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Agronomy
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Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition
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Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2026 | Viewed by 4668

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kai Li

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Guest Editor
College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
Interests: soybean
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yu Gao

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Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
Interests: pest management; agrochemicals; plant protection; edible insect; biological control
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Dr. Zhaofeng Huang

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Guest Editor
Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: weed biology and ecology; sustainable weed management
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Dr. Guangnan Xing

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Center for Soybean Improvement, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
Interests: soybean germplasm resources; insect-resistant breeding
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The legume family holds significant economic importance as a global source of starch, protein, oil, and vegetables for human consumption; however, frequent disease outbreaks, pest infestations, and weed proliferation critically constrain the achievement of high and stable yields in legume crops. To address these challenges and advance sustainable legume cultivation, researchers are actively developing innovative solutions through intensive studies, and this Special Issue aims to disseminate cutting-edge advances by publishing high-quality research articles focused on managing legume crop diseases, pests, and weeds, along with related interdisciplinary topics.

Following the success of our inaugural Special Issue, ‘Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection’, which attracted submissions from around the world, we now propose a second edition to broaden the scope of applications. We welcome original research and review articles addressing all facets of legume crop protection.

Dr. Kai Li
Dr. Yu Gao
Dr. Zhaofeng Huang
Dr. Guangnan Xing
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • climate change
  • germplasm resources
  • resistance breeding
  • induced resistance
  • malignant weed
  • plant viruses
  • insect ecology monitoring
  • biological control
  • herbicide resistance
  • physical and mechanical control
  • integrated pest management

