Insects

2025

Jump to: 2024, 2023, 2022

9 pages, 975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficiency of Unitraps in Capturing Corn Earworm Moths, Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in the Field

by Gabriel P. Hughes and Ring T. Cardé

Insects 2025, 16(5), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050525 - 15 May 2025

Viewed by 121

Abstract

Pheromone-baited traps are commonly used to monitor and detect moths. Traps and lures are often compared to each other to identify the optimum set up and lure dosage. However, it is also important to understand the efficiency of a trap in capturing the [...] Read more.

Pheromone-baited traps are commonly used to monitor and detect moths. Traps and lures are often compared to each other to identify the optimum set up and lure dosage. However, it is also important to understand the efficiency of a trap in capturing the moths that are attracted to it. In the present study, three pheromone-baited traps were placed at the edge of a cornfield to determine the one with the highest capture rate of Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Scentry Heliothis traps, clear Unitraps, and green Unitraps. Once it was determined that green Unitraps captured more H. zea, field observations determined the number of moths captured in the traps compared to the number approaching, i.e., trap efficiency. Green Unitraps had a capture efficiency ranged from 5 to 11%, with an average of 11%. Unitraps, although useful for monitoring existing populations, may not be effective in detecting an invasive incursion. The implications of low capture efficiency in the surveillance of H. zea are considered, including possible explanations and next steps to improve monitoring efforts of heliothine moths. Full article

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2024

Jump to: 2025, 2023, 2022

24 pages, 4164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Artificial Diets for Zelus renardii (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Rearing

by Ugo Picciotti, Miguel Valverde-Urrea, Valdete Sefa, Marco Ragni, Francesca Garganese and Francesco Porcelli

Insects 2024, 15(8), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080607 - 12 Aug 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4735

Abstract

Mass production is a prerequisite for using natural enemies in integrated pest management and organic farming. Natural enemies in agroecosystems include predators that prey on insects, which they can subdue while maintaining adequate pest population densities. The Leafhopper Assassin Bug (LAB), Zelus renardii [...] Read more.

Mass production is a prerequisite for using natural enemies in integrated pest management and organic farming. Natural enemies in agroecosystems include predators that prey on insects, which they can subdue while maintaining adequate pest population densities. The Leafhopper Assassin Bug (LAB), Zelus renardii, can be a natural enemy in agroecosystems, selecting its prey for size and mobility. Some of LAB’s prey include Philaenus spumarius (L.), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), and Macrohomotoma gladiata Kuwayama, suggesting this reduviid for biocontrol agent in various contexts. We reared LABs for two subsequent broods offering living prey and artificial diets. Our data show that the rearing of Z. renardii is feasible with oligidic, meridic, and holidic artificial formulations. Four artificial diets allowed the complete post-embryonic development of LABs in captivity for two successive generations. The accumulated degree-days (ADDs) accurately predict the growth of LABs based on heat accumulation, estimating that up to three generations could grow per year in captivity at the experimented T°C. Full article

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15 pages, 2119 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in the Integrated Pest Management of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): A Global Perspective

by Luis Cruces, Eduardo de la Peña and Patrick De Clercq

Insects 2024, 15(7), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070540 - 18 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2474

Abstract

Since ancestral times, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been cultivated in the Andean regions. Recently, this pseudocereal has received increasing international attention due to its beneficial properties, such as adaptation and resilience in the context of global change, and the nutritional value [...] Read more.

Since ancestral times, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been cultivated in the Andean regions. Recently, this pseudocereal has received increasing international attention due to its beneficial properties, such as adaptation and resilience in the context of global change, and the nutritional value of the grains. As a result, its production areas have not only increased in the highlands of South America but have also expanded outside of its Andean origins, and the crop is currently produced worldwide. The key pests of quinoa in the Andean region are the gelechiid moths Eurysacca melanocampta and Eurysacca quinoae; in other parts of the world, new pest problems have recently been identified limiting quinoa production, including the gelechiid Scrobipalpa atripicella in North America and Europe and the agromyzid fly Amauromyza karli in North America. In this review, the status of quinoa pests in the world is presented, and different aspects of their integrated management are discussed, including sampling methodologies for pest monitoring, economic threshold levels, and various control strategies. Full article

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14 pages, 853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Field Evaluation of Experimental Maize Hybrids for Resistance to the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in a Warm Temperate Climate

by Xinzhi Ni, Alisa Huffaker, Eric A. Schmelz, Wenwei Xu, W. Paul Williams, Baozhu Guo, Xianchun Li and Fangneng Huang

Insects 2024, 15(4), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040289 - 19 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2266

Abstract

The polyphagous fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has become an invasive pest worldwide in recent years. To develop maize germplasm with multiple pest resistance and understand genetic inheritance, 12 experimental hybrids (six pairs of reciprocal crosses) with diverse genetic backgrounds and four [...] Read more.

