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Insects
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Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species
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Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 15398

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Muhammad Haseeb

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Center for Biological Control, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
Interests: integrated pest management of invasive insects pests; identification and diagnosis; biological control; insect pest modeling and predictions; insect identification; insect detection; insect monitoring and management in specialty crops
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sandra Vacas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto Agroforestal del Mediterráneo, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: chemical ecology; semiochemicals; integrated pest management; insect behavior
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Weevils (Coleoptera Curculionoidea) are one of the most diverse groups of herbivorous beetles, with more than 60,000 described species belonging to approximately 5800 genera. Many of them are quarantine pests that affect a large variety of crops and ornamental plants (Anacardiaceae, Arecaceae, Convolvulaceae, Musaceae, Myrtaceae, Pinaceae, Rosaceae, etc.), with high potential for invading and colonizing new areas. Included in this large family are palm weevils (Dryophthorinae), sometimes considered as an independent family (Dryophthoridae), and also bark beetles (Scolytinae), which are pests of many forests around the world. However, not all weevils engage in parasitic relationships, and some of them have beneficial roles, such as pollinators or biocontrol agents.

This Special Issue will focus on the management of all these weevils through original submissions and reviews on key aspects of their biology, behavior, ecology, and control methods. We especially welcome articles on innovative pest surveillance techniques and pest management strategies based on semiochemicals, genomics, or biological agents, emphasizing their field application as alternative tools to traditional pesticides. Likewise, we invite manuscripts focused on the mutualistic relationships that some weevil species establish and that can provide an ecosystem service including biological control agents (weeds) and pollinators for food crops.

Dr. Muhammad Haseeb
Dr. Sandra Vacas
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 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. Insects 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 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

  • weevil
  • Coleoptera
  • invasive species
  • biocontrol agents
  • pollinators
  • IPM
  • geographical modeling
  • semiochemicals
 

