Insect feeding and spawning selection preference automatic observation device and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an automatic observation device for insect feeding and spawning selection preference. The automatic observation device comprises an experiment box chamber, an insect storage assembly and a monitoring assembly. A central insect placing area and an outer plant placing area are arranged in the experiment box chamber; a plurality of partition plates are sequentially arranged in the plant placement area and can divide the plant placement area into a plurality of mutually independent plant placement chambers; by arranging a plurality of mutually independent plant placing chambers and cooperating with the insect box with a plurality of behavior selection channels with outlets coated with fluorescent dye, independent contrast experiments for testing insect feeding and oviposition selection behaviors can be realized. Meanwhile, a fluorescent food groove and an infrared camera are respectively arranged inside and outside the plant placing room, and an infrared counter is arranged in each behavior selection channel, so that the deviation caused by manual intervention and repeated selection of insects is effectively reduced, the experiment requirement of independently obtaining feeding and spawning selection behavior data in a time-sharing manner can be met, and the experiment accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of insect behavior, specifically relating to an automatic observation device for insect feeding and oviposition preferences and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, observing the feeding and oviposition behaviors of insects is of significant value for agricultural production and ecological protection. By studying the feeding preferences of pests on different crops, targeted control strategies can be developed to reduce pesticide overuse; analyzing the oviposition site selection patterns of beneficial insects helps design more effective biological protection measures. In ecological research, understanding the selective preferences of insects for host plants provides a scientific basis for biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, the feeding and oviposition behaviors of certain insects (such as fruit flies and mosquitoes) directly affect the risk of disease transmission, and accurate monitoring of these behaviors is also crucial for public health security.

[0003] Current research on insect behavior relies heavily on traditional experimental methods that use visual observation or video equipment to monitor insect feeding and oviposition activities in real time. However, these methods require prolonged observation or frequent intervention, which can easily trigger stress responses in insects, leading to behavioral distortions such as interrupted feeding and shifted oviposition locations. This is particularly pronounced for light-sensitive or wary insect species. For nocturnal insects, existing technologies typically require human supervision or external light sources for observation, which is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also disrupts the insects' natural rhythms, affecting the experimental results. Furthermore, existing devices often focus on recording a single behavioral stage, lacking flexibility in switching between different experiments, and generally have structural limitations. They are unable to effectively prevent insects (especially small flying insects) from repeatedly selecting specific areas (such as feeding sites and oviposition sites), affecting data accuracy. Additionally, they lack regulatory mechanisms to adapt to different developmental stages (such as larvae and adults) and differences in size. In the existing technology, there is no integrated device that can switch observation modes on demand, reduce human intervention, adapt to diurnal rhythms, and solve the limitations of repeated selection and the adaptability of insect individual size and stage. It is difficult to meet the experimental needs of obtaining feeding and oviposition selection behavior data in a time-sharing and independent manner.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a multifunctional experimental device that can automatically record, observe multiple behavioral preferences, and observe insect feeding and oviposition preferences without being limited by the observation period or affected by repeated selection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automatic observation device and method for observing insect feeding and oviposition preferences, which solves the problems of traditional observation methods such as distortion of insect behavior caused by artificial intervention, inability to adapt to diurnal rhythms, difficulty in switching feeding / oviposition observation modes as needed, and the limitations of existing device structures leading to repeated insect selection preference areas and lack of adaptability to developmental stages and individual sizes.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the specific technical solution of the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, an automatic observation device for insect feeding and oviposition preferences includes an experimental chamber, an insect storage component, and a monitoring component. The experimental chamber has a central insect placement area and an outer ring of plant placement areas. Multiple partitions are sequentially arranged within the plant placement areas, dividing them into multiple independent plant placement chambers.

[0007] The insect storage component includes an insect box and multiple behavioral selection channels. The insect box is connected to each plant placement chamber via these behavioral selection channels.