The polyphagous fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has become an invasive pest worldwide in recent years. To develop maize germplasm with multiple pest resistance and understand genetic inheritance, 12 experimental hybrids (six pairs of reciprocal crosses) with diverse genetic backgrounds and four commercial checks were examined for FAW resistance in 2013 and 2014. The experiment utilized a randomized complete block design with four replications as the block factor. FAW injury on maize plants was assessed at 7 and 14 d after the artificial infestation at the V6 stage, and predatory arthropod taxa and abundance on maize seedlings were recorded 7 d after the infestation. Spodoptera frugiperda resistance varied significantly among the 16 hybrids. Two reciprocal crosses (‘FAW1430’ × ‘Oh43’ and ‘CML333’ × ‘NC358’) showed the least FAW injury. Eleven arthropod predators [i.e., six coleopterans, three hemipterans, earwigs (dermapterans), and spiders (or arachnids)] were also recorded; the two most common predators were the pink spotted ladybeetle, Coleomegilla maculata, and the insidious flower (or minute pirate) bug, Orius spp. Predator abundance was not correlated to FAW injury but varied greatly between 2013 and 2014. Principal component analysis demonstrated that, when compared with FAW resistant (or Bt-transgenic) checks (‘DKC69-71’, ‘DKC67-88’, and ‘P31P42’), five pairs of the reciprocal crosses had moderate FAW resistance, whereas a pair of reciprocal crosses (‘NC350’ × ‘NC358’ and NC358 × NC350) showed the same FAW susceptibility as the non-Bt susceptible check ‘DKC69-72’. Both parents contributed similarly to FAW resistance, or no maternal/cytoplasmic effect was detected in the experimental hybrids. Full article

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11 pages, 815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resistance to Cassava Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) among Eastern and Southern African Elite Cassava Genotypes

by Wamani Sam, Opio Samuel Morris, Omara Tom, Ocitti Patrick, John Colvin and Omongo Christopher Abu

Insects 2024, 15(4), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040258 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2120

Abstract

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem, causing chlorosis and abscission, leading to a yield loss of up to 50%. The pest also causes indirect damage through sooty mold formation. Most Ugandan cassava varieties resist cassava mosaic [...] Read more.

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem, causing chlorosis and abscission, leading to a yield loss of up to 50%. The pest also causes indirect damage through sooty mold formation. Most Ugandan cassava varieties resist cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and tolerate cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), but little is known about their response to whitefly infestation. The main objective of this study was to identify cassava genotypes with putative resistance to whitefly in Uganda. This was conducted on 24 improved cassava varieties in three agro-ecological zones during the second rains of 2016. Monthly data were taken for adult and nymph counts, whitefly and sooty mold damage, and CMD and CBSD severities from 2 to 9 months after planting (MAPs). The results show that the whitefly population is highly significantly (p < 0.000) amongst varieties across the three agro-ecological zones. Mkumba consistently supported the low adult numbers and nymphs. The findings demonstrate the potential of the improved cassava varieties as sources of whitefly resistance for sustainable management. Full article

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18 pages, 2918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Omics Analysis Reveals Key Pathways in Cotton Defense against Mirid Bug (Adelphocoris suturalis Jakovlev) Feeding

by Hui Lu, Shuaichao Zheng, Chao Ma, Xueke Gao, Jichao Ji, Junyu Luo, Hongxia Hua and Jinjie Cui

Insects 2024, 15(4), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040254 - 8 Apr 2024

Viewed by 2442

Abstract

The recent dominance of Adelphocoris suturalis Jakovlev as the primary cotton field pest in Bt-cotton-cultivated areas has generated significant interest in cotton pest control research. This study addresses the limited understanding of cotton defense mechanisms triggered by A. suturalis feeding. Utilizing LC-QTOF-MS, we [...] Read more.

The recent dominance of Adelphocoris suturalis Jakovlev as the primary cotton field pest in Bt-cotton-cultivated areas has generated significant interest in cotton pest control research. This study addresses the limited understanding of cotton defense mechanisms triggered by A. suturalis feeding. Utilizing LC-QTOF-MS, we analyzed cotton metabolomic changes induced by A. suturalis, and identified 496 differential positive ions (374 upregulated, 122 downregulated) across 11 categories, such as terpenoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, isoflavones, etc. Subsequent iTRAQ-LC-MS/MS analysis of the cotton proteome revealed 1569 differential proteins enriched in 35 metabolic pathways. Integrated metabolome and proteome analysis highlighted significant upregulation of 17 (89%) proteases in the α-linolenic acid (ALA) metabolism pathway, concomitant with a significant increase in 14 (88%) associated metabolites. Conversely, 19 (73%) proteases in the fructose and mannose biosynthesis pathway were downregulated, with 7 (27%) upregulated proteases corresponding to the downregulation of 8 pathway-associated metabolites. Expression analysis of key regulators in the ALA pathway, including allene oxidase synthase (AOS), phospholipase A (PLA), allene oxidative cyclase (AOC), and 12-oxophytodienoate reductase3 (OPR3), demonstrated significant responses to A. suturalis feeding. Finally, this study pioneers the exploration of molecular mechanisms in the plant–insect relationship, thereby offering insights into potential novel control strategies against this cotton pest. Full article