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
A New qPCR Assay for the Rapid Diagnosis of Anthonomus grandis Subspecies
by Tyler Jay Raszick, Lindsey C. Perkin, Alejandra Godoy, Xanthe A. Shirley, Karen Wright, Paxton T. Martin, Charles P. -C. Suh, Raul Ruiz-Arce and Gregory A. Sword
Insects 2023, 14(11), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14110845 - 31 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1620
Abstract
Rapid and accurate identification of Anthonomus grandis subspecies is crucial for effective management and eradication. Current diagnostic methods have limitations in terms of time to diagnosis (up to seven days) and can yield ambiguous results. Here, we present the validation of a custom [...] Read more.
Rapid and accurate identification of Anthonomus grandis subspecies is crucial for effective management and eradication. Current diagnostic methods have limitations in terms of time to diagnosis (up to seven days) and can yield ambiguous results. Here, we present the validation of a custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay for the rapid and accurate identification of A. grandis grandis (boll weevil) and A. g. thurberiae (thurberia weevil) subspecies. To validate the assay, we conducted three main experiments: (1) a sensitivity test to determine the DNA concentration range at which the assay performs, (2) a non-target specificity test to ensure no amplification in non-target weevils (false positives), and (3) an accuracy test comparing the results of the new assay to previously established methods. These experiments were carried out in parallel at three independent facilities to confirm the robustness of the assay to variations in equipment and personnel. We used DNA samples from various sources, including field-collected specimens, museum specimens, and previously isolated DNA. The assay demonstrated high sensitivity (PCR success with ≥0.05 ng/µL DNA template), specificity (0.02 false positive rate), and accuracy (97.7%) in diagnosing boll weevil and thurberia weevil subspecies. The entire workflow, including DNA extraction, assay preparation, PCR run time, and data analysis, can be completed within a single workday (7–9 h) by a single technician. The deployment of this assay as a diagnostic tool could benefit boll weevil management and eradication programs by enabling same-day diagnosis of trap-captured or intercepted weevil specimens. Furthermore, it offers a more reliable method for identifying unknown specimens, contributing to the overall effectiveness of boll weevil research and control efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species)
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16 pages, 2643 KiB  
Article
Planting Date of Cotton in the Brazilian Cerrado Drives Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Infestation
by Patrícia J. Santos, Antônio M. Dias, Karolayne L. Campos, Ana C. A. Araújo, Andréa A. S. Oliveira, Fábio A. Suinaga, Jorge B. Torres and Cristina S. Bastos
Insects 2023, 14(7), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14070599 - 2 Jul 2023
Viewed by 2074
Abstract
Although the boll weevil (BW), Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been attributed to the significant losses caused to cotton yield in the Americas, the categorization as a quarentenary pest in places where it is still not occurring has increased its relevance worldwide. [...] Read more.
Although the boll weevil (BW), Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been attributed to the significant losses caused to cotton yield in the Americas, the categorization as a quarentenary pest in places where it is still not occurring has increased its relevance worldwide. In areas where it is widespread, pest suppression relies on many broad-spectrum insecticide applications. However, other control tactics are sought. Considering that early-flowering cultivars escape from boll weevil infestation, we investigated if three different planting dates (November, December, and January) could alter the plant life cycle, allowing the plants to escape from boll weevil infestation. Field trials were run in two seasons (2014/2015 and 2017/2018), and variables (days required to reach each flowering stage, fruiting plant structures—undamaged and damaged by the BW, and totals—number of boll weevils on plants and that had emerged from fallen structures on the ground) were assessed over 29 and 33 weeks, respectively. Based on the number of days required to initiate and terminate the flowering stage, the time to reach the economic threshold (ET), the number of undamaged, damaged, and the total reproductive structures, we concluded that planting dates in December for the Central Cerrado of Brazil should be preferred over the other two tested dates. Cultivations run at this planting date, anticipating the flowering period initiation and termination, reduced infested flowering structures, and delayed the decision making to control the pest, when compared to the other two planting dates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species)
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12 pages, 2059 KiB  
Article
Fertility Life Table, Thermal Requirements, and Ecological Zoning of Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Brazil
by Fernanda Polastre Pereira, Alexandre José Ferreira Diniz and José Roberto Postali Parra
Insects 2023, 14(7), 582; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14070582 - 26 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1872
Abstract
The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boh., is the most important cotton pest in Central and South America. The biological characteristics and thermal requirements of boll weevils reared on an artificial diet were assessed at seven constant temperatures (18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, [...] Read more.
The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boh., is the most important cotton pest in Central and South America. The biological characteristics and thermal requirements of boll weevils reared on an artificial diet were assessed at seven constant temperatures (18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, and 32 ± 1 °C) under laboratory conditions. These data were used to determine the ecological zoning for the pest in Brazil. The development time; oviposition period; the number of eggs produced; survival of eggs, larvae, and pupae; adult longevity; and sex ratio were recorded, and additional life table parameters were calculated. The total development duration ranged from 16.1 (32 °C) to 46.2 (18 °C) days. Temperature significantly affected the number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), with the highest number of eggs observed at 25 °C (251 ± 15.8). The parameters from the fertility life table indicated the greatest population growth at 25 °C and 28 °C. The net reproductive rate (R0) at these temperatures was 22.25 times higher than at 18 °C. Based on R0 and temperature, an ecological zoning of the pest was developed for Brazil. Brazilian regions with mean temperatures above 20 °C and below 30 °C are most favorable for the population growth of the boll weevil. The most suitable crop areas were found to be the north, midwest, and part of the northeast region, although the weevil can occur throughout Brazil if the host plants are available. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species)
