Entomology

Article Evolutionary Biology

Dense sampling of taxa and characters improves phylogenetic resolution among deltocephaline leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae)

Yanghui Cao, Christopher H. Dietrich, James N. Zahniser, Dmitry A. Dmitriev

Summary: We analysed a large dataset of genomic DNA to study the phylogenetic relationships of deltocephaline leafhoppers. The results revealed incongruence among different branches of the phylogenetic tree, especially at intermediate levels, indicating difficulty in resolving certain relationships. The analysis also showed that grass specialization has occurred three or fewer times in some lineages and that the subfamily diversified during the Cretaceous. Additionally, the study found a high level of global biogeographic structure and long-distance dispersal among grass-specialist lineages.

SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY (2022)

Review Entomology

Semiochemicals, semiophysicals and their integration for the development of innovative multi-modal systems for agricultural pests' monitoring and control

Rachele Nieri, Gianfranco Anfora, Valerio Mazzoni, Marco Valerio Rossi Stacconi

Summary: Semiochemicals are informative molecules emitted by living organisms that affect the behavior of receivers. In addition to chemical signals, physical stimuli can also be used in pest management, and the integration of different stimuli can increase efficacy. However, the integration of stimuli has rarely been implemented in crops. This review introduces the concept of semiophysicals and discusses three main approaches for pest behavioral manipulation.

ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS (2022)

Article Evolutionary Biology

Opening Pandora's box: molecular phylogeny of the stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) reveals great incongruences in the current classification

Marcos Roca-Cusachs, Cristiano F. Schwertner, Junggon Kim, Joe Eger, Jocelia Grazia, Sunghoon Jung

Summary: This study used molecular data to analyze the phylogeny of the Pentatomidae family within Heteroptera. The results suggest the monophyly of Pentatomidae is in question and some subfamilies and tribes within the family need to be reevaluated. Cyrtocorinae was found not to be a sister group to (Serbana + Pentatomidae sensu stricto) in both analyses.

SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY (2022)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Involvement of GOBP2 in the perception of a sex pheromone component in both larval and adult Spodoptera litura revealed using CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis

Wei-Kang Han, Yi-Lin Yang, Yu-Xiao Si, Zhi-Qiang Wei, Si-Ruo Liu, Xiao-Long Liu, Qi Yan, Shuang-Lin Dong

Summary: In this study, the researchers used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to functionally characterize the role of General odorant-binding protein 2 (GOBP2) in perceiving sex pheromone components in the noctuid pest Spodoptera litura. They found that GOBP2 plays a significant role in sex pheromone perception in both adult and larval stages.

INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (2022)

Review Entomology

Implementation of RNAi-based arthropod pest control: environmental risks, potential for resistance and regulatory considerations

Olivier Christiaens, Jeremy Sweet, Teodora Dzhambazova, Isabella Urru, Guy Smagghe, Kaloyan Kostov, Salvatore Arpaia

Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) technology shows promise for pest control with minimal environmental impact, but gaps in knowledge and potential resistance issues need to be addressed. Research is needed to understand the RNAi mechanism in different species, product selectivity, and application methods to ensure effective and sustainable use.

JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

Unexpected levels of cryptic diversity in European bees of the genus Andrena subgenus Taeniandrena (Hymenoptera, Andrenidae): implications for conservation

Christophe Praz, David Genoud, Killian Vaucher, Dimitri Benon, Joseph Monks, Thomas J. Wood

Summary: By using DNA barcodes and morphology, this study examines the species boundaries of bees in Europe. It identifies distinct species and reclassifies certain taxa, providing new insights into the cryptic diversity of European bees.