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13 pages, 623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sublethal Effects of Spirotetramat, Cyantraniliprole, and Pymetrozine on Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

by Se Eun Kim, Hyun Kyung Kim and Gil Hah Kim

Insects 2024, 15(4), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040247 - 3 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1905

Abstract

The toxicity and sublethal effects of three insecticides (spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, and pymetrozine) on Aphis gossypii, a major agricultural pest, were investigated. The nymphal stage showed greater susceptibility than the adult stage to all the insecticides, with a difference of up to 8.9 [...] Read more.

The toxicity and sublethal effects of three insecticides (spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, and pymetrozine) on Aphis gossypii, a major agricultural pest, were investigated. The nymphal stage showed greater susceptibility than the adult stage to all the insecticides, with a difference of up to 8.9 times at the LC₅₀ of spirotetramat. The effects of sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀, LC₃₀, LC₅₀, and LC₇₀) of the insecticides on the on the developmental period, survival rate, adult longevity, fecundity, and deformity rate were compared with those of the control. Compared with the control, cyantraniliprole and pymetrozine did not significantly affect the developmental period in the parental or F₁ generation when applied at the nymphal stage at any concentration. Nonviable nymphs occurred in the F₁ generation when both nymphs and adults were treated with spirotetramat and cyantraniliprole but not in the F₂ generation. The age-specific maternity (l_xm_x) of A. gossypii treated with sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀, LC₃₀) decreased with increasing concentration. Spirotetramat at the LC₃₀ resulted in significant differences in all life table parameters (R₀, r_m, λ, T, DT) compared with those of the control. Similarly, compared with that of the control (43.8), the net reproductive rate (R₀) significantly decreased for all the insecticides except cyantraniliprole at the LC₁₀ (37.5). Therefore, this study indicated that sublethal concentrations (over the LC₃₀) of spirotetramat, cyantraniliprole, or pymetrozine might be useful for the density management of A. gossypii. Full article

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12 pages, 1785 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing the Release Pattern of Telenomus podisi for Effective Biological Control of Euschistus heros in Soybean

by William Wyatt Hoback, Gabryele Ramos, Rafael Hayashida, Daniel Mariano Santos, Daniel de Lima Alvarez and Regiane Cristina de Oliveira

Insects 2024, 15(3), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030192 - 14 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2497

Abstract

An augmentative biological control program using the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is a promising tool for the management of the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in soybeans. The T. podisi are released as adults or pupae within [...] Read more.

An augmentative biological control program using the egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) is a promising tool for the management of the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in soybeans. The T. podisi are released as adults or pupae within lab-reared E. heros eggs. Because of the small size of the parasitoid and potentially limited dispersal ability, determining the optimal release pattern is critical for biological control of the target pest. This study used sentinel E. heros eggs to investigate T. podisi dispersal within soybean crops during two distinct phenological stages: the beginning of flowering (Vn–R1) and the grain-filling phase (R5–R6). Data were analyzed using semi-variograms and kriging maps. The results indicate significant differences in parasitism rates between the two plant growth stages and among different matrices. The maximum dispersal range for T. podisi was calculated at 39.0 m in the Vn–R1 stage with a maximum parasitism rate of 42%, while in the R5–R6 stage, the maximum dispersal range was calculated to be 30.9 m with a maximum parasitism of 73%. Therefore, it is recommended that release points for T. podisi be spaced no further than 30 m apart. These results provide valuable insights for future research and applications in biological control strategies, including adjustment of the logistics and release technique depending upon the crop phenological stage. Full article

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13 pages, 3282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intergenerational Effects of Sublethal Lambda-Cyhalothrin Exposure on Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Reproduction and Development

by Yuepeng Qiu and Zhaorong Chen

Insects 2024, 15(3), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030173 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1845

Abstract

Aphis gossypii Glover, a widespread insect, presents a substantial danger to global agriculture. Lambda-cyhalothrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that has been widely studied for its effects on arthropods. Studies have reported that sublethal doses of insecticides can produce various consequences on arthropod reproduction. [...] Read more.

