Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.7
3.6
Journals
Biology
Special Issues
Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms
share announcement

Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Zoology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 12975

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Awawing Anjwengwo Andongma

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Insect & parasite ecology group (IPEG), Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
Interests: insect; symbiotic bacteria; immunology; nutritional ecology; RNAi

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Insect pests of agricultural importance maintain intricate relationships with various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In certain instances, these pathogenic microbes induce diseases within their host insects, prompting an immunological response that can lead to a potential loss of fitness and even death. In other scenarios, insects act as vectors for plant disease-causing microorganisms, ultimately resulting in a reduction in agricultural yield.

Given its immense significance, comprehending these pathogenic interactions is pivotal in enhancing agricultural productivity. It constitutes a positive stride towards achieving the sustainable development goal of eradicating hunger, attaining food security, ensuring improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

For this Special Issue, we extend an invitation to researchers to contribute original research or review articles that have the potential to broaden our comprehension of insect–pathogenic relationships. We also welcome investigations into how these relationships could be harnessed to enhance agricultural output.

Dr. Awawing Anjwengwo Andongma
Guest Editor

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Biology is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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

  • insects
  • bacteria
  • viruses
  • fungi
  • pathogenic relationships
  • agricultural pest

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

15 pages, 487 KiB  
Article
Insecticidal Action of Local Isolates of Entomopathogenic Fungi Against Bactrocera oleae Pupae
by Spiridon Mantzoukas, Alexandros Margaritis, Thomais Sourouni, Vasiliki Georgopoulou, Chrysanthi Zarmakoupi, Vasileios Papantzikos, Ioannis Lagogiannis, Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos and George Patakioutas
Biology 2025, 14(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14010005 - 24 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 744
Abstract
In this work, the ability of certain entomopathogenic fungi to control the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), which significantly affects olive cultivation, was assessed. First, entomopathogenic fungi that often contribute to reducing pests, as well as B. oleae, were sought [...] Read more.
In this work, the ability of certain entomopathogenic fungi to control the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), which significantly affects olive cultivation, was assessed. First, entomopathogenic fungi that often contribute to reducing pests, as well as B. oleae, were sought out. Puparia of B. oleae were collected from oil mills, and soil samples were collected from various olive grove regions of Greece. These soils were used as the substrate in which the effect of the entomopathogenic fungi on the B. oleae pupae was studied. In addition, the same treatments were studied in non-soil conditions. The results show that certain known entomopathogenic fungi are able, in their natural environment, to kill B. oleae pupae to a significant extent. The survival time for adults (days) was lower in the presence of Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae), at 13.20 in the soil (5.56 ± 0.42) and non-soil (6.76 ± 0.46) conditions, compared to that of the control in soil (9.83 ± 083) and non-soil (9.90 ± 0.72) conditions. This is encouraging for Mediterranean regions where the presence of B. oleae significantly affects olive cultivation, while quality olive oil is in high demand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2832 KiB  
Article
Isolation and Characterization of Bacillus Strains from Egyptian Mangroves: Exploring Their Endophytic Potential in Maize for Biological Control of Spodoptera frugiperda
by Hayam M. Fathy, Mona Awad, Nawal A. Alfuhaid, El-Desoky S. Ibrahim, Moataz A. M. Moustafa and Ayatollah S. El-Zayat
Biology 2024, 13(12), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13121057 - 17 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1133
Abstract
The widespread use of pesticides to manage Spodoptera frugiperda has led to significant challenges. This insect has developed resistance to 47 active insecticide ingredients. Therefore, endophytic entomopathogenic bacteria have been explored as an alternative pest management strategy, offering the potential to reduce reliance [...] Read more.
The widespread use of pesticides to manage Spodoptera frugiperda has led to significant challenges. This insect has developed resistance to 47 active insecticide ingredients. Therefore, endophytic entomopathogenic bacteria have been explored as an alternative pest management strategy, offering the potential to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides. The current study aims to evaluate the colonization potential of indigenous marine Bacillus strains as endophytes in maize plants and to assess their insecticidal activity against S. frugiperda. Four inoculation methods—foliar application, seed treatment, soil drenching, and a combination of all three—were used to establish the Bacillus strains as endophytes in maize plants. Our results showed that the promising native Bacillus strains exhibited both antibacterial and insecticidal effects against S. frugiperda neonates under laboratory conditions. Foliar application of Bacillus sp. Esh39 caused the highest mortality rate (65%), followed by Bacillus tequilensis R39 (60%). However, this method did not significantly enhance plant height or chlorophyll content. The potential of these native Bacillus strains warrants further investigation to improve biological control via endophytic mediation. Our findings provide valuable insights into the bacterial diversity and functionality of mangrove ecosystems and pave the way for innovative, sustainable insect management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2960 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Various Inoculation Methods on the Effect of Beauveria bassiana on the Plant Growth of Kiwi and on Halyomorpha halys Infestation: A Two-Year Field Study
by Vasileios Papantzikos, Spiridon Mantzoukas, Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos, Dimitrios Servis, Stergios Bitivanos and George Patakioutas
Biology 2024, 13(7), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070470 - 26 Jun 2024
Viewed by 2325
Abstract
In this study, the bioinsecticidal action of a commercial formulation with Beauveria bassiana was evaluated on the new sucking pest in Greece: Halyomorpha halys, of the kiwifruit. Additionally, the biostimulant potential of the same formulation was studied on kiwi growth. The application [...] Read more.
In this study, the bioinsecticidal action of a commercial formulation with Beauveria bassiana was evaluated on the new sucking pest in Greece: Halyomorpha halys, of the kiwifruit. Additionally, the biostimulant potential of the same formulation was studied on kiwi growth. The application was performed in three different ways in a commercial field of kiwi crop A. deliciosa “Hayward” field in Arta, Greece: (i) trunk spray, (ii) root injection, and (iii) trunk inoculation. During the 2 years seasons of the experiment, weekly measurements of the H. halys population were determined. The insect is sucking plants nutrients; therefore, the total chlorophyll content in the leaves of the treatments was recorded weekly. In addition, the percentage of infested kiwifruits was estimated at the end of the experiment. Moreover, to study the biostimulant potential of the formulation, growth measurements on stems and leaves were performed during the experiment. Finally, at the kiwi harvest point, the fruit biomass, dimensions, and weight were obtained, and the leaves’ proline content was evaluated. The results encourage us to further study this EPF formulation as the bioinsecticidal effect was noted by the reduction in H. halys population, and biostimulant action was perceived by the higher plant biomass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

11 pages, 1520 KiB  
Case Report
Case Report: Emerging Losses of Managed Honey Bee Colonies
by Zachary S. Lamas, Yanping Chen and Jay D. Evans
Biology 2024, 13(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020117 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 7980
Abstract
United States commercial beekeepers prepare honey bee colonies for almond pollination in California each year in late January to early February. This represents the largest managed pollination event in the world and involves more than half of all U.S. honey bee colonies. In [...] Read more.
United States commercial beekeepers prepare honey bee colonies for almond pollination in California each year in late January to early February. This represents the largest managed pollination event in the world and involves more than half of all U.S. honey bee colonies. In winter 2023, numerous colonies in Florida, which were graded as suitable for almonds (larger than ten frames of bees), dwindled suddenly or altogether died within several weeks, just prior to movement for almonds. The timing of these losses and the resulting morbidity caused severe economic harm to affected operations. This study reports interviews with affected stakeholders, their economic harm, and analyses of pathogens and parasites found in their colonies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop