Effects of ultrasound on Indian meal moth reproduction

摘要

Effects of ultrasound emitted from a commercial ultrasonic device (Cix 0600) and a novel unit developed at Kansas State University (KSU) on the reproduction of Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), were evaluated in paired Plexiglas enclosures. The commercial ultrasonic device generated peak frequencies at 21 kHz, 25kHz and 35kHz, and a 94dB sound pressure level at a distance of 50cm. The KSU unit produced frequency, pulse duration and quiet time at random. Ultrasound emitted from both of the ultrasonic units had a similar and significant impact on the number of spermatophores transferred by males to females, the number of larvae produced, larval weight and adult distribution within enclosures. In the presence of ultrasound, each female, on average, had 1.5 spermatophores. In the absence of ultrasound, each female had 2 spermatophores. Larval numbers were reduced by 48 percent and 38 percent when moths were exposed to ultrasound produced by the Cix 0600 device and KSU unit, respectively. Therefore, the total larval biomass in the enclosures with ultrasound was significantly less than that in the enclosures without ultrasound. The distribution of larvae within enclosures was affected by ultrasound emitted by the Cix 0600 device but notby the KSU unit. More P. interpunctella moths were found on the enclosure floor in the presence of ultrasound than without ultrasound. These laboratory data suggest that use of ultrasound technology could be exploited for managing P. interpunctella reproductive behaviours.