Aphis gossypii Glover, a widespread insect, presents a substantial danger to global agriculture. Lambda-cyhalothrin is a pyrethroid insecticide that has been widely studied for its effects on arthropods. Studies have reported that sublethal doses of insecticides can produce various consequences on arthropod reproduction. Hence, the objective of this research was to examine the potential effects of a sublethal dose of lambda-cyhalothrin (LC₃₀, 1.15 mg/L) on A. gossypii, for which we created life tables and conducted qPCR analysis. Adult longevity, fecundity, net reproductive rate (R₀), body length, width, weight, and the expression of vitellogenin (Vg) and vitellogenin receptor (VgR) genes were not significantly altered by lambda-cyhalothrin treatment at LC₃₀ concentration in the F₀ generation of A. gossypii adults. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rates of increase (λ) decreased significantly, while the mean generation time (T) increased. In addition, Vg and VgR gene expression levels were significantly higher in the F₁ and F₂ generations, whereas body length, width, and weight were notably reduced. The developmental duration, longevity, r, and λ did not differ significantly from those of the control group. Thus, the sublethal and intergenerational stimulatory effects of lambda-cyhalothrin were observed in A. gossypii, and the alterations in Vg and VgR in A. gossypii were strongly associated with sublethal effects. The results of this research offer valuable knowledge regarding the indirect impacts of lambda-cyhalothrin on A. gossypii, which can be utilized as a theoretical foundation for the prudent utilization of insecticides to combat this pest and devise strategies for managing resistance. Full article

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11 pages, 827 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Herbivore-Induced Plant Volatile Methyl Salicylate in Evaluating the Seasonal Abundance of Herbivorous Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in Sweet Pepper

by Uzoamaka C. Abana and Kaushalya G. Amarasekare

Insects 2024, 15(3), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15030156 - 25 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1792

Abstract

Herbivorous thrips that damage fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamentals are challenging to control using insecticides and need an integrated approach (IPM) for their management. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are semiochemical plants produced to attract natural enemies (NEs) of arthropod herbivores. Sex pheromones [...] Read more.

Herbivorous thrips that damage fruits, vegetables, field crops, and ornamentals are challenging to control using insecticides and need an integrated approach (IPM) for their management. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) are semiochemical plants produced to attract natural enemies (NEs) of arthropod herbivores. Sex pheromones are animal-based semiochemicals that can attract males or females of conspecifics. The HIPV methyl salicylate (MS) is used in IPM to attract NEs. We conducted field experiments in 2018–2019 in Tennessee to study the efficacy of MS and the aggregation pheromone neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate (NMB), which attracts Frankliniella occidentalis (FO), a dominant pest of many crops, in attracting thrips using sweet peppers. We found a significantly higher number of thrips in traps baited with MS than in the traps containing NMB when compared with a no-lure control. All treatments caught only one thrips species, Frankliniella tritici (FT), a significant pest of young cotton. It can also lower the abundance of FO in other crops. Our findings show that although FO was not found in the study location in Tennessee, traps baited with MS are suitable for managing FT and reducing FO in susceptible crops by increasing FT and attracting NEs to crop productions that use IPM-based management practices. Full article

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16 pages, 945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of the Host Plants of the Maize-Based Intercropping Systems on the Growth, Development and Preference of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

by Wen-Cai Tao, Xue-Yan Zhang, Yue Zhang, Xiao-Yue Deng, Hui-Lai Zhang, Zhi-Hui Zhang, Qing Li and Chun-Xian Jiang

Insects 2024, 15(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15010026 - 2 Jan 2024

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2390

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of maize and its three intercropping plants, sweet potato, soybean and peanut, on the growth and development of FAW, feeding preference of larvae, olfactory response and oviposition preference of adults were studied in the laboratory. The results showed [...] Read more.

In this paper, the effects of maize and its three intercropping plants, sweet potato, soybean and peanut, on the growth and development of FAW, feeding preference of larvae, olfactory response and oviposition preference of adults were studied in the laboratory. The results showed that maize and peanut were suitable for the survival and development of FAW, while sweet potato and soybean were not suitable for multigenerational reproduction. The larvae significantly preferred to feed on maize compared to the other three plants. The olfactory response test indicated that soybean showed a strong deterrent effect against FAW adults. Furthermore, the intercropping plants reduced the host selection rate of adults compared to maize alone. In two-choice tests of the maize vs. the intercropping plants, the female adult preferred to oviposit and lay more eggs on maize rather than on the intercropping plants. The intercropping plants significantly reduced the oviposition selection of FAW adults when the combination (maize + intercropping plant), especially soybean and sweet potato, was compared to maize alone. These may be the reasons for why the maize–soybean intercropping system reduced FAW damage in the field. We also speculated that the maize–sweet potato system may also reduce the FAW damage. This study provided a theoretical basis for the comprehensive management of FAW by utilizing an intercropping system. Full article

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2023

Jump to: 2025, 2024, 2022

14 pages, 2288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficiency of Pest Control Options against Two Major Sweet Corn Ear Pests in China

by Xin Li, Yanqi Liu, Zhichao Pei, Guoxiang Tong, Jin Yue, Jin Li, Wenting Dai, Huizhong Xu, Dongliang Shang and Liping Ban

Insects 2023, 14(12), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14120929 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3192

Abstract

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) are the most devastating insect pests at the ear stage of maize, causing significant losses to the sweet corn industry. Pesticide control primarily relies on spraying during the flowering stage, but the effectiveness is inconsistent since [...] Read more.

