Rhammatocerus schistocercoides locust outbreaks in Mato Grosso (Brazil): A long-standing phenomenon
Evidence obtained orally or from publications clearly indicate that Rhammutocerus schistocercoides Rehn, 1906 (Orthoptera: Acrididae Gomphocerinae) outbreaks in Mato Grosso (Brazil) are a long-standing phenomenon, both in terms of their extent and nature. Current theories on the origins of these outbreaks therefore must be drastically revised, especially those that blame the accelerated agricultural development that has occurred in these regions since 1980.
Effect of two dosages of Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum against Rhammatocerus schistocercoides Rehn (1)
The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, strain CG 423, was tested under field conditions against the gregarious grasshopper Rhammatocerus schistocercoides (Rehn) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Conidia formulated in a racemic mixture of soybean oil and kerosene were sprayed under field conditions using an ultralow-volume hand-held atomizer Ulva Plus adjusted to deliver 2.9 L/ha. Bands composed of 2 nd instar nymphs were treated with either 5.0x10 12 or 1.0x10 13 viable conidia/ha. The number of insects in each band was estimated at day one following spraying and by the end of the field trial (15 to 16 days post- treatment). Reductions in population size reached, in average, 65.8% and 80.4% for bands treated with the higher and lower dosage, respectively. For both dosages, total mortality rates of insects collected at two days post-application, and kept in cages for 14 days under lab conditions, showed no significant differences as compared to that obtained with insects collected immediately after spraying. Healthy insects were fed to native grasses sprayed on the field with 1.0x10 13 viable conidia/ha. Mortality levels of the nymphs fed on grasses collected two and four days post-application were not affected when compared to nymphs fed on grasses collected immediately following application.
Altered nociception and morphine tolerance in neuropeptide FF receptor type 2 over‐expressing mice
The neuropeptide FF system is thought to act as an anti‐opioid modulator and plays a role in nociception, morphine antinociception and dependence. Two receptor subtypes, NPFFR1 and NPFFR2, have been identified, but their respective roles in these processes remain uncertain.