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 2155 KB  
Article
Dynamic Predation Model for Controlling Soybean Aphids (Aphis glycines): A Case Study of Simulated Artificial Release of Ladybugs (Harmonia axyridis)
by Wenxuan Li, Xu Chen, Yue Zhou, Tianhao Pei, Suli Liu and Yu Gao
Agronomy 2026, 16(9), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16090861 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 74
Abstract
The Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) is a destructive pest that threatens soybeans. In order to develop green and effective control strategies, we propose an EQPAL epidemic model that integrates four developmental stages (1st–2nd stage nymphs, 3rd stage nymphs, 4th stage nymphs, [...] Read more.
The Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) is a destructive pest that threatens soybeans. In order to develop green and effective control strategies, we propose an EQPAL epidemic model that integrates four developmental stages (1st–2nd stage nymphs, 3rd stage nymphs, 4th stage nymphs, and adults) and a ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) compartment. This model achieves green pest control by artificially releasing a natural enemy of soybean aphids to prey on adult soybean aphids. We analyzed the dynamic behavior of the model and derived the basic reproduction number R0. Using field monitoring data from Changchun City, Jilin Province, China in 2025, the segmented nonlinear least squares method was used for parameter estimation and fitting, resulting in an overall determination coefficient of R2=0.8204. The numerical simulation results showed that the release of ladybugs significantly reduced the density and peak value of soybean aphid adults, and the predation rate β, predation conversion rate c, and ladybug migration rate ω were identified as key regulatory parameters. In addition, a cost–benefit analysis was conducted to determine the most cost-effective control measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
13 pages, 1885 KB  
Article
Identification of Sources of Resistance to Aphanomyces euteiches in Common Vetch (Vicia sativa subsp. sativa) Germplasm
by Mario González, Ángela Molina, Sara Rodriguez-Mena and Diego Rubiales
Agronomy 2026, 16(8), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16080823 - 17 Apr 2026
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Aphanomyces root rot is a major threat to legume production worldwide, mainly in pea and lentil, crops on which extensive research programs are targeting the management of the disease. However, other legumes such as common vetch, although known to be severely affected by [...] Read more.
Aphanomyces root rot is a major threat to legume production worldwide, mainly in pea and lentil, crops on which extensive research programs are targeting the management of the disease. However, other legumes such as common vetch, although known to be severely affected by the disease, remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify sources of resistance within V. sativa subsp. sativa accessions. A total of 211 genetically diverse accessions were screened under controlled conditions following inoculation with isolate RB84. Disease progression was monitored through periodic foliar assessments and final root symptom evaluation. To assess resistance stability, a subset of 13 accessions representing contrasting response levels was further inoculated with three additional isolates (Aph-1, AE11, and AE12). In this multi-isolate assay, disease severity was quantified, shoot biomass was recorded, and root system architecture traits were determined using WinRHIZO image analysis. A high correlation between foliar and root symptoms at 20 days indicated that foliar symptom assessment provides a reliable, non-destructive indicator of root health. Considerable variation in disease response was detected, with several genotypes maintaining consistently low symptom levels and three exhibiting near-complete resistance across all isolates. Root architectural traits further corroborated visual disease assessments, showing patterns consistent with resistance and susceptibility responses. Overall, this study demonstrates the presence of genetic variability in the response of V. sativa to A. euteiches, with a subset of accessions showing resistance to the four isolates tested. This resistance potential can be directly used in breeding programs focused on improving tolerance to root rot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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31 pages, 7848 KB  
Article
Unveiling Three Functionally Diverse Isoforms of eIF4E in Cowpea Through a Multi-Omics Approach
by Madson Allan de Luna-Aragão, Fernanda Alves de Andrade, Saulo Rafael Mendes Penna, Laiane Silva Maciel, Laura Maria Rodrigues-Paixão, Ayug Bezerra Lemos, José Diogo Cavalcanti Ferreira, Francisco José Lima Aragão, Valesca Pandolfi and Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon
Agronomy 2026, 16(7), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16070766 - 6 Apr 2026
Viewed by 597
Abstract
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) family plays a dual role in plants, regulating cap-dependent protein synthesis and mediating susceptibility to viruses in the family Potyviridae. In cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), an economically important legume cultivated worldwide, the structural determinants [...] Read more.
The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) family plays a dual role in plants, regulating cap-dependent protein synthesis and mediating susceptibility to viruses in the family Potyviridae. In cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), an economically important legume cultivated worldwide, the structural determinants of these isoforms remain largely unexplored. This study characterizes the genomic organization, evolutionary history, and conformational dynamics of eIF4E, eIF(iso)4E, and nCBP in cowpea using a multi-omics approach. Genome mining identified three paralogous genes located on chromosomes 4, 6, and 7, showing high synteny with Phaseolus vulgaris. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed nCBP as the ancestral Class I lineage, distinct from the Class II eIF4E and eIF(iso)4E clades. Theoretical models for the isoforms were generated and subsequently validated by molecular dynamics simulations, revealing that while all isoforms preserve the canonical tertiary architecture and an electropositive cap-binding pocket, eIF(iso)4E exhibits superior structural compactness and hydrogen-bond stability. These biophysical features highlight their role as a stable anchor for viral VPg proteins. By elucidating the atomic-level landscape of these factors, we provide a robust structural framework to guide allele mining and genome-editing strategies aiming to engineer virus-resistant cowpea cultivars without compromising agronomic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 1062 KB  
Article
Identification Pathogenicity Distribution and Chemical Control of Rhizoctonia solani Causing Soybean Root Rot in Northeast China
by Shuni Wang, Jinxin Liu, Chen Wang, Jianzhong Wu, Zhongbao Shen and Yonggang Li
Agronomy 2026, 16(3), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16030281 - 23 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 566
Abstract
Soybean root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a yield-limiting disease in Northeast China, particularly under continuous monoculture and cool climatic conditions. Despite its agronomic impact, the epidemiology and fungicide resistance profile of the pathogen remain inadequately characterized. In this study, a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Soybean root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a yield-limiting disease in Northeast China, particularly under continuous monoculture and cool climatic conditions. Despite its agronomic impact, the epidemiology and fungicide resistance profile of the pathogen remain inadequately characterized. In this study, a comprehensive survey conducted in Heilongjiang Province yielded 990 pathogenic isolates belonging to 11 fungal species. Among them, 55 strains were identified as R. solani based on combined morphological and molecular analyses. These isolates induced typical symptoms of root and stem browning with constriction. Pathogenicity tests on 30 R. solani isolates indicated that 83.3% were highly pathogenic. The pathogen exhibited a distinct geographic distribution, with the highest percentage of pathogen isolation recorded in Jiamusi (26.6%), which accounted for 61.8% of all R. solani isolates. In vitro fungicide sensitivity assays demonstrated that fludioxonil and prochloraz were highly effective (EC50 < 0.0050 µg·mL−1), whereas resistance was observed to tebuconazole, difenoconazole, pyraclostrobin, and carbendazim. Pot experiments confirmed that fludioxonil seed treatment (15 g a.i./100 kg seeds) provided superior control efficacy (63.07%) compared to prochloraz (46.85%). These findings establish R. solani as a dominant causal agent of soybean root rot in the region and support the prioritized use of fludioxonil for sustainable disease management. By elucidating the pathogenicity, distribution, and resistance patterns of R. solani, this study provides critical insights for controlling soybean root rot in cold-climate production systems and facilitates the development of targeted management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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17 pages, 1345 KB  