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) are the most devastating insect pests at the ear stage of maize, causing significant losses to the sweet corn industry. Pesticide control primarily relies on spraying during the flowering stage, but the effectiveness is inconsistent since larvae are beneath husks within hours to a day, making pesticide treatments simpler to avoid. Insufficient understanding of pest activity patterns impedes precise and efficient pesticide control. H. armigera and O. furnacalis in corn fields were monitored in the last few years in Beijing China, and we observed a higher occurrence of both moths during the R1 stage of sweet corn. Moth captures reached the maximum during this stage, with 555–765 moths per hectare corn field daily. The control efficiency of nine synthetic insecticides and five biopesticides was assessed in the field during this period. Virtako, with mineral oil as the adjuvant, appeared to be the most effective synthetic insecticide, with the efficiencies reaching 88% and 87% on sweet and waxy corn, respectively. Pesticide residue data indicated that the corn is safe after 17 days of its use. The most effective bioinsecticide was Beauveria bassiana combined with mineral oil, with 88% and 80% control efficiency in sweet and waxy corn, respectively. These results suggested that spraying effective insecticides 5 days after corn silking could effectively control corn ear pests H. armigera and O. furnacalis. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of ear pest management strategies in sweet corn. Full article

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16 pages, 4247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of Fungal Strains and Formulations of Metarhizium anisopliae to Control Phyllotreta striolata in Chinese Flowering Cabbage

by Wei Chen, Wenjing Yuan, Renkun He, Xinhua Pu, Qiongbo Hu and Qunfang Weng

Insects 2023, 14(6), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14060567 - 19 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2236

Abstract

(1) Background: The cabbage flea beetle (CFB; Phyllotreta striolata) seriously damages the production of Chinese flowering cabbage (CFC; Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis), which is a key leafy vegetable in South China. A large number of chemical insecticides have [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The cabbage flea beetle (CFB; Phyllotreta striolata) seriously damages the production of Chinese flowering cabbage (CFC; Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. utilis), which is a key leafy vegetable in South China. A large number of chemical insecticides have been sprayed to control this pest; as a result, residues and resistances are becoming an issue. It is necessary to develop biocontrol technologies to address this issue. (2) Methods: Fungal strains were selected based on bioactivity against CFB, and CFC seed pelletization with fungal conidia was subject to evaluation of control efficacy against CFB. The effective mixture of fungus and chemical insecticide was determined based on safety and joint toxicology tests. (3) Results: The screening of 103 strains from 14 genera identified the Metarhizium anisopliae strain MaGX19S02 (Ma) as the one with the highest virulence. The LC₅₀s of Ma to CFB adult and second instar larvae on day 9 post-treatment were 3.04 × 10⁶ and 27.2 × 10⁶ spores/mL, respectively. In the pot test, the pelletization of CFC seeds with Ma conidia (50/25/12.5 mg in 1 g seed with 4 g fillers) demonstrated significant CFB mortalities (45–82%) 20 days after the larvae were introduced. In the field test, the seed pelletization achieved 57–81% control efficacy 14 days after sowing. Furthermore, the combination of Ma with chlorfenapyr (Chl) demonstrated a synergistic effect against CFB; based on this result, we prepared the mixture formulation of 20% Ma-Chl wettable powder (WP). The assessment of the effects of 20% Ma-Chl WP (500× diluent) against CFB revealed 93.33% mortality in the pot test and 61.3% control efficacy in the field test on day 7 post-treatment. (4) Conclusions: The findings demonstrate the potential of Ma to control CFB in the field. Seed pelletization with Ma conidia effectively controlled CFB larvae and protected CFC seedlings, wherein a mixture formulation of 20% Ma-Chl WP had substantial efficacy in controlling CFB adults. Our research provides new methods for CFB biocontrol. Full article

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12 pages, 4232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Systemic Insecticides Applied via Drench on the Mortality of Diaphorina citri on Curry Leaf

by Julia Gabriela Aleixo Vieira, Emile Dayara Rabelo Santana, Leonardo Vinicius Thiesen, Thaís Fagundes Matioli and Pedro Takao Yamamoto

Insects 2023, 14(5), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14050422 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2167

Abstract

Huanglongbing (HLB), the most serious disease in citriculture, is caused by the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp., which is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri. HLB is mainly controlled with insecticides, necessitating the development of alternative methods, e.g., the use [...] Read more.

