Validation of a fast gas chromatographic method for the study of semiochemical slow release formulations

in Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Analysis (2010), 53

The validation of a fast GC-FID analytical method for the quantitative determination of semiochemical sesquiterpenes (E-β-farnesene and β-caryophyllene) to be used in an integrated pest management ... [more ▼]

The validation of a fast GC-FID analytical method for the quantitative determination of semiochemical sesquiterpenes (E-β-farnesene and β-caryophyllene) to be used in an integrated pest management approach is described. Accuracy profiles using total error as decision criteria for validation were used to verify the overall accuracy of the method results within a well defined range of concentrations and to determine the lowest limit of quantification for each analyte. Furthermore it allowed to select a very simple and reliable regression model for calibration curve for the quantification of both analytes as well as to provide measurement uncertainty without any additional experiments. Finally, this validated method was used for the quantification of semiochemicals in slow release formulations. The goal was to verify the protection efficiency of alginate gel beads formulations against oxidation and degradation of sesquiterpenes. The results showed that the alginate beads are adequate slow release devices which protect the bio-active molecules during at least twenty days. [less ▲]

Synthèse bibliographique : l’écologie chimique des coccinelles

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2010), 14(2), 351-367

This paper reviews the chemical ecology of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to present the role of semiochemicals involved in plant-ladybird, prey-ladybird and predator-ladybird interactions ... [more ▼]

This paper reviews the chemical ecology of ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to present the role of semiochemicals involved in plant-ladybird, prey-ladybird and predator-ladybird interactions. Ladybird beetles use these compounds to locate their prey, mate, protect themselves from predation or cannibalism, find a shelter to overwinter or ensure a better survival for their offspring. Thorough studies on ladybird behaviours towards these compounds could lead to their practical implementation in integrated strategies using ladybirds to control pests, like aphids or mealybugs. [less ▲]

Sémiochimiques et danger - Les phéromones d'alarme

Conference (2010)

Evaluation des données d'efficacité du produit LD100B , biocide déposé en période transitoire

Report (2009)

Evaluation des données d'efficacité du produit FINAL UNIVERSAL SPRAY, biocide déposé en période transitoire

Report (2009)

Evaluation des données d'efficacité du produit URAGAN D2, biocide déposé en période transitoire

Report (2009)

Early activity of carrion beetles (Coleoptera, Silphidae) in three selected biotopes

(2009, June)

First record of the 'bathroom mothmidge' Clogmia albipunctata, a conspicuous element of the Belgian fauna that went unnoticed (Diptera: Psychodidae)

in Phegea (2009), 37(4), 153-160

The 'bathroom fly' Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893) (Diptera: Psychodidae) is a cosmopolitan species that is commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, sewage treatment plants and compost heaps. Of ... [more ▼]

The 'bathroom fly' Clogmia albipunctata (Williston, 1893) (Diptera: Psychodidae) is a cosmopolitan species that is commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, sewage treatment plants and compost heaps. Of circumtropical origin, the species probably spread to synanthropic habitats in northern and central Europe during the past decades. The first documented findings in Belgium are discussed, together with general information on the biology and recognition of the species. [less ▲]

Origine et évolution du cannibalisme dans les populations animales : pourquoi manger son semblable ?

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2009), 13

Le cannibalisme est issu d’une déformation linguistique de la terminologie Arawak (Amérindiens des Antilles) caribal qui signifie courageux. Christophe Colomb l’emploie pour désigner les Indiens des ... [more ▼]

Le cannibalisme est issu d’une déformation linguistique de la terminologie Arawak (Amérindiens des Antilles) caribal qui signifie courageux. Christophe Colomb l’emploie pour désigner les Indiens des Caraïbes réputés pour être des mangeurs d’hommes. Le cannibalisme est largement répandu au sein du règne animal. Sa pratique au sein de l’espèce humaine remonte au Paléolithique et persiste encore dans certaines sociétés actuelles, bien qu’elle ne répond pas exclusivement à des besoins alimentaires comme chez les autres espèces animales. Au regard de sa large distribution, il y a lieu de s’interroger sur les causes, origines et avantages évolutifs de ce comportement au sein du règne animal. Le cannibalisme est induit soit par des facteurs écologiques directement liés à une insuffisance des ressources alimentaires, à de fortes densités d’individus et à une hétérogénéité structurale de la population, soit par des facteurs sociaux comme des besoins de reproduction, ou des contraintes de soins parentaux face à une progéniture trop nombreuse. Les avantages de ce comportement sont les gains nutritionnel et énergétique, les gains de territoire pour vivre et se développer. Par contre, les inconvénients résident dans la réduction des effectifs et de la variabilité génétique de la population, ainsi que dans la possibilité de transmission de parasites, virus et de maladies. [less ▲]

Comparison of age-dependent quantitative changes in the male labial gland secretion of Bombus terrestris and Bombus lucorum.

in Journal of Chemical Ecology (2009), 35(6), 698-705

Age-related changes of antennal-active components of male labial gland extracts were studied in two closely related bumblebee species, Bombus terrestris and B. lucorum. In B. terrestris, compounds ... [more ▼]

Age-related changes of antennal-active components of male labial gland extracts were studied in two closely related bumblebee species, Bombus terrestris and B. lucorum. In B. terrestris, compounds eliciting electroantennogram (EAG) responses of virgin queens were ethyl dodecanoate, 2,3-dihydrofarnesal, 2,3-dihydrofarnesol, hexadecan-1-ol, octadeca-9,12,15-trien-1-ol, and geranylcitronellol. Compounds that elicited EAG responses from queens of B. lucorum were ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl tetradec-7-enoate, ethyl tetradec-9-enoate, ethyl hexadec-9-enoate, hexadecan-1-ol, hexadec-7-enal, octadeca-9,12-dien-1-ol, octadeca-9,12,15-trien-1-ol, and octadecan-1-ol. Quantities of these compounds in the labial glands changed significantly over the lifetime of the respective males of the two species. In both species, concentrations of the respective compounds reached their maximum within seven days after eclosion. Subsequently, a rapid decrease in the amount of EAG-active compounds occurred in B. terrestris, whereas in B. lucorum the amount of active compounds stayed approximately constant or decreased at a slow rate. Microscopy showed that in B. terrestris secretory cells of the labial glands undergo apoptosis from the fifth to the tenth day of life, whilst in B. lucorum labial gland cells remain unchanged throughout the life of the males. [less ▲]