[0008] The monitoring components are located on the periphery of the experimental chamber and are used to collect and monitor the dynamics of the insects being tested inside the experimental chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, the monitoring component includes a support frame, multiple infrared cameras, and multiple infrared counters. Each infrared camera is mounted on the support frame and corresponds to a plant placement chamber. Each infrared counter is located at the outer end of each behavior selection channel and is used to record the number of insects being tested entering the corresponding plant placement chamber.

[0010] Furthermore, the support frame is equipped with multiple sliding rods that are matched with infrared cameras. The infrared cameras are slidably connected to the corresponding sliding rods.

[0011] Furthermore, the experimental chamber is equipped with multiple baffles. These baffles are arranged together within the experimental chamber to divide the interior into a central insect placement area and an outer plant placement area.

[0012] Furthermore, the insect box includes a movable end cap at the top and a lower chamber body. The chamber body has an open top structure. The movable end cap is installed at the top opening of the chamber body.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple insect entrances corresponding to the behavior selection channels are formed on the outer circumference of the main body of the chamber. Insect exits are formed on the barrier plate near the main body of each plant placement chamber. Each behavior selection channel is connected to an insect entrance and an insect exit at both ends, respectively.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner wall of each behavior selection channel near the insect exit is coated with fluorescent dye. The fluorescent dye in each behavior selection channel is a different color. Each behavior selection channel has an end plug near the insect entrance.

[0015] Secondly, the experimental method of the multifunctional observation device described in the first aspect specifically includes the following steps: Step S1: Based on the number of reference and control plants required for the experiment, open the movable doors of the corresponding number of plant placement chambers, place the reference and control plants into each plant placement chamber, and then close the movable doors.

[0016] Step S2: Open the movable end cap in the insect box and remove the end plug on the behavior selection channel leading to the plant placement chamber where the reference and comparison plants are placed. Leave the end plugs on the other behavior selection channels sealed. After removing the end plugs, reinstall the movable end cap.

[0017] Step S3: Open the circular cover on the movable end cap, then place the test insect into the container, and reinstall the circular cover after placing the test insect.

[0018] In step S4, the number of insects tested that crawled into each plant placement chamber was recorded using infrared counters at each behavioral channel entrance. Additionally, researchers observed the activity patterns of the insects in each plant placement chamber using infrared cameras.

[0019] Step S5: Using the images recorded by the infrared camera, combined with the fluorescent dye in the smearing behavior selection channel, the test insects that crawled back from the plant placement chamber and reselected were eliminated, and the experimental results were finally obtained.

[0020] Furthermore, in step S1, food containing different colored fluorescent dyes is placed in the fluorescent food troughs in each plant placement chamber to remove small insects or adult lepidopterans that have flown back from the plant placement chamber and reselected for supplementary nutrition, thereby obtaining the final experimental results.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. This invention, by setting up multiple independent plant placement chambers and combining them with insect boxes equipped with multiple behavioral selection channels, enables comparative experiments on the independent acquisition of feeding and oviposition selection behaviors by the tested insects. Simultaneously, by installing infrared cameras around the plant placement chambers and infrared counters within each behavioral selection channel, the degree of human intervention during the experiment can be effectively reduced. This meets the experimental requirements for time-sharing and independent acquisition of feeding and oviposition selection behavior data, improving experimental efficiency and the accuracy of results.

[0022] 2. This invention involves applying fluorescent dye to the outer end of the behavior selection channel. Simultaneously, placing food containing fluorescent dye in the fluorescent food troughs within each plant placement chamber effectively reduces the impact of tested insects returning to the insect box, thus improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0023] 3. In terms of method, this invention supports rapid on-demand switching between feeding and oviposition observation modes, utilizes visible light and infrared synergy technology to achieve interference-free circadian rhythm observation, applies fluorescent dye labeling and elimination technology to block repeated data collection of insects in selected specific areas, meets the experimental needs of insects at different developmental stages and body sizes through a dynamic adaptation mechanism, and establishes an automated behavior recognition and recording process to achieve unattended operation throughout the process, completely eliminating human interference and ensuring the authenticity and reliability of behavioral data. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the insect box and the plant placement room in this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the plant placement chamber in this invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the insect box in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the monitoring component in this invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the test results in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the test results in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the test results in Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the test results in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0025] Attached labels: 1. Plant placement room; 2. Movable door; 3. Behavior selection channel; 4. Infrared counter; 5. Insect box; 6. Movable end cap; 7. Plant; 8. End plug; 9. Fastener; 10. Circular cover; 11. Operating hole; 12. Rivet; 13. Anti-climbing opening; 14. Infrared camera; 15. Sliding rod; 16. Fluorescent food trough. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "one end", "the other end", "outer side", "upper side", "inner side", "horizontal", "coaxial", "center", "end", "length", "outer end", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0027] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, an automatic observation device for insect feeding and oviposition preferences includes an experimental chamber, an insect storage component, and a monitoring component. The experimental chamber contains multiple baffles. These baffles surround the experimental chamber, dividing it into a central insect placement area and an outer plant placement area. Within the plant placement area, multiple partitions are arranged sequentially, dividing the plant placement area into several independent plant placement chambers 1. Each plant placement chamber 1 contains a fluorescent food trough 16 and different varieties of plants 7, used to provide food for the tested insects and to provide an oviposition area.

[0030] The insect storage component includes an insect box 5 and multiple behavioral selection channels 3. The insect box 5 is connected to each plant placement chamber 1 via the behavioral selection channels 3. The insects being tested in the insect box 5 crawl or fly across the corresponding behavioral selection channels 3 according to their feeding and oviposition preferences, selecting their preferred plants 7 to feed on or lay eggs.

[0031] The monitoring components are located on the periphery of the experimental chamber and are used to collect and monitor the dynamics of the insects being tested inside the experimental chamber.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, the insect box 5 includes a movable end cap 6 at the top and a box body at the bottom. The box body is an open-top structure. The movable end cap 6 is installed at the top opening of the box body.

[0033] Furthermore, the top of the chamber body has a stepped mounting edge, and the movable end cap 6 is embedded within the mounting edge. An operating hole 11 is located at the center of the movable end cap 6. A circular baffle 10 is embedded in the operating hole 11 for sealing or opening it. The insect to be tested is placed inside when the operating hole 11 is open.

[0034] In this embodiment, the top of the circular cover 10 is provided with a rivet 12 to facilitate the detachment of the circular cover 10 from the operating hole 11. The movable end cap 6 is provided with a rotatably connected fastener 9, which can lock the position of the central cover when the circular cover 10 is inserted into the operating hole 11, preventing the central cover from detaching from the operating hole 11 and thus causing the tested insect to escape.

[0035] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, multiple insect entrances are provided on the outer circumference of the main body of the chamber, which correspond to the behavior selection channels 3. Insect exits are provided on the barrier plates near the main body of each plant placement chamber 1. Each behavior selection channel 3 is connected at both ends to the insect entrance and the insect exit, respectively.

[0036] In this embodiment, the inner wall of each behavior selection channel 3 near the insect exit is coated with fluorescent dye. The fluorescent dyes in each behavior selection channel 3 are of different colors and are used to eliminate individuals that crawl back.

[0037] Furthermore, each behavior selection channel 3 is equipped with an end plug 8 near the insect entrance. During use, the experimenters insert end plugs 8 into the remaining behavior selection channels 3 according to the number of behavior selection channels 3 required in the experiment, to prevent the tested insects from accidentally entering the behavior selection channel 3 and thus affecting the final experimental results.

[0038] Furthermore, each fluorescent food container 16 contains different foods, which the tested insects choose according to their preferences. The addition of fluorescent dye to the food helps to eliminate flying insects and smaller insects that repeatedly select the food.

[0039] like Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figure 5, the monitoring component includes a support frame, multiple infrared cameras 14, and multiple infrared counters 4. Each infrared camera 14 is mounted on the support frame and corresponds to a plant placement chamber 1, used to monitor the status of the insects being tested within that chamber. Each infrared counter 4 is located on the side of each behavior selection channel 3 near the insect exit, used to record the number of insects entering the corresponding plant placement chamber 1.

