A LATEX AGGLUTINATION METHOD FOR USE IN EVALUATING INSECT PREY-PREDATOR SYSTEMS
A LATEX AGGLUTINATION METHOD FOR USE IN EVALUATING INSECT PREY-PREDATOR SYSTEMS
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Date
1976-12
Authors
Ohiagu, C. Ezekwesiri
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Abstract
Serological techniques currently employed for the evaluation of prey/
predator systems as well as their practical application in ecological
research are reviewed. A quantitative determination of the amount (10 mg/
ml) of insect protein (antigen) necessary for the production of high titred
specific antisera, upon which all successful serological identifications
depend is reported.
The latex agglutination technique commonly used in medical science
was investigated to assess its potential and practicability in use, for
evaluating prey-predator relationships. The migratory locust Locusta
rnlgratorja (L) was used as the initial test insect and having confirmed
that this technique could be used to detect locust antiserum-antigen
reactions, it was then applied under laboratory conditions to detect the
presence of Acrythosiphon pisum (pea aphid) in the gut of the 7 spotted
Coccinellid (Coccinella septempunctata). A further test was conducted
using the larvae of the Preposterous insect Vanessa io (the Peacock
butterfly). In all cases, comparisons were made between this method and
the standard precipitation test (Capillary ring test). Results indicated that
the method was as sensitive as the ring test, but was found to be superior
in terms of speed of reaction, (occurring between 1-2 minutes, as opposed
to 2 hrs in the Capillary ring test) and utilization of minimum equipment
and reagent, an asset to its potential application as a rapid screening
method for arthropod predators under field conditions.
Description
A thesis submitted in part fulfillment
of the requirements for the Diploma
of Membership of the Imperial College
of Science and Technology
Department of Zoology & Applied Entomology,
Imperial College of Science and Technology,
Field Station,
Silwood Park,
Berkshire
December, 1976
Keywords
LATEX,,, AGGLUTINATION,, METHOD,, USE,, EVALUATING,, INSECT,, PREY-PREDATOR,, SYSTEMS