Article
The Yield and Pest Trade-Off: An Analysis of Insecticide Spray Frequency on the Performance of a Genetically Modified Cowpea in Ghana
by Jerry A. Nboyine, Gloria A. Adazebra, Philip Agrengsore, Ebenezer Asamani, Mukhtaru Zakaria, James Y. Kwabena, Haruna K. Ali, Theophilus K. Tengey, Prince M. Etwire and Jose M. Barrero
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020156 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 723
Abstract
A field trial was conducted at two locations in northern Ghana over two successive years to determine the optimal insecticide application timings for mitigating non-lepidopteran pest infestations in a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) variety, Songotra-T. This variety was genetically engineered to [...] Read more.
A field trial was conducted at two locations in northern Ghana over two successive years to determine the optimal insecticide application timings for mitigating non-lepidopteran pest infestations in a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) variety, Songotra-T. This variety was genetically engineered to resist damage by the Maruca pod borer (MPB) (Maruca vitrata Fab.; Lepidoptera: Crambidae). A split-plot design, with cowpea variety as the main plot factor (Songotra-T vs. Songotra) and insecticide spraying regimes as the sub-plot, was used. Spraying treatments ranged from no spray to three applications at key growth stages (50% flowering, pod initiation, and 50% podding). Data were collected on pest infestation, pod damage, and grain yield. An economic analysis of the spraying regimes tested was performed using yield data. Significant spraying regime effects were observed for non-lepidopteran pests such as whiteflies (p = 0.034), thrips (p = 0.006) and the pod-sucking bugs complex (p < 0.05). Variety effects were mainly significant for MPB infestation and damage to pods. Songotra-T consistently produced approximately 2-fold higher yields than Songotra. Among spraying regimes, two applications at pod initiation and 50% podding resulted in the highest yields, while additional sprays offered no significant advantage. This spraying regime also resulted in a higher return on investment. These findings demonstrate that the adoption of Songotra-T mitigates excessive insecticide use in cowpea production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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25 pages, 14576 KB  
Article
Design and Experimental Validation of a Weeding Device Integrating Weed Stem Damage and Targeted Herbicide Application
by He Li, Chenxu Li, Jiajun Chai, Lele Wang, Zishang Yang, Yechao Yuan and Shangshang Cheng
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020151 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 589
Abstract
In view of the problems of high weed regeneration rate in traditional mechanical weeding and environmental risk in chemical weeding, a synergetic strategy of “mechanical damage + wound spraying mechanism” was proposed, and an intelligent weeding device combining synchronous cutting and spraying was [...] Read more.
In view of the problems of high weed regeneration rate in traditional mechanical weeding and environmental risk in chemical weeding, a synergetic strategy of “mechanical damage + wound spraying mechanism” was proposed, and an intelligent weeding device combining synchronous cutting and spraying was designed to enhance the efficacy of herbicides and reduce their use. Focusing on the physical characteristics of weeds and the cutting mechanism, the analysis of the weed-cutting system and the force characteristics of the cutting tool were conducted. Key factors affecting cutting quality were identified, and their respective value ranges were determined. A targeted spraying system was developed, featuring a conical nozzle, DC diaphragm pump, and electromagnetic control valve. The Delta parallel manipulator, equipped with both the cutting tool and nozzle, was designed, and a kinematic model was established for both its forward and inverse movements. Genetic algorithms were applied to optimize structural parameters, aiming to ensure effective coverage of typical weed distribution areas within the working space. A simulated environment measurement was built to verify the motion accuracy of the manipulator. Field experiments demonstrated that the equipment achieved an 81.5% wound weeding rate on malignant weeds in the seedling stage at an operating speed of 0.6 m/s, with a seedling injury rate below 5%. These results validate the high efficiency of the integrated mechanical cutting and targeted spraying system, offering a reliable technical solution for green and intelligent weed control in agriculture. This study fills the blank of only focusing on recognition accuracy or weeding rate under a single weeding method, but lacks a cooperative weeding operation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 760 KB  
Article
Transcriptome Analysis of the Response of Aphis glycines Feeding on Ambrosia artemisiifolia
by Xue Han, Changchun Dai, Jian Liu and Zhenqi Tian
Agronomy 2026, 16(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16010011 - 19 Dec 2025
Viewed by 599
Abstract
Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., a noxious invasive plant, produces novel secondary metabolites. However, it attracts soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, a significant pest of soybean, to feed on it. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of A. glycines adaptation to A. artemisiifolia may help [...] Read more.
Common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., a noxious invasive plant, produces novel secondary metabolites. However, it attracts soybean aphid, Aphis glycines, a significant pest of soybean, to feed on it. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of A. glycines adaptation to A. artemisiifolia may help identify target genes useful for pest management. High-throughput transcriptome sequencing identified 4250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 2399 upregulated and 1851 downregulated. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that these DEGs were significantly involved in core detoxification-related pathways, including metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, drug metabolism, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and pentose and glucuronate interconversions. Further analysis revealed significant upregulation of 17 UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes, with AgUGT342B2, AgUGT343B2, AgUGT344J2, AgUGT344L2, and AgUGT344N2 showing 6.34-, 6.22-, 2.14-, 3.98-, and 7.49-fold higher expression, respectively, than in A. glycines fed on soybean. Bioassays demonstrated that A. glycines reared on A. artemisiifolia exhibited significantly reduced sensitivity to three common insecticides, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and lambda-cyhalothrin, with LC50 values increasing by 5.8-fold, 2.8-fold, and 3.6-foldhigher, respectively, than those reared on soybean. These findings indicate that feeding on A. artemisiifolia induces UGT gene family upregulation in A. glycines, conferring cross-resistance to multiple insecticide classes. This study reveals a molecular mechanism linking host adaptation to insecticide resistance, highlighting the ecological and evolutionary consequences of invasive plant-herbivore interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Legume Crop Protection—2nd Edition)
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