[0040] During use, the researchers first used the infrared camera 14 to check for any insects that crawled or flew back to the insect box 5. Next, they used ultraviolet light to inspect the insects in each plant placement chamber 1, checking for any individuals with different fluorescent characteristics; those found were removed, prioritizing the initial selection.

[0041] Furthermore, the support frame is equipped with multiple sliding rods 15 that are matched with the infrared camera 14. The infrared camera 14 is slidably connected to the corresponding sliding rod 15, and the experimenter can adjust the height as needed to observe insect activity.

[0042] In some embodiments, each plant placement chamber 1 is equipped with a movable door 2 on its outer side. Researchers can open or close the movable door 2 as needed to place or replace the plants 7 in the plant placement chamber 1.

[0043] This embodiment uses the device from Embodiment 1 to provide a method for selecting insect feeding and oviposition preferences, including the following steps: Step S1: Based on the number of reference plants 7 required for the experiment, open the movable doors 2 in the corresponding number of plant placement chambers 1, and place the reference plants 7 into each plant placement chamber 1 respectively, and then close the movable doors 2.

[0044] Step S2: Open the movable end cap 6 in the insect box 5, and remove the end plug 8 on the behavior selection channel 3 leading to the plant placement chamber 1 where the reference comparison plant 7 is placed. Leave the end plugs 8 on the other behavior selection channels 3 sealed. After removing the end plugs 8, reinstall the movable end cap 6.

[0045] Step S3: Open the circular cover 10 on the movable end cap 6, then place the test insect into the container, and reinstall the circular cover 10 after placing the test insect.

[0046] In step S4, the number of insects tested that crawled into each plant placement chamber 1 was recorded using infrared counters 4 at each behavioral channel entrance. Additionally, the researchers observed the state of the insects tested in each plant placement chamber 1 using infrared cameras 14.

[0047] In step S5, the test insects that crawled back from the plant placement chamber 1 and reselected were removed by using the images recorded by the infrared camera 14 and the fluorescent dye in the smearing behavior selection channel 3, and the experimental results were finally obtained.

[0048] In some embodiments, by placing food containing fluorescent dyes of different colors in the fluorescent food troughs 16 in each plant placement chamber 1, further elimination of flying insects and smaller, repeatedly selected insects can be achieved, ensuring the accuracy of the experiment.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] The test was conducted using the experimental setup described in Example 1. Step S1, Planting: Following the guidelines for Plant 1, wheat seeds of Zhefeng No. 2 (Zhejiang Agricultural Science Seed Industry Co., Ltd.) were used for planting. After soaking and germination for 24 hours, the seeds were sown in corresponding 350mL disposable plastic cups with drainage holes at the bottom and planted in an artificial climate chamber. When the wheat seedlings reached 10cm in height, they were used to feed the larvae.

[0051] Reference plant 2 used seeds of the Taichung Zailai No. 1 (TN1, a rice variety susceptible to rice leaf roller) for planting. The rice seeds were soaked for 24 hours and germinated for 48 hours, and then planted in a greenhouse of Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (30.31°N, 120.20°E). After 45 days of planting, the seeds were used to feed the larvae.

[0052] None of the host plants mentioned above have been treated with any pests or pesticides.

[0053] Step S2, Insect Rearing: The rice leaf rollers used in this experiment were collected from rice paddies in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, and continuously reared for more than 10 generations using wheat seedlings in the artificial climate chamber of the Institute of Plant and Microbial Protection, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The rearing environment parameters were set as follows: constant temperature 26±1℃, relative humidity 60±1%, and photoperiod L:D=14:10 (photoperiod 05:00-19:00, darkperiod 19:00-05:00 the next day).

[0054] Take wheat seedlings that have grown to about 10 cm in height and inoculate them with rice leaf roller eggs for newly hatched larvae to feed on. Replace the seedlings with fresh wheat plants regularly based on the larvae's feeding behavior to maintain a food supply. During the pupation stage, transfer the pupae to a transparent rearing box lined with moistened absorbent cotton and cover the surface with nylon mesh to prevent escape. Replenish water daily to maintain environmental humidity.

