Antennal Morphology and Localization of a Pheromone-Binding Protein of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

In the sensory system of insects, olfactory sensilla constitute important functional elements for discriminating odors. Therefore, we used light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the morphology and distribution of sensilla in the antennae of Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller). In addition, we studied the expression of the gene encoding for pheromone-binding protein 1 (LbotPBP1) by in situ hybridization.

Copper immobilization by biochar and microbial community abundance in metal-contaminated soils.

Biochar (BC) is gaining attention as a soil amendment that can remediate metal polluted soils. The simultaneous effects of BC on copper (Cu) mobility, microbial activities in soil using metallophytes have scarcely been addressed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of biochar BCs on Cu immobilization and over soil microbial communities in a Cu-contaminated soil evaluated over a two-year trial.