Enhancement of short wing formation and ovarian growth in the genetically defined macropterous strain of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

When JH II, III or methoprene was applied in the nymphal stages to two different strains of the brown planthopper which were selected to produce long (macropterous) or short (brachypterous) wing forms, no effect was observed on the molting profile or metamorphosis. Brachypterization of a majority of the presumptive macropters was, however, observed by application of these chemicals, although there was no effect on wing form in the presumptive brachypters. The results show that the sensitive periods for the brachypterization of the presumptive macropters falls between early antepenultimate instar and within I or 2 days of the penultimate instar, and that the chemicals were effective, in the following order of potency: methoprene > JH III > JH II. Ovarian growth was greatly enhanced in the presumptive macropters when JH III or methoprene was applied twice, within 12 h of the 3rd or 4th nymphal instar and 6 h before adult emergence. JH II on the other hand had no effect on ovarian growth when applied to the presumptive macropters at any of the nymphal stages. None of the chemicals had any effect on ovarian growth in the presumptive brachypters. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.