[0055] After adult emergence, the adults were paired at a 1:1 ratio and reared in 350 mL rearing cups. A cotton swab soaked in 5% honey water was placed at the bottom of the container as a nutrient source for the adults, and the top was sealed with perforated plastic wrap. Eggs were collected and reared to the 4th instar larvae for subsequent experiments.

[0056] Step S3, Preference Experiment: Select 4th-instar rice leaf roller larvae to study their feeding preferences on different host plants.

[0057] Larvae of uniform size were selected and starved for 4 hours to empty their intestines before the experiment. Wheat and rice were placed in two separate plant placement chambers. Fifteen larvae were selected and placed in an insect box. Two diagonally positioned plant placement chambers were chosen, and the end plugs at the corresponding behavior selection channels were removed. The behavior selection channels leading to the other plant placement chambers were blocked with end plugs for comparison. Observation ended after 8 hours.

[0058] Step S4: Experimental Recording. Repeat step S3 ten times and record the results of each experiment.

[0059] Step S5: Statistical analysis. Data recorded by each infrared camera and infrared counter were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. A chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in larval feeding selection rates.

[0060] Experimental results are as follows Figure 6 As shown, there are significant differences in the feeding selection rate of the 4th instar larvae of the rice leaf roller to different host plants, with the larvae showing a significantly higher feeding selection rate to wheat than to rice.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in the different plant species used, specifically including the following steps: Step S1: Plant cultivation. The following varieties, primarily promoted in Zhejiang Province, were selected: Zhongzao 39 (indica rice), Xiushui 134 (japonica rice, Zhejiang Wuwangnong Seed Industry Co., Ltd.), and Yongyou 1540 (indica-japonica hybrid rice, Ningbo Seed Industry Co., Ltd.). Rice seeds were soaked at room temperature (26 ℃) for 24 hours, drained, covered with damp gauze for 48 hours to promote germination, and then raised as seedlings in white plastic pots (26 cm × 17 cm × 8 cm). Seedlings were transplanted into flowerpots (12 cm in diameter) at 12 days of age. All three rice varieties were grown in a greenhouse at the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (30.31°N, 120.20°E). Rice seedlings at the tillering stage 40 days after transplanting were used for subsequent experiments. No other pests fed on the rice during its growth period, and no pesticides were used.

[0063] Step S2, Insect Rearing: The rice leaf rollers used in this experiment were collected from rice paddies in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, and continuously reared for more than 10 generations using wheat seedlings in the artificial climate chamber of the Institute of Plant and Microbial Protection, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The rearing environment parameters were set as follows: constant temperature 26±1℃, relative humidity 60±1%, and photoperiod L:D=14:10 (photoperiod 05:00-19:00, darkperiod 19:00-05:00 the next day).

[0064] Take wheat seedlings that have grown to about 10 cm in height and inoculate them with rice leaf roller eggs for newly hatched larvae to feed on. Replace the seedlings with fresh wheat plants regularly based on the larvae's feeding behavior to maintain a food supply. During the pupation stage, transfer the pupae to a transparent rearing box lined with moistened absorbent cotton and cover the surface with nylon mesh to prevent escape. Replenish water daily to maintain environmental humidity.

[0065] After adult emergence, the adults were paired at a 1:1 ratio and reared in 350 mL rearing cups. A cotton swab soaked in 5% honey water was placed at the bottom of the container as a nutrient source for the adults, and the top was sealed with perforated plastic wrap. Eggs were collected and reared to the 4th instar larvae for subsequent experiments.

[0066] Step S3: Feeding Experiment. Fifth-instar rice leaf roller larvae were selected to study their feeding preferences for different rice varieties. Larvae of uniform size were selected and starved for 4 hours to empty their intestines before the experiment. Different rice varieties were placed in their corresponding plant placement chambers, and the larvae were placed in insect boxes. Three plant placement chambers were selected, and the end plugs at the ports of their corresponding behavioral selection channels were removed. The behavioral selection channels leading to the other plant placement chambers were blocked by the end plugs. Fifteen larvae were used in each treatment, and observation was completed after 8 hours.