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12 pages, 2326 KiB  
Article
Bioefficacy of an Oil-Emulsion Formulation of Entomopathogenic Fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae against Adult Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
by Cheong Jia Lei, Raja Hasya Ilyana Raja Ahmad, Najihah Abdul Halim, Norhayu Asib, Azlina Zakaria and Wahizatul Afzan Azmi
Insects 2023, 14(5), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14050482 - 20 May 2023
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3606
Abstract
The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a severe threat to agro-industrial crops, particularly major cultivated palm species. Infestations result in economic losses due to reduced fruit quality and yield. The entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, has shown promise as a [...] Read more.
The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a severe threat to agro-industrial crops, particularly major cultivated palm species. Infestations result in economic losses due to reduced fruit quality and yield. The entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, has shown promise as a potential biocontrol agent against the RPW. However, the use of an emulsion formulation of M. anisopliae for managing this serious insect pest has yet to be fully explored. The oil-emulsion formulation containing this entomopathogen may enhance the conidia’s stability, prolong its lifetime, and reduce the impact of heat stress or UV irradiation on the fungus. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bioefficacy of a new oil-in-glycerol emulsion formulation on mycoinsecticidal activity against RPW adults by direct and indirect bioassays. Results showed that conidia concentration was directly proportional to the RPW mortality percentage. The LT50 of 8.183 days was achieved by the conidial formulation against RPW, with a significantly lower LC50 (1.910 × 105 conidia mL−1) compared to the aqueous conidia suspension (LT50 = 8.716 days; LC50 = 7.671 × 105 conidia mL−1). Indirect bioassays revealed that the oil-in-glycerol emulsion had a disease-spreading ability that resulted in up to 56.67% RPW mortality. A zero E-value reading indicates that the DNA sequence being studied is highly similar to that of the fungal species M. anisopliae, which has been identified in the NCBI database. Although the new emulsion formulation has improved the efficacy and pathogenicity of M. anisopliae in vitro, it is important to also consider the fungal pathogen’s compatibility with other agricultural practices to prevent any loss of control efficiency in the actual usage environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species)
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28 pages, 13313 KiB  
Article
Developmental Biology and Identification of a Garden Pest, Otiorhynchus (Podoropelmus) smreczynskii Cmoluch, 1968 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae), with Comments on Its Origin and Distribution
by Rafał Gosik, Peter Sprick, Małgorzata Wrzesień, Agata Dzyr, Oliver Krstić and Ivo Toševski
Insects 2023, 14(4), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14040360 - 4 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2112
Abstract
The mature larva and pupa of Otiorhynchus smreczynskii are described and illustrated with complete chaetotaxy for the first time. Five larval instars and the factors for larval growth are determined, and the larval development of this species is comprehensively described. In order to [...] Read more.
The mature larva and pupa of Otiorhynchus smreczynskii are described and illustrated with complete chaetotaxy for the first time. Five larval instars and the factors for larval growth are determined, and the larval development of this species is comprehensively described. In order to confirm species affiliation, selected larvae were subjected to genetic analysis (mtCOI). Host plants and unique feeding signs of some Entiminae species are presented, and all available data on development are documented and interpreted. Additionally, the morphometry of 78 specimens (48 of O. smreczynskii and 30 of O. rotundus) was examined in order to verify the usefulness of morphological features in distinguishing both species. The female genitalia of both species are illustrated, described and compared with each other for the first time. Finally, the updated distribution of O. smreczynskii is given, and a possible origin of O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus is proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species)
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12 pages, 2047 KiB  
Article
The Transcriptomic Response of the Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), following Exposure to the Organophosphate Insecticide Malathion
by Lindsey C. Perkin, Zachary P. Cohen, Jason W. Carlson and Charles P.-C. Suh
Insects 2023, 14(2), 197; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14020197 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2720
Abstract
Insecticide tolerance and resistance have evolved countless times in insect systems. Molecular drivers of resistance include mutations in the insecticide target site and/or gene duplication, and increased gene expression of detoxification enzymes. The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a [...] Read more.
Insecticide tolerance and resistance have evolved countless times in insect systems. Molecular drivers of resistance include mutations in the insecticide target site and/or gene duplication, and increased gene expression of detoxification enzymes. The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a pest of commercial cotton and has developed resistance in the field to several insecticides; however, the current organophosphate insecticide, malathion, used by USA eradication programs remains effective despite its long-term use. Here, we present findings from an RNA-seq experiment documenting gene expression post-exposure to field-relevant concentrations of malathion, which was used to provide insight on the boll weevil’s continued susceptibility to this insecticide. Additionally, we incorporated a large collection of boll weevil whole-genome resequencing data from nearly 200 individuals collected from three geographically distinct areas to determine SNP allele frequency of the malathion target site, as a proxy for directional selection in response to malathion exposure. No evidence was found in the gene expression data or SNP data consistent with a mechanism of enhanced tolerance or resistance adaptation to malathion in the boll weevil. Although this suggests continued effectiveness of malathion in the field, we identified important temporal and qualitative differences in gene expression between weevils exposed to two different concentrations of malathion. We also identified several tandem isoforms of the detoxifying esterase B1 and glutathione S-transferases, which are putatively associated with organophosphate resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevil (Curculionidae) Pests and Beneficial Species)
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