Huanglongbing (HLB), the most serious disease in citriculture, is caused by the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter spp., which is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri. HLB is mainly controlled with insecticides, necessitating the development of alternative methods, e.g., the use of trap plants such as curry leaf Bergera koenigii, which is highly attractive to the ACP. We evaluated the effects of the main systemic insecticides used by citrus growers, applied via drench to adults of D. citri on the curry leaf tree. We tested the persistence of three pesticides: thiamethoxam, thiamethoxam + chlorantraniliprole, and imidacloprid in protected cultivation and the field condition at 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 98, and 154 days after the application. Different concentrations of insecticides containing the active ingredient thiamethoxam were tested on adults to determine the LC₁₀ and LC₅₀. Finally, we assessed the sublethal effects on the oviposition and development of D. citri. The insecticides controlled the adults for long periods. However, in the field experiment, from 42 days after application there was a decrease in mortality caused by pesticides applied via drench, while in the protected cultivation, mortality did not decline until the last day of evaluation. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) for thiamethoxam was 0.031 g of active ingredient per plant, and for thiamethoxam in a mixture, the LC₅₀ was 0.028 g a.i. per plant. In the experiment with sublethal doses, D. citri did not oviposit on the treated plants. Our findings suggest that the attract-and-kill system using the curry leaf tree and systemic insecticides is effective for the control of D. citri and contributes to the integrated management of HLB. Full article

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12 pages, 749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Integrated Management of Gymnandrosoma aurantianum Possible with Trichogramma atopovirilia and Novel Products Used in Citrus Orchards in Brazil?

by Lucas Vinicius Cantori, Fernando Henrique Iost Filho, Juliano de Bastos Pazini, Alexandre José Ferreira Diniz, Pedro Takao Yamamoto and José Roberto Postali Parra

Insects 2023, 14(5), 419; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14050419 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2093

Abstract

In Brazil, the citrus fruit borer, Gymnandrosoma aurantianum Lima, 1927, is a serious pest in orange orchards, causing an annual loss of 80 million US dollars, and is managed with multiple insecticide applications, often 56 in a single season. On the other hand, [...] Read more.

In Brazil, the citrus fruit borer, Gymnandrosoma aurantianum Lima, 1927, is a serious pest in orange orchards, causing an annual loss of 80 million US dollars, and is managed with multiple insecticide applications, often 56 in a single season. On the other hand, the parasitoid wasp Trichogramma atopovirilia Oatman & Platner, 1983 has the potential for controlling G. aurantianum by attacking its eggs. Considering the intensive insecticide applications in citrus orchards in Brazil to control the large complex of pests, especially Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, 1908, evaluation of the harmful effects of insecticides on T. atopovirilia is important to maximize efficiency in managing G. aurantianum. Here, we tested the effects of new products used in citrus orchards (cyantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole + abamectin, abamectin, sulfoxaflor, spinetoram, flupyradifure, and Cordyceps fumosorosea (Wize) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora) on adults and pupae of T. atopovirilia. Of the insecticides tested, spinetoram caused the highest impacts on T. atopovirilia parasitism, longevity, emergence, and mortality. The other products caused more sublethal than lethal effects and were classified as 1 and/or 2 in the IOBC/WPRS classification. Abamectin, cyantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole + abamectin, and the entomopathogenic fungus C. fumosorosea were classified as short-lived. Except for spinetoram, these products were classified as selective. In this study, spinetoram was considered harmful to T. atopovirilia and, therefore, should be managed carefully in IPM programs combining this parasitoid. In order to safely use this insecticide, one should respect the interval of release of the parasitoid, which is 21 days after its spraying. The novel products tested, cyantraniliprole, cyantraniliprole + abamectin, abamectin, sulfoxaflor, and the entomopathogenic fungi C. fumosorosea were selective and non-persistent to T. atopovirilia. These products are possible replacements for non-selective insecticides to achieve higher control from both chemical and biological tools. Full article

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13 pages, 2090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Genetic Diversity of Two Blue Oat Mite Species on Triticum Hosts in China

by Xian Wang, Wenjie Wang, Yang Qin, Mian Wang, Yaying Li and Huai Liu

Insects 2023, 14(4), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040377 - 12 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2366

Abstract

Blue oat mite species, including Penthaleus major and P. tectus, are pests widely distributed across China that cause damage to winter wheat. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of P. major and P. tectus on Triticum hosts collected from 23 geographic locations [...] Read more.

Blue oat mite species, including Penthaleus major and P. tectus, are pests widely distributed across China that cause damage to winter wheat. This study evaluated the genetic diversity of P. major and P. tectus on Triticum hosts collected from 23 geographic locations based on mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. We identified nine haplotypes in 438 P. major individuals from 21 geographic locations and five haplotypes in 139 P. tectus individuals from 11 geographic locations. Meanwhile, P. major exhibits high values of haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (Pi) (Hd = 0.534 > 0.5 and Pi = 0.012 > 0.005), representing a large stable population with a long evolutionary history. P. tectus shows low values of Hd and Pi (Hd = 0.112 < 0.5 and Pi = 0 < 0.005), which suggest recent founder events. Moreover, demographic analysis suggested that P. major and P. tectus have not undergone a recent population expansion. The lowest genetic variation was observed in Xiangzhou (XZ-HB), Zaoyang (ZY-HB), Siyang (SY-JS), and Rongxian (RX-SC), with only one species and one haplotype identified in over 30 individuals. Robust genetic differentiation was found in P. major compared to P. tectus, which provides a theoretical basis for the widespread distribution of P. major in China. Full article

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7 pages, 746 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Flight Phenology of Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in the Northwest Florida Panhandle

by Abraão A. Santos, Izailda B. dos Santos and Silvana V. Paula-Moraes

Insects 2023, 14(4), 354; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040354 - 2 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1503

Abstract

Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the lesser cornstalk borer (LCSB), is an economically important peanut pest in the southeastern U.S. region, and its occurrence and abundance have been associated with warm and dry conditions. In the Northwestern Florida Panhandle (USA), the LCSB occurrence [...] Read more.

Elasmopalpus lignosellus Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), the lesser cornstalk borer (LCSB), is an economically important peanut pest in the southeastern U.S. region, and its occurrence and abundance have been associated with warm and dry conditions. In the Northwestern Florida Panhandle (USA), the LCSB occurrence and abundance are unknown. Thus, a study in this region used commercial sex pheromones to capture male moths year-round from July/2017 to June/2021. Our results indicated that the LCSBs were present in the region from April to December, with higher abundance in August. Moths were also caught from January to March in only 2020. In addition, the number of moths collected increased when the temperature increased. Our results indicate a different pattern for LCSB abundance than previously documented, with peak occurrence in warm and wet conditions (August). These results support that region-specific weather information should be considered when designing IPM recommendations based on the phenology of pest occurrence in the agroecosystem. Full article

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13 pages, 3377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parasitization of Aphis gossypii Glover by Binodoxys communis Gahan Causes Shifts in the Ovarian Bacterial Microbiota

by Jinming Li, Zhe An, Junyu Luo, Xiangzhen Zhu, Li Wang, Kaixin Zhang, Dongyang Li, Jichao Ji, Lin Niu, Xueke Gao and Jinjie Cui

Insects 2023, 14(4), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040314 - 25 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1903

Abstract

Background: Aphis gossypii Glover is an important agricultural pest distributed worldwide. Binodoxys communis Gahan is the main parasitoid wasp of A. gossypii. Previous studies have shown that parasitization causes reduced egg production in A. gossypii, but the effects of parasitism on [...] Read more.

Background: Aphis gossypii Glover is an important agricultural pest distributed worldwide. Binodoxys communis Gahan is the main parasitoid wasp of A. gossypii. Previous studies have shown that parasitization causes reduced egg production in A. gossypii, but the effects of parasitism on the symbiotic bacteria in the host ovaries are unknown. Results: In this study, we analyzed the microbial communities in the ovaries of A. gossypii without and after parasitization. Whether parasitized or not, Buchnera was the dominant genus of symbiotic bacteria in the ovaries, followed by facultative symbionts including Arsenophonus, Pseudomonas, and Acinetobacter. The relative abundance of Buchnera in the aphid ovary increased after parasitization for 1 d in both third-instar nymph and adult stages, but decreased after parasitization for 3 d. The shifts in the relative abundance of Arsenophonus in both stages were the same as those observed for Buchnera. In addition, the relative abundance of Serratia remarkably decreased after parasitization for 1 d and increased after parasitization for 3 d. A functional predictive analysis of the control and parasitized ovary microbiomes revealed that pathways primarily enriched in parasitization were “amino acid transport and metabolism” and “energy production and conversion.” Finally, RT-qPCR analysis was performed on Buchnera, Arsenophonus, and Serratia. The results of RT-qPCR were the same as the results of 16S rDNA sequencing. Conclusions: These results provide a framework for investigating shifts in the microbial communities in host ovaries, which may be responsible for reduced egg production in aphids. These findings also broaden our understanding of the interactions among aphids, parasitoid wasps, and endosymbionts. Full article

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11 pages, 2149 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Timing of Fungal Insecticide Application to Avoid Solar Ultraviolet Irradiation Enhances Field Control of Rice Planthoppers

by Wan-Ying Xu, Zhen-Xin Wen, Xin-Jie Li, En-Ze Hu, Dan-Yi Qi, Ming-Guang Feng and Sen-Miao Tong

Insects 2023, 14(4), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040307 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2031

Abstract

Thechemical control of rice planthoppers (RPH)is prohibited in annual rice–shrimp rotation paddy fields. Here, the fungal insecticides Beauveria bassiana ZJU435 and Metarizhium anisoplae CQ421 were tested for control of RPH populations dominated by Nilaparvata lugens in three field trials. During four-week field trials [...] Read more.

