Entomology

Article Agronomy

Does the dose make the poison? Neurotoxic insecticides impair predator orientation and reproduction even at low concentrations

Luis C. Passos, Michele Ricupero, Antonio Gugliuzzo, Marianne A. Soares, Nicolas Desneux, Geraldo A. Carvalho, Lucia Zappala, Antonio Biondi

Summary: This study found that three insecticides can be harmful to Nesidiocoris tenuis, especially at low concentrations. This research is of great importance in understanding the impacts of pesticides on beneficial organisms.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

The Impact of Deforestation, Urbanization, and Changing Land Use Patterns on the Ecology of Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases in Central America

Diana I. Ortiz, Marta Piche-Ovares, Luis M. Romero-Vega, Joseph Wagman, Adriana Troyo

Summary: This article reviews and analyzes the current knowledge and potential impacts of deforestation, urbanization, and other land use changes on mosquito-borne and tick-borne disease transmission in Central America. The article highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of the complex ecological interactions and environmental changes in the region, in order to improve prevention and control strategies. The article also emphasizes the challenges faced by Central America in developing effective strategies and investing in public health infrastructure for disease prevention and control.

INSECTS (2022)

Article Agronomy

Oral RNAi toxicity assay suggests clathrin heavy chain as a promising molecular target for controlling the 28-spotted potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata

Mujuan Guo, Satyabrata Nanda, Shimin Chen, Jing Lu, Chunxiao Yang, Zhuoqi Liu, Wei Guo, Baoli Qiu, Youjun Zhang, Xuguo Zhou, Huipeng Pan

Summary: The study demonstrated that silencing clathrin heavy chain through RNA interference significantly impairs the physiology of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. It was found that species with numerous 21-nucleotide matches in homologous genes are more susceptible to dsRNA. Furthermore, HvChc can be effectively used as a target gene for RNAi to manage this pest species.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2022)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Xenobiotic responses in insects

Lujuan Gao, Huanhuan Qiao, Peng Wei, Bernard Moussian, Yiwen Wang

Summary: This article summarizes advances in understanding insect xenobiotic responses and detoxification mechanisms, discusses the issue of response specificity, and highlights the potential usefulness of this research field for pest management.

ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (2022)

Article Entomology

Spatial clusters of Varroa destructor control strategies in Europe

Robert Brodschneider, Johannes Schlagbauer, Iliyana Arakelyan, Alexis Ballis, Jan Brus, Valters Brusbardis, Luis Cadahia, Jean-Daniel Charriere, Robert Chlebo, Mary F. Coffey, Bram Cornelissen, Cristina Amaro da Costa, Ellen Danneels, Jiri Danihlik, Constantin Dobrescu, Garth Evans, Mariia Fedoriak, Ivan Forsythe, Ales Gregorc, Jes Johannesen, Lassi Kauko, Preben Kristiansen, Maritta Martikkala, Raquel Martin-Hernandez, Ewa Mazur, Franco Mutinelli, Solenn Patalano, Aivar Raudmets, Noa Simon Delso, Jevrosima Stevanovic, Aleksandar Uzunov, Flemming Vejsnaes, Anthony Williams, Alison Gray

Summary: This study surveyed beekeepers in 30 European countries and found significant variations in the methods used to control Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite in honey bee colonies. The most commonly used control methods include amitraz, oxalic acid, and formic acid. The study also identified three distinct clusters in Europe based on the control methods used.

JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE (2023)

Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Non-target effects of essential oil-based biopesticides for crop protection: Impact on natural enemies, pollinators, and soil invertebrates

Giulia Giunti, Giovanni Benelli, Vincenzo Palmeri, Francesca Laudani, Michele Ricupero, Renato Ricciardi, Filippo Maggi, Andrea Lucchi, Raul Narciso C. Guedes, Nicolas Desneux, Orlando Campolo

Summary: Controlling agricultural pests becomes more challenging due to resistance development in target pests and their harmful effects on non-target species. Plant essential oils (EOs) have the potential to be effective insecticides and acaricides, but their effects on non-target species, including biological control agents, pollinators, and soil invertebrates, need further investigation. Although EO-based pesticides are generally considered safer, they still have detrimental effects on biological control agents and sublethal effects on pollinators. Research on the modes of action and long-term effects of EO-based pesticides in field conditions is still needed.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL (2022)

Review Entomology

Preventing invasions of Asian longhorn beetle and citrus longhorn beetle: are we on the right track?

