Toxicological Effects of Brevetoxin-2 (PbTx-2) on the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

McCord, Elzie

Keywords

Brevetoxin, PbTx-2, Brevetoxin-2, Spodoptera frugiperda, Fall Armyworm, Red Tide

Area of Concentration

Biology

Abstract

Brevetoxin (PbTx), the primary neurotoxin of Red Tide, was tested in vivo on the fall annyworm to determine if a lethal dose could be established. Ten fourth instar larvae per treatment, replicated six times, were fed nanomolar concentrations of PbTx-2 on dipped cabbage leaves for 72 hours. High cannibalism levels were observed facilitating a repeat of this experiment. Five additional higher (micromolar) PbTx-2 concentrations were included in the subsequent study as well as a deposit on diet assay was performed. The deposit on diet assay involved placing approximately 1-2 g hot meridic diet in 1 oz. plastic creamers. Two hundred microliters (200I1L) of brevet ox in formulation was pipetted atop diet in each cup, corresponding to rate and consisting of three replicates of 10 larvae per treatment. LC50 was not obtained because mortality did not exceed 10% in either test. In vivo observations did not produce discernible evidence of toxicity; however, other observation showed variable adult emergence even though only a weak correlation could be established. Future experiments should include higher in vivo doses and in vitro detoxification and enzyme inhibition/induction assays to elucidate the effects of brevetoxin on this species.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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