; 4, 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of cold-exposure). The range of individual responses and the effect of gender on survival and free amino acid levels are evaluated. Females survived significantly longer (Lt50 and Lt90) than males under stressing conditions. Pro, Gln, Ala, Arg and Thr are the major components of the free amino acid pool in the whole body of adult beetles. Multivariate analysis indicates that the duration of exposure explains most of the observed variation in amino acid levels, while sex effect is not significant. Moreover, amino acid levels fluctuate strongly within each sampled date, revealing a high inter-individual heterogeneity. However, this heterogeneity decreases after four weeks of cold-exposure and starvation. The increase in Ala level and the concomitant decrease of Pro after four weeks suggest that Pro might be an important fuel for metabolism when fat reserves are reduced. We conclude that changes in free amino acid pools are due to a combination of reduced individual heterogeneity, cold-acclimation and amino acid degradation for energetic purposes.
Asunto(s)
Aclimatación/fisiología , Aminoácidos/metabolismo , Frío/efectos adversos , Escarabajos/metabolismo , Inanición/metabolismo , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Análisis de Componente Principal , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
Trials were conducted during one year under field conditions to control the lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer), in broiler and turkey houses. The tested combined treatment included an adulticidal compound (pyrethroid: cyfluthrin) and a larvicidal compound (insect growth regulator [IGR]: triflumuron). The combined insecticide treatment greatly reduced the adult and larval stocks throughout the different broiler growing periods, and control of A. diaperinus populations was achieved by the end of the second treatment. Control of the insect population in a turkey house was not similar. A reestablishment of the insect population was observed during the second turkey growing period in summer. Building characteristics and management practices of the breeding system (duration of the breeding period, management of the litter) interact with the combined insecticide treatment and lead to a different efficiency.