Sofia Branco, Massimo Faccoli, Eckehard G. Brockerhoff, Geraldine Roux, Herve Jactel, Nicolas Desneux, Emmanuel Gachet, Raphaelle Mouttet, Jean-Claude Streito, Manuela Branco

Summary: Efforts have been made to prevent Asian longhorn beetles from causing harm to forest and urban trees, with over 45% of eradication programmes successful in the last 12 years. Despite the high costs of eradication programs, the benefits outweigh the costs. Eradication efforts for Anoplophora chinensis are more challenging compared to Anoplophora glabripennis.

JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE (2022)

Article Biology

The roles of metals in insect-microbe interactions and immunity

Alexandra Hrdina, Igor Iatsenko

Summary: Metal ions play essential roles in insect physiological processes, including immunity and interactions with microbes. Iron ion, through the hypoferremic response mediated by Transferrin 1, is crucial for insect defense against pathogens. Other metal ions, such as copper and zinc, can interfere with insect immune function.

CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Biodiversity Conservation

The isolated Erebia pandrose Apennine population is genetically unique and endangered by climate change

Ginevra Sistri, Mattia Menchetti, Luca Santini, Lorenzo Pasquali, Sofia Sapienti, Alessandro Cini, Leonardo Platania, Emilio Balletto, Francesca Barbero, Simona Bonelli, Luca Pietro Casacci, Vlad Dinca, Roger Vila, Cristina Mantoni, Simone Fattorini, Leonardo Dapporto

Summary: Climate change is leading to shifts in species distribution, with mountain populations particularly vulnerable. A study on Erebia pandrose butterflies in the Apennines found a decline in population size and an uphill migration trend.

INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY (2022)

Review Agriculture, Multidisciplinary

Bioactive properties of insect products for monogastric animals - a review

T. Veldkamp, L. Dong, A. Paul, C. Govers

Summary: Insects and their derived products have the potential to serve as valuable feed ingredients in aquaculture, poultry, and pig farming, while also providing health benefits to livestock. This review focuses on the bioactive compounds found in insects, including antimicrobial peptides, fatty acids, and polysaccharides, and explores their potential effects on animal health. By incorporating insect products into animal diets, it is possible to reduce the reliance on antibiotics and prevent antibiotic resistance in livestock. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of insect proteins may help protect tissues from damage. These findings suggest that insect products have diverse applications in animal feed for improving livestock health.

JOURNAL OF INSECTS AS FOOD AND FEED (2022)

Article Entomology

Host selection and adaptation of the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda to indica and japonica rice cultivars

Peng Wang, Pei-cong He, Lei Hu, Xiu-li Chi, Michael A. Keller, Dong Chu

Summary: The study found that Spodoptera frugiperda had a stronger adaptability to japonica rice compared to indica rice, but growth, development, and survival rates of the insect on both rice cultivars were lower and longer than on corn.

ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS (2022)

Article Agronomy

Functional analysis of pheromone receptor repertoire in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

Hao Guo, Xin-Lin Gong, Guo-Cheng Li, Bao-Tong Mo, Nan-Ji Jiang, Ling-Qiao Huang, Chen-Zhu Wang

Summary: In this study, six PRs were identified through transcriptome sequencing in the fall armyworm, showing varying responses to major and minor sex pheromone components. It was confirmed that S. frugiperda uses both SfruOR56 and SfruOR62 to detect the minor sex pheromone component Z7-12:Ac. Additionally, four sensilla types responsible for detecting pheromone compounds were characterized using single sensillum recording.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

Global Patterns of Insect Resistance to Transgenic Bt Crops: The First 25 Years

Bruce E. Tabashnik, Jeffrey A. Fabrick, Yves Carriere

Summary: Genetically engineered crops producing insecticidal proteins have improved pest management, but practical resistance has reduced their efficacy. Resistance has been documented in 11 pest species affecting seven countries, while 16 pest species remain susceptible. Early warnings of resistance have been observed, but further research is needed.

JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY (2023)

Review Entomology

Advances in the Evolution and Ecology of 13-and 17-Year Periodical Cicadas

Chris Simon, John R. Cooley, Richard Karban, Teiji Sota

Summary: Apart from model organisms, the 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas are extensively studied insects in evolution and ecology. They have predictable emergence patterns, complex biogeography, and synchronized mass emergences, making them attractive subjects for research. Recent studies have provided insights into reproductive character displacement, species boundaries, allochronic speciation, and the evolution of life cycles. Ecological studies have explored the role of prime numbers, population size shifts, nutrient flow in ecosystems, and interactions with parasites and endosymbionts.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY (2022)

Article Entomology

Identification and expression profiles of gustatory receptor genes in Bactrocera minax larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae): Role of BminGR59f in larval growth

Guijian Zhang, Shuai Cao, Tong Guo, Haoran Wang, Xuewei Qi, Xueming Ren, Changying Niu

Summary: This study reveals how larvae of Bactrocera minax use gustatory receptors (GRs) to detect and adapt to secondary metabolites in unripe citrus fruits, thereby promoting larval growth.

INSECT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Identification of non-volatile and volatile organic compounds produced by Bacillus siamensis LZ88 and their antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata

Dongkun Wang, Yichi Li, Yuan Yuan, Depeng Chu, Jianmin Cao, Guangjun Sun, Yongfeng Ai, Zhiyan Cui, Yongfeng Zhang, Fenglong Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang

Summary: Our study identified the antifungal activity of non-volatile compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by Bacillus siamensis strain LZ88 against Alternaria alternata, a pathogenic fungus causing tobacco brown spot. The non-volatile compounds inhibited mycelial growth and spore germination of A. alternata, while the VOCs exhibited significant antifungal activity. Genetic analysis revealed the gene clusters responsible for antibacterial metabolites. These findings suggest the potential of strain LZ88 as an alternative agrochemical against A. alternata.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL (2022)

Article Agronomy

A high-efficient nano pesticide-fertilizer combination fabricated by amino acid-modified cellulose based carriers

Ming Zhao, Hongjun Zhou, Li Hao, Huayao Chen, Xinhua Zhou

Summary: This study developed a pesticide nanocarrier CMC-PGMA-GLY using GMA and GLY to modify CMC. The nanopesticide EB@CMC-PGMA-GLY showed good water dispersion and maintained high insecticidal activity without toxicity to seed germination. Moreover, the nanocarriers could be used as an organic nitrogen fertilizer to promote plant growth.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

Amino acid quality modifies the quantitative availability of protein for reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster

Carolyn Ma, Christen K. Mirth, Matthew D. Hall, Matthew D. W. Piper

Summary: The composition and quality of diet have significant impacts on animal wellbeing and life-history traits. This study demonstrates that dietary protein quality plays a crucial role in modifying the effects of protein quantity on female reproduction across various diets. These findings highlight the importance of considering the relative value of different nutrient sources and their potential physiological outcomes.

JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY (2022)

Review Agronomy

Early detection, herbicide resistance screening, and integrated management of invasive plant species: a review

Alexandros Tataridas, Khawar Jabran, Panagiotis Kanatas, Rui S. Oliveira, Helena Freitas, Ilias Travlos

Summary: Invasive plant species have negative impacts on crop yields, the environment, and biodiversity. Managing these species involves developing knowledge, prevention measures, and risk assessment before introduction, and monitoring and integrated management after introduction. This study proposes a framework for early detection and management of invasive plants, utilizing novel detection tools, herbicide resistance screening, and ecological knowledge.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

Utilization of Pomelo (Citrus maxima) Peel Waste into Bioactive Essential Oils: Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Properties

Naduvilthara U. Visakh, Berin Pathrose, Arunaksharan Narayanankutty, Ahmed Alfarhan, Varsha Ramesh

Summary: This article studied the larvicidal and pest control potentials of Citrus maxima essential oil (CMEO). The results showed that CMEO is effective against insect pests of stored grains and larvae of different mosquito species. Additionally, CMEO displayed eco-friendly properties and did not inhibit seed germination.

INSECTS (2022)