Thechemical control of rice planthoppers (RPH)is prohibited in annual rice–shrimp rotation paddy fields. Here, the fungal insecticides Beauveria bassiana ZJU435 and Metarizhium anisoplae CQ421 were tested for control of RPH populations dominated by Nilaparvata lugens in three field trials. During four-week field trials initiated from the harsh weather of high temperatures and strong sunlight, the rice crop at the stages from tillering to flowering was effectively protected by fungal sprays applied at 14-day intervals. The sprays of either fungal insecticide after 5:00 p.m. (solar UV avoidance) suppressed the RPH population better than those before 10 a.m. The ZJU435 and CQ421 sprays for UV avoidance versus UV exposure resulted in mean control efficacies of 60% and 56% versus 41% and 45% on day 7, 77% and 78% versus 63% and 67% on day 14, 84% and 82% versus 80% and 79% on day 21, and 84% and 81% versus 79% and 75 on day 28, respectively. These results indicate that fungal insecticides can control RPH in the rice–shrimp rotation fields and offer a novel insight into the significance of solar-UV-avoiding fungal application for improved pest control during sunny summers. Full article

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15 pages, 1979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Parts of the Rose Flower on the Development, Fecundity, and Life Parameters of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

by Ding-Yin Li, Dan Zhou, Jun-Rui Zhi, Wen-Bo Yue and Shun-Xin Li

Insects 2023, 14(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010088 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2286

Abstract

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an important horticultural pest that causes serious damage to rose plants, which is one of its preferred foods. In this study, rose petals, rose flowers, and 10% honey solution + kidney bean pods were chosen as foods to assess [...] Read more.

Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an important horticultural pest that causes serious damage to rose plants, which is one of its preferred foods. In this study, rose petals, rose flowers, and 10% honey solution + kidney bean pods were chosen as foods to assess their influence on the growth, development and fecundity of F. occidentalis. The results showed that developmental time of immature F. occidentalis with the following trend: rose flowers <10% honey solution + kidney bean pods < rose petals < kidney bean pods. The longevities of both female and male adults were lowest when feeding on the rose petals and were highest when feeding on rose flowers. The fecundity was in the following order: rose flowers >10% honey solution + kidney bean pods > rose petals > kidney bean pods. The net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ) of F. occidentalis feeding on rose petals and kidney bean pods were lower than those feeding on rose flowers and 10% honey solution + kidney bean pods. The development, longevity, fecundity, and parameters have significantly changed since F₁ generation after feeding with the three food types. The results indicated that different parts of rose flowers had a significant effect on the development of thrips, and nectar and pollen had a positive effect on thrips population increase and reproduction. Full article

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2022

Jump to: 2025, 2024, 2023

13 pages, 1303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Efficacy of Biological Control for the Suppression of the Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon Pisum): Does the Resistance of Alfalfa Cultivars Matter?

by Xiang Zhang, Qiong Wu, Jianing Mu, Zunqi Chao, Qi He, Ting Gao, Chuan Wang, Mark R. McNeill and Zhaozhi Lu

Insects 2023, 14(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010028 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2234

Abstract

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, is a major pest of alfalfa in northwestern China. However, the roles of different groups of natural enemies in combination with aphid-resistant cultivars in the suppression of the pea aphid have not been clarified under field conditions. [...] Read more.

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum Harris, is a major pest of alfalfa in northwestern China. However, the roles of different groups of natural enemies in combination with aphid-resistant cultivars in the suppression of the pea aphid have not been clarified under field conditions. In this study, we used experimental cages to better understand the top-down (natural enemies) and bottom-up (nine alfalfa cultivars) biological processes, as well as the individual roles of the two processes, in the control of the pea aphid. There was a significant difference in resistance among cultivar classes revealed when natural enemies were excluded. The functional contribution of top-down suppression was higher than the bottom-up process, with natural enemies significantly suppressing aphid populations, regardless of the resistance level of different alfalfa cultivars. The mean biological efficacies of predators, parasitoids, and mixed populations of natural enemies were 85%, 42%, and 88%, respectively. Overall, our study indicated that natural enemies play a critical role in suppressing aphid populations, especially in the summer, whereas cultivar resistance did not combine effectively with natural enemies to inhibit the growth of aphids. Conservation biological control (CBC) can be implemented in the alfalfa production regions in northwestern China to reduce the overreliance on insecticides for the control of pests and mitigate their harmful effects on humans, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Full article

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