[0067] Step S4: Experimental Recording. Repeat step S3 ten times and record the results of each experiment.

[0068] Step S5: Statistical analysis. Data recorded by each infrared camera and infrared counter were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. A chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in larval feeding selection rates.

[0069] Experimental results are as follows Figure 7 As shown, there were significant differences in the feeding selection rate of the 5th instar larvae of the rice leaf roller among different rice varieties, with the lowest feeding selection rate for Xiushui 134. The 5th instar larvae preferred to feed on indica rice Zhongzao 39 and hybrid rice Yongyou 1540.

[0070] Example 4

[0071] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 lies in the rice variety and the treatment of the plants during the experiment.

[0072] Step S1, plant cultivation. The rice material used for the test was Yongyou 1540 (Ningbo Seed Industry Co., Ltd.). The rice seeds were soaked at room temperature (26 ℃) for 24 hours, drained, covered with a damp gauze to germinate for 48 hours, and then raised in white plastic pots (26 cm × 17 cm × 8 cm). When the seedlings were 12 days old, they were transplanted into flower pots (12 cm in diameter).

[0073] Rice was grown in a greenhouse at the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (30.31°N, 120.20°E). Rice at the tillering stage, 30 days after transplanting, was used for subsequent experiments. No other pathogens infected the rice during its growth period, and no fungicide treatment was applied. The inoculated strain was TTZF-1, a rice sheath blight pathogen collected from rice paddies in Zhejiang Province. The inoculation method was the toothpick embedding method. Wooden toothpicks were cut into 1.0–2.0 cm lengths and laid in a single layer at the bottom of a petri dish. After sterilization, PDB medium was added and inoculated (the liquid level should cover the toothpicks). The dish was incubated statically at 26°C for 3 days until the mycelium densely covered the medium before inoculation. During inoculation, toothpicks with mycelium were inserted between the second and third leaf sheaths and the stem from top to bottom. After inoculation, the leaf sheaths did not significantly change their clasping position with the stem. Twenty days after inoculation, diseased plants were selected for subsequent experiments.

[0074] Step S2, Insect Rearing: The rice leaf rollers used in this experiment were collected from rice paddies in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, and continuously reared for more than 10 generations using wheat seedlings in the artificial climate chamber of the Institute of Plant and Microbial Protection, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The rearing environment parameters were set as follows: constant temperature 26±1℃, relative humidity 60±1%, and photoperiod L:D=14:10 (photoperiod 05:00-19:00, darkperiod 19:00-05:00 the next day).

[0075] Take wheat seedlings that have grown to about 10 cm in height and inoculate them with rice leaf roller eggs for newly hatched larvae to feed on. Replace the seedlings with fresh wheat plants regularly based on the larvae's feeding behavior to maintain a food supply. During the pupation stage, transfer the pupae to a transparent rearing box lined with moistened absorbent cotton and cover the surface with nylon mesh to prevent escape. Replenish water daily to maintain environmental humidity.

[0076] After adult emergence, the adults were paired at a 1:1 ratio and reared in 350 mL rearing cups. A cotton swab soaked in 5% honey water was placed at the bottom of the container as a nutrient source for the adults, and the top was sealed with perforated plastic wrap. Eggs were collected and reared to the 4th instar larvae for subsequent experiments.

[0077] Step S3, Preference Experiment: Two days before the experiment, remove excess leaves from the plants, leaving five main leaves for adult rice leaf rollers to lay eggs. Place different rice varieties in their corresponding plant placement chambers. Select 15 larvae and place them in an insect box. Select six plant placement chambers and remove the end plugs from the corresponding behavior selection channels. The behavior selection channels leading to the remaining plant placement chambers are then blocked with end plugs.