JOURNAL OF HYMENOPTERA RESEARCH (2022)

Review Agronomy

Application and mechanisms of metal-based nanoparticles in the control of bacterial and fungal crop diseases

Yuanbo Li, Peng Zhang, Mingshu Li, Noman Shakoor, Muhammad Adeel, Pingfan Zhou, Manlin Guo, Yaqi Jiang, Weichen Zhao, BenZhen Lou, Yukui Rui

Summary: Nanotechnology has played a significant role in agriculture, particularly in plant protection. Nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties can be developed into nanopesticides to inhibit the growth of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi and enhance crop resilience to diseases.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2023)

Article Entomology

From hell's heart I stab at thee! A determined approach towards a monophyletic Pteromalidae and reclassification of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera)

Roger Burks, Mircea-Dan Mitroiu, Lucian Fusu, John M. Heraty, Petr Jansta, Steve Heydon, Natalie Dale-Skey Papilloud, Ralph S. Peters, Ekaterina V. Tselikh, James B. Woolley, Simon van Noort, Hannes Baur, Astrid Cruaud, Christopher Darling, Michael Haas, Paul Hanson, Lars Krogmann, Jean -Yves Rasplus

Summary: The family Pteromalidae is reviewed and classified, with the aim of providing nomenclatural changes and morphological diagnoses for new molecular phylogeny and a book on world fauna. The classification elevates most subfamilies and some tribes of Pteromalidae to family level or transfers them to other superfamilies. The resulting compromise classification aims to preserve the validity and diagnosability of other established families in the Chalcidoidea superfamily.

JOURNAL OF HYMENOPTERA RESEARCH (2022)

Review Entomology

The stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini): a review of the current threats to their survival

Erubiel Toledo-Hernandez, Guadalupe Pena-Chora, Victor Manuel Hernandez-Velazquez, Caleb C. Lormendez, Jeiry Toribio-Jimenez, Yanet Romero-Ramirez, Renato Leon-Rodriguez

Summary: Pollination by insects is crucial for plant biodiversity, but stingless bee populations are at risk due to human activities. This article reviews studies on the potential negative impacts of human actions on stingless bee populations, finding that habitat loss, agrochemicals, resource competition, climate change, and the introduction of exotic species (including pathogens) are all threats that could lead to declines in stingless bee populations.

APIDOLOGIE (2022)

Review Entomology

Spodoptera frugiperda: Ecology, Evolution, and Management Options of an Invasive Species

Wee Tek Tay, Robert L. Meagher, Cecilia Czepak, Astrid T. Groot

Summary: The fall armyworm (FAW) is a major agricultural pest that has spread globally in the past decade. This article provides an overview of FAW in its native range and discusses its reproductive biology, host plant use, insecticide resistance alleles, and biocontrol methods in both native and invasive regions. The study shows that region-specific approaches are needed to control this diverse and geographically distinct global pest.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY (2023)

Article Entomology

Climate tolerances of Philaenus spumarius should be considered in risk assessment of disease outbreaks related to Xylella fastidiosa

M. Godefroid, M. Morente, T. Schartel, D. Cornara, A. Purcell, D. Gallego, A. Moreno, J. A. Pereira, A. Fereres

Summary: Xf, an invasive pathogen spread by insects, is causing severe outbreaks in the Mediterranean region. Models predict that Western Europe and the Mediterranean basin are highly suitable for the vector responsible for Xf spread. However, the southern Mediterranean area may experience a decrease in suitability for the vector in the future.

JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE (2022)

Article Agronomy

Contribution of multiple overexpressed carboxylesterase genes to indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura

Yao Shi, Wenlin Li, Yuliang Zhou, Xiaolan Liao, Li Shi

Summary: This study reveals that multiple overexpressed CarE genes are involved in indoxacarb resistance in S. litura.

PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

RNAi for Western Corn Rootworm Management: Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Future Directions

Molly Darlington, Jordan D. Reinders, Amit Sethi, Albert L. Lu, Partha Ramaseshadri, Joshua R. Fischer, Chad J. Boeckman, Jay S. Petrick, Jason M. Roper, Kenneth E. Narva, Ana M. Velez

Summary: The western corn rootworm is an economically important pest of maize in the United States. Various management strategies have been used, but resistance has evolved, highlighting the need for new approaches. RNA interference technology is considered the next step in species-specific pest management.

