Search Results (196)

Berry crops such as strawberry Fragaria × ananassa (Weston), raspberry Rubus idaeus L., blackberry Rubus ulmifolius Schott, 1818, and blueberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. are economically and nutritionally valuable worldwide. However, the intensive use of synthetic pesticides for pest management in these crops has led to ecological imbalance, pest resistance, and negative effects on non-target organisms and human health. The integration of biological control agents into sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) systems represents an alternative. This review compiles and evaluates current advances in the application of baculoviruses (BVs), entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), nematodes (EPNs), predatory mites (PMs), and parasitoid wasps (PWs) for pest suppression in berry crops. Emphasis was placed on their ecological interactions, host specificity, and compatibility within IPM frameworks. The combined use of micro- and macrobiological control agents effectively reduces key pest populations. However, field efficacy remains influenced by abiotic stressors such as UV radiation, temperature fluctuations, and chemical incompatibility. The integration of native micro- and macrobiological control agents of through conservation biological control (CBC) strategies can enhance sustainability in berry production systems. Future efforts should focus on formulation improvements, adaptive management under field conditions, and synergistic interactions among microbial and arthropod natural enemies. Full article

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), including Steinernema and Heterorhabditis, are obligate insect parasites widely used in biological pest control. However, their efficacy is often limited by susceptibility to environmental stresses like desiccation. Aquaporins (AQPs), channel proteins facilitating water and solute movement across membranes, are hypothesized to play a key role in the osmotic stress response of EPNs. This study identified and cloned three AQP genes (L596_g7661, L596_g18121, and XLOC_007750) from four strains of Steinernema carpocapsae. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed that these AQPs belong to the aquaglyceroporin subfamily and share high sequence homology across strains. Functional characterization in Xenopus oocytes demonstrated that AQP L596_g7661 facilitates glycerol transport. Expression patterns under osmotic dehydration revealed significant upregulation of L596_g7661 and XLOC_007750 in all strains, while L596_g18121 expression remained unchanged. These findings indicate that specific AQPs are involved in the molecular response of S. carpocapsae to osmotic stress, providing crucial insights for breeding resilient EPN strains and enhancing their field application. Full article

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) of the Meloidogyne genus impact various plants, including crops, fruits, and vegetables. Few chemical control options exist globally, and many nematicides are banned due to health and environmental risks. This study tested a new nematicidal agent, the symbiotic bacterium Xenorhabdus indica, which was molecularly identified (PV845100). Cell-free culture supernatants of Xenorhabdus spp. and their biogenic Ag-NPs were used in nematicidal assays. Meloidogyne incognita showed high mortality rates of 95.3%, 74.6%, and 72.6% after 72 h of treatment with the X. indica filtrate at three concentrations. At the same concentrations, biogenic Ag-NPs resulted in 82.0%, 90.0%, and 85.3% mortality rates, respectively. After 72 h, hatchability decreased by 53%, 74.6%, and 72.6% for the X. indica filtrate and 82.0%, 90.0%, and 85.3% for Ag-NPs. Quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR) revealed that Mi-Ache1 expression was lower in M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2s) treated with the filtrate and Ag-NPs after 72 h compared to controls. Mi-Ache2 expression was also decreased, but only slightly. Furthermore, both the X. indica filtrate and biogenic Ag-NPs were safe in human lung (WI-38) and skin (HFB4) cell lines. These findings suggest that bacterial filtrates and their biogenic Ag-NPs could serve as cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternatives to commercial nematicides. Full article

Invertebrate iridescent viruses (IIVs, family Iridoviridae) are icosahedral double-stranded DNA viruses that infect a wide range of invertebrates, particularly in humid and aquatic environments. During field trials in Chiapas, southern Mexico, larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), displayed an unexpected lavender iridescence, leading to the discovery of novel IIV isolates from this major agricultural pest. Restriction endonuclease analysis revealed evident diversity among isolates from individual infected larvae. Although one field experiment yielded inconclusive results, a second experiment revealed a positive association between IIV disease and SfMNPV infection, compared to a negative association with the prevalence of parasitoids, and no association with entomopathogenic nematodes (probably Hexamermis sp.). These findings require further investigation to determine the distinct ecological routes through which the virus may transmit across host species. IIV infection of S. frugiperda was also identified in Veracruz State, Mexico, and northern Argentina, revealing a previously unrecognized geographic and host range for these viruses. The genomic and evolutionary features of the three isolates from S. frugiperda were compared with those of two other lepidopteran isolates from Helicoverpa zea (IIV30C obtained from CSIRO) and Anticarsia gemmatalis (AgIIV). Genome sizes ranged between 196.1 and 205.4 kbp (~28% GC content), with several large inversions, and were rich in tandem repeats. The average amino acid identity of the complete genomes and phylogenetic analyses of 26 core gene sequences placed all five isolates within the genus Chloriridovirus, closely related to IIV22 and IV22a isolated from blackflies (Diptera) in Wales and a previously sequenced isolate of IIV30 from the USA. We conclude that these lepidopterans are all infected by closely related strains of the virus species Chloriridovirus simulium1 across their native geographical range. These findings highlight the unexpected ecological breadth and evolutionary adaptability of IIVs. Full article