[0078] Specifically, plants infected with and uninfected with rice sheath blight were randomly placed diagonally in plant placement chambers. Three chambers contained infected plants, and the other three contained uninfected plants, with alternating placements for each treatment. Three-day-old female moths (having completed mating) were placed in the insect box. Six behavioral selection channels were opened, corresponding to each treatment, while the remaining channels were plugged. Observation ended after 72 hours.

[0079] Step S4: Experimental Recording. Repeat step S3 five times and record the results of each experiment.

[0080] Step S5: Statistical analysis. Data recorded by each infrared camera and infrared counter were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. A chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in larval feeding selection rates.

[0081] Experimental results are as follows Figure 8As shown, there is a significant difference in the oviposition selection rate of female rice leaf rollers on plants infected with and uninfected by rice sheath blight, with female moths being more inclined to lay eggs on uninfected rice plants.

[0082] Example 5

[0083] Step S1: Plant cultivation. The rice material used in the experiment was Zhongzao 39 (Zhejiang Wuwangnong Seed Industry Co., Ltd.). Rice seeds were soaked at room temperature (26 ℃) for 24 hours, drained, covered with damp gauze to germinate for 48 hours, and then raised as seedlings in white plastic pots (26 cm × 17 cm × 8 cm). Seedlings were transplanted into flowerpots (12 cm in diameter) at 12 days of age. The rice was grown in a greenhouse at the Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences (30.31°N, 120.20°E). Rice at the tillering stage 40 days after transplanting was used for subsequent experiments. No other pests fed on the rice during its growth period, and no pesticides were used.

[0084] Step S2: Insect rearing. The rice leaf roller was collected from rice paddies in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, and continuously reared for over 10 generations using wheat seedlings in the artificial climate chamber of the Institute of Plant and Microbial Protection, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The rearing environment parameters were set as follows: constant temperature 26±1℃, relative humidity 60±1%, and photoperiod L:D=14:10 (photoperiod 05:00-19:00, darkperiod 19:00-05:00 the next day).

[0085] Take wheat seedlings that have grown to about 10 cm in height and inoculate them with rice leaf roller eggs for newly hatched larvae to feed on. Replace the seedlings with fresh wheat plants regularly based on the larvae's feeding behavior to maintain a food supply. During the pupation stage, transfer the pupae to a transparent rearing box lined with moistened absorbent cotton and cover the surface with nylon mesh to prevent escape. Replenish water daily to maintain environmental humidity.

[0086] After adult emergence, the adults were paired at a 1:1 ratio and reared in 350 mL rearing cups. A cotton swab soaked in 5% honey water was placed at the bottom of the container as a nutrient source for the adults, and the top was sealed with perforated plastic wrap. Eggs were collected and reared to the 4th instar larvae for subsequent experiments.

[0087] To rear the rice stem borer by laying eggs, three pots of rice plants were placed in rearing cages (50 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm). Fifteen 3-day-old female rice stem borers (already mated) were placed in each rearing cage. After laying eggs for 48 hours, the adult moths were removed for subsequent experiments.

[0088] Step S3, Preference Trial Rice plants carrying and not carrying rice stem borer eggs were randomly placed diagonally in the plant placement chamber. Fifteen 3-day-old female rice leaf roller moths (having completed mating) were placed in the insect box. Two behavior selection channels were opened, one corresponding to the plant placement chamber containing rice with rice stem borer eggs and the other to the one without. The remaining channels were plugged. Observation ended after 72 hours.

[0089] Step S4: Experimental Recording. Repeat step S3 five times and record the results of each experiment.

[0090] Step S4: Statistical analysis. Data recorded by each infrared camera and infrared counter were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 software. A chi-square test was used to analyze the differences in larval feeding selection rates.