INSECTS (2022)

Article Biology

The effect of climate change on invasive crop pests across biomes

Leonard Schneider, Martine Rebetez, Sergio Rasmann

Summary: Climate change has complex effects on crop pests, with temperature and precipitation changes playing a key role. Overall, crop pests are expected to benefit from climate change globally, but there are significant variations across different biomes and species.

CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE (2022)

Article Entomology

Effective biocontrol of nematodes using lipid nanoemulsions co-encapsulating chili oil, cinnamon oil and neem oil

Minh-Hiep Nguyen, Ngoc-Bich-Dao Vu, Thi-Huynh-Nga Nguyen, Thi-Ngoc-Mai Tran, Hoang-Sinh Le, Thi-Tam Tran, Xuan-Cuong Le, Van-Toan Le, Ngoc-Thuy-Trang Nguyen, Ngoc-Ai Trinh

Summary: A novel nanoemulsion called NaTri, co-encapsulating chili oil, cinnamon oil, and neem oil, was prepared using homogenization and sonication methods. NaTri exhibited high nematocidal activity, safety for humans and the ecosystem, and showed no phytotoxicity. This nanoemulsion shows great potential for protecting plants from the adverse effects of nematodes in sustainable horticulture.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEST MANAGEMENT (2023)

Article Entomology

Triatoma guazu Lent and Wygodzinsky Is a Junior Synonym of Triatoma williami Galvao, Souza and Lima

Joao Paulo Sales Oliveira Correia, Helcio Reinaldo Gil-Santana, Carolina Dale, Cleber Galvao

Summary: This study discusses the taxonomic status of T. guazu and T. williami through morphological, morphometric, and genetic analyses, and proposes that T. guazu should be considered a junior synonym of T. williami.

INSECTS (2022)

Article Entomology

TWOSEX-MSChart: the key tool for life table research and education

Hsin Chi, Ali Guncan, Aurang Kavousi, Gholamhossein Gharakhani, Remzi Atlihan, Mehmet Salih Ozgokce, Jalal Shirazi, Masood Amir-Maafi, Mostafa Maroufpoor, Taghizadeh Roya

Summary: Short note on TWOSEX-MSChart: the key tool for life table research and education.

ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS (2022)

Review Entomology

Exotic Ants of the Asia-Pacific: Invasion, National Response, and Ongoing Needs

Yijuan Xu, Edward L. Vargo, Kazuki Tsuji, Ross Wylie

Summary: Human activity has introduced numerous exotic species through global trade, making the Asia-Pacific region, with its economic and trade activity, highly vulnerable to invasive species, particularly ants. The Asia-Pacific currently has over 60 exotic ant species, with the red imported fire ant being one of the most destructive. These exotic ants bring about significant economic and ecological problems to the region. Asian-Pacific countries have approached the issue of exotic ants in varying ways, with an overall lack of preparedness. To better manage the risks associated with invasive ants, it is recommended that countries take action in prevention, containment, and quarantine. Establishing an Asia-Pacific network for managing invasive ants can help prevent their introduction and mitigate their impacts.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY (2022)

Review Entomology

Determinants of Insecticide Resistance Evolution: Comparative Analysis Among Heliothines

T. K. Walsh, D. G. Heckel, Yidong Wu, S. Downes, K. H. J. Gordon, J. G. Oakeshott

Summary: This article analyzes the differences in pest species' tendencies to develop insecticide resistance and explores the key factors influencing resistance selection intensity. The study found that host range, movement between alternate hosts, and area-wide, cross-pesticide management practices are important in reducing resistance selection intensity.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY (2022)

Article Entomology

Resistance and fitness costs in diamondback moths after selection using broflanilide, a novel meta-diamide insecticide

Xi Sun, Rui Wei, Linhong Li, Bin Zhu, Pei Liang, Xiwu Gao

Summary: The study found that a laboratory-bred susceptible strain of diamondback moth showed no obvious resistance to broflanilide after 10 generations of selection with low risk of resistance developing. The strain did not exhibit cross-resistance to other insecticides targeting the same receptor, but long-term exposure to broflanilide resulted in decreased fitness in the diamondback moth.

INSECT SCIENCE (2022)