The free-living infective juveniles of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are critical biological control agents against insect pests. The field efficacy of EPNs is largely determined by their tolerance to low-humidity stress, a trait closely linked to the mobilization of their energy reserves. This study aims to investigate how varying levels of humidity stress influence energy reserve dynamics in two EPNs, Steinernema kraussei 0657L and Heterorhabditis brevicaudis 0641TY, and their relationship with the survival rate and pathogenicity. The results demonstrated that lipids were the predominant energy reserve, followed by proteins and sugars. Notably, neutral lipid constituted approximately 3% of the total lipid content. Among sugars, soluble sugar levels were the highest, followed by glycogen and trehalose. Exposure to low-humidity stress resulted in increased levels of protein, total lipid, glycogen, and trehalose in nematodes. These increases were more pronounced in S. kraussei 0657L, a highly drought-resistant strain, compared to H. brevicaudis 0641TY. Furthermore, the accumulation of protein, total lipid, and trehalose was negatively correlated with survival rate and pathogenicity. However, positive correlations were observed between trehalose and both total lipids and soluble sugars. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that under low-humidity stress, S. kraussei 0657L exhibited an enrichment of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways. This indicates that S. kraussei 0657L regulated energy metabolism to adapt to low-humidity stress. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying drought resistance in EPNs and offer an experimental basis for their application in arid environments. Full article

Between 2023 and 2025, we conducted experiments at the Laboratory Field of the Bio-technical Faculty in Ljubljana to study alternative methods for controlling wireworms in potato fields. The trials were arranged in three blocks with five first-order (Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Nemakil 330, Rasti Soil Tonic G, positive control) and five second-order treatments (entomopathogenic nematodes, entomopathogenic fungi, zeolite combined with half-doses of these products, positive control with tefluthrin, and negative control), giving twenty-five treatments per block. Foliar pests and diseases were managed with contact plant protection products. We measured total tuber yield and divided it into three size classes, then assessed wireworm damage (holes per tuber). The purpose of the soil excavations in the first-order treatments was to verify the abundance of wireworms in the soil. Most combinations reduced wireworm abundance. The lowest tuber damage comparable to the positive control occurred when using zeolite with half-doses of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi. The highest yields across all three weather-distinct years resulted from combining Rasti Soil Tonic with zeolite and half-dose entomopathogenic products. Although Nemakil 330 increased soil phosphorus, it neither improved yield nor reduced wireworm damage. Overall, the tested environmentally acceptable methods show promising insecticidal potential for sustainable wireworm control in potatoes. Full article

Soil biodiversity is crucial for maintaining biological soil resilience, understood as a temporal property and as the ability of soils to uphold or recover their ecological functions under stress thanks to the diversity and complementarity of their biological communities. To evaluate this property, we developed the Biological Soil Resilience Index (BSR), conceived as an evolution of the QBS-ar approach by integrating additional key bioindicators—entomopathogenic nematodes, entomopathogenic fungi, and earthworms—together with microarthropod eco-morphological adaptation scores. This multi-taxon framework provides a more comprehensive assessment of soil biological conditions than single-group indices and is specifically designed to be applied repeatedly over time to detect resilience trajectories. The Biodiversity Soil Resilience (BSR) Index was applied across nine sites subject to low, medium, and high anthropogenic disturbance, spanning urban, industrial, and airport environments. Results revealed not a resilience gradient but a clear disturbance gradient: low-impact sites achieved the highest BSR values (52–59), reflecting diverse and functionally complementary assemblages; medium-impact sites maintained moderate BSR value (27–42), but displayed imbalances among faunal groups; and high-impact sites showed the lowest values, including a critically low score at C_HI (17.86), where entomopathogens were absent and earthworm populations reduced. Entomopathogenic organisms proved particularly sensitive, disappearing entirely under severe disturbance. The BSR was sensitive to environmental gradients and effective in distinguishing ecologically meaningful differences among soil communities. Because it can be repeatedly applied over time, BSR provides the basis for monitoring long-term resilience dynamics, detecting early warning signals, and support timely mitigation or restoration measures. Overall, the study highlights the pivotal role of biodiversity in sustaining soil resilience and