Data from: Conspecific semiochemical tracks on host plants modulate reproduction and defense in Parthenium beetles
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of conspecific semiochemical tracks, emitted by both males and females and differentiated by mating status, on the reproductive performance, biochemical assimilation, and antioxidant enzyme activities of female Parthenium beetles, Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister. Results revealed that the exposure to semiochemical cues significantly reduced both fecundity and egg viability in Z. bicolorata females. Nutrient assimilation, including glucose, proteins, and triglycerides, was similarly diminished following exposure to semiochemical tracks. While triglyceride assimilation was lowest in the presence of tracks from mated adults, glucose and protein assimilation were lowest in females exposed to tracks from unmated adults. Moreover, key antioxidant enzyme activities, viz., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly affected. Females reared without exposure to semiochemical tracks exhibited the highest enzyme activity, with progressively lower levels observed in those exposed to tracks from mated males. These findings suggest that conspecific semiochemicals, modulated by mating status, play a critical role in regulating female reproductive physiology and metabolic status, potentially through stress-mediated pathways. Understanding these interactions may provide valuable insights into the ecology and management of Z. bicolorata populations.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.x69p8czxm
Description of the data and file structure
This study investigated the effects of conspecific semiochemical tracks—chemical cues deposited by male and female beetles, differentiated by their mating status—on various physiological and reproductive parameters in female Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister, commonly known as the Parthenium beetle. Specifically, it assessed the influence of these chemical cues on female fecundity and egg viability over a 30-day period, following exposure to semiochemical tracks left by either unmated or mated males and females. In addition to reproductive output, the study examined nutrient assimilation (triglycerides, proteins, and glucose levels) in females on the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th days post-adult emergence. The activity of key antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)—was also measured, along with lipid peroxidation (LPO) as an indicator of oxidative stress. All measurements were conducted under the same semiochemical exposure conditions.
The dataset is provided in a file titled Data.xlsx, comprising four spreadsheets:
- Male tracks-1: This dataset includes information on female fecundity (eggs laid per day) and egg viability (viable eggs per day) over a 30-day period, measured under three conditions: exposure to tracks left by unmated males, exposure to tracks left by mated males, and a control group without semiochemical exposure.
- Male tracks-2: Includes data on nutrient assimilation (triglycerides, proteins, glucose in mg/ml) and oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, and LPO in U/mg) in females measured on days 10, 20, 30, and 40, under exposure to tracks from unmated males, mated males, or control conditions.
- Female tracks-1: Provides data on fecundity (eggs laid per day) and egg viability (viable eggs per day) for females exposed to semiochemical tracks left by unmated and mated females over a 30-day period, as well as control conditions.
- Female tracks-2: Contains data on nutrient assimilation (triglycerides, proteins, glucose in mg/ml) and oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, and LPO in U/mg) in females measured on days 10, 20, 30, and 40 under exposure to tracks from unmated females, mated females, or control conditions.
Understanding the role of semiochemical communication in shaping these biological processes provides valuable insights into the chemical ecology of Z. bicolorata. These findings may also support more effective use of this beetle as a biocontrol agent against Parthenium hysterophorus, a highly invasive weed.