Abstract Insects have several types of sensilla, the characterization of which has been fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of sensory perception in different species. This study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of the sensilla present on the antennae of Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1823) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), an important pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crops, as well as their possible variation between sexes. To do this, the antennae of males and females of A. argillacea were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Sensilla morphometry was assessed using photomicrographs, from which the lengths and basal and apical diameters of sensilla were measured using the ImageJ program. Seven types of sensilla were identified on the antennae of A. argillacea: sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla Böhm bristles. Differences between the sensilla of males and females were found in their lengths and basal diameters in the distal and proximal regions. This suggests that sensilla functionality may not only vary from one species to another, but also between sexes within the same species. Thus, further transmission electron microscopy and single sensillum recording studies may provide more detailed information on the sensilla of A. argillacea and their functions.

RESUMO: Foram avaliadas cinco cultivares de Zea mays (BRS Caatingueiro, BRS Gorutuba, BRS Sertanejo, BRS Asa Branca e BR 106) e seu efeito na nutrição do gorgulho-do-milho Sitophilus zeamais, por meio da análise de proteína total em adultos alimentados com esses cultivares e a presença de lectinas e inibidores da tripsina nos grãos. Além disso, foram realizados ensaios com e sem chance de escolha para investigar a resistência dos cultivares de Z. mays ao ataque de S. zeamais. O cultivar BR 106 apresentou o menor índice de susceptibilidade, seguido por BRS Caatingueiro, BRS Asa Branca, BRS Sertanejo e BRS Gorutuba. O número de adultos emergidos nos cultivares de Z. mays variou de 213,17 a 74,0, e o menor número de insetos foi registrado para o cultivar BR 106. Os insetos foram capazes de se alimentar de todos os cultivares, no entanto, o BR 106 mostrou a menor redução na biomassa seca. As lectinas foram detectadas em extratos de BR 106, BRS Asa Branca, BRS Sertanejo e BRS Gorutuba, e a maior atividade foi demonstrada pela BR 106. A menor assimilação de proteína foi detectada nos insetos que se alimentaram com BRS Asa Branca. Os extratos de todos os cultivares foram capazes de inibir a atividade da tripsina bovina, mas esse efeito não está correlacionado ao grau de resistência dos cultivares de Z. mays. Os resultados sugerem a resistência da BR 160 ao ataque de S. zeamais, além de indicar que a presença de lectina nos grãos é a causa dessa resistência.

ABSTRACT: Five Zea mays cultivars (BRS Caatingueiro, BRS Gorutuba, BRS Sertanejo, BRS Asa Branca and BR 106) were evaluated considering their effect on the nutrition of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais, by analysis of total protein in adult fed with these cultivars and for the presence of lectins and trypsin inhibitors in grains. In addition, free-choice and no-choice assays were performed to investigate the resistance of grains of the Z. mays cultivars to an attack by S. zeamais. The BR 106 cultivar showed the lowest susceptibility index, followed by BRS Caatingueiro, BRS Asa Branca, BRS Sertanejo and BRS Gorutuba. The number of emerged adults in the Z. mays cultivars ranged from 213.17 to 74.0, and the lowest number of insects was recorded for the BR 106 cultivar. The insects were able to feed on grains of all cultivars, but the BR 106 cultivar showed the least reduction in dried biomass. Lectins were detected in extracts from BR 106, BRS Asa Branca, BRS Sertanejo and BRS Gorutuba, and the highest activity was shown by BR 106. The lowest protein assimilation was detected in the insects from treatments with BRS Asa Branca. The extracts from all cultivars were able to inhibit the activity of bovine trypsin, but this effect was not related to the resistance degree of Z. mays cultivars. The results suggest the resistance of BR 160 to the attack of S. zeamais, as well as indicating that the presence of lectin in the grains is the cause of this resistance.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous insect that causes economic losses to several crops in Brazil and is the major obstacle to corn production. Researches focusing on alternative control, e.g. botanical products are expanding to offer a wide variety of molecules that interfere with different biological parameters of insect pests. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that clove essential oil affects the spermatogenesis, ovarioles histochemistry and the fertility of S. frugiperda. The results showed that clove essential oil affects the gametogenesis of S. frugiperda ovarioles, reflecting negatively on its reproduction, proving to be a promising tool for controlling this pest.

Spodoptera frugiperda es un insecto polífago que causa pérdidas económicas a varias cosechas en Brasil y es el mayor obstáculo para la producción de maíz. Este estudio está centrado en el control alternativo, con productos botánicos que se están expandiendo y ofrecen una amplia variedad de moléculas que interfieren con diferentes parámetros biológicos de plagas de insectos. Por tanto, se puso a prueba la hipótesis de que el aceite esencial de clavo de olor afecta la espermatogénesis. La histoquímica de los ovarioles y la fertilidad de S. frugiperda. Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial de clavo de olor afecta la gametogénesis de los ovarioles en S. frugiperda, lo que incide negativamente en su reproducción, demostrando ser una herramienta prometedora para el control de esta plaga.