[0091] Experimental results are as follows Figure 9 As shown, there was no significant difference in the oviposition selection rate of female rice leaf roller moths on rice plants carrying rice stem borer eggs and those not carrying rice stem borer eggs.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automated observation device for insect feeding and oviposition preference, characterized by: The experimental chamber, the insect storage assembly and the monitoring assembly are included; a central insect placement area and a plant (7) placement area in the outer ring are arranged in the experimental chamber; a plurality of partition plates are sequentially arranged in the plant (7) placement area, and the plant (7) placement area can be divided into a plurality of independent plant placement chambers (1); a fluorescent food groove (16) and plants (7) of different varieties are placed in each plant placement chamber (1); The insect storage assembly includes an insect box (5) and a plurality of behavior selection channels (3); the insect box (5) is connected with each plant placement chamber (1) through each behavior selection channel (3); The monitoring assembly is arranged on the periphery of the experimental chamber and is used for collecting and monitoring the dynamic of the insects to be tested in the experimental chamber.

2. An automatic device for observing the feeding and oviposition preferences of insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring assembly includes a support frame, a plurality of infrared cameras (14) and a plurality of infrared counters (4); each infrared camera (14) is installed on the support frame and corresponds to one plant placement chamber (1); each infrared counter (4) is arranged at the outer end of each behavior selection channel (3) and is used for recording the number of insects to be tested crawling into the corresponding plant placement chamber (1).

3. An automatic device for observing the feeding and oviposition preferences of insects according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of slide rods (15) matched with the infrared cameras (14) are arranged on the support frame; the infrared cameras (14) are slidably connected to the corresponding slide rods (15).

4. The automatic device for observing the feeding and oviposition preference of insects according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of blocking plates are arranged in the experimental chamber; the blocking plates are arranged in the experimental chamber and can divide the inner cavity of the experimental chamber into the central insect placement area and the plant (7) placement area in the outer ring.

5. An automatic device for observing the feeding and oviposition preferences of insects according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insect box (5) includes a movable end cover (6) at the top and a chamber body at the bottom; the chamber body is a box structure with an open top; the movable end cover (6) is installed at the top opening of the chamber body.

6. An automatic device for observing the feeding and oviposition preferences of insects according to claim 5, characterized in that: A plurality of insect entrances matched with the behavior selection channels (3) are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the chamber body; an insect exit is arranged on the blocking plate near the side of each plant placement chamber (1); the two ends of each behavior selection channel (3) are connected with the insect entrance and the insect exit, respectively.

7. An automatic device for observing the feeding and oviposition preferences of insects according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the end part of each behavior selection channel (3) near the insect exit is coated with fluorescent dye; the fluorescent dyes in each behavior selection channel (3) are different in color; an end plug (8) is arranged at the end of each behavior selection channel (3) near the insect entrance.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method is an automated method for observing the oviposition and feeding preferences of insects, characterized in that: Specifically includes the following steps: Step S1: According to the number of reference comparison plants (7) required by the experiment, open the movable door (2) in the corresponding number of plant placement chambers (1), and place the reference comparison plants (7) in each plant placement chamber (1), and then close the movable door (2); Step S2: open the movable end cover (6) in the insect box (5), remove the end plug (8) on the behavior selection channel (3) leading to the plant placement chamber (1) where the reference comparison plants (7) are placed, and maintain the end plug (8) on the remaining behavior selection channels (3); reinstall the movable end cover (6) after the end plug (8) is removed. Step S3, open the circular cover (10) on the active end cover (6), then put the insects to be tested into the experimental device, and then re-install the circular cover (10); Step S4, record the number of insects to be tested crawling into each plant placement chamber (1) through the infrared counter (4) on each behavior channel; in addition, the experimenter observes the activity state of the insects to be tested in each plant placement chamber (1) through the infrared camera (14); Step S5, through the pictures recorded by the infrared camera (14), cooperate with the fluorescent dye in the behavior selection channel (3), and eliminate the insects to be tested that crawl back from the plant placement chamber (1) and reselect, and finally obtain the experimental results.

9. The experimental method of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: providing a plurality of plants; and providing a plurality of insects. In step S1, the fluorescent food trough (16) in each plant placement chamber (1) is placed with food containing different colors of fluorescent dyes, which is used to eliminate small insects or lepidopteran adults that fly back from the plant placement chamber (1) and reselect for supplementary nutrition, so as to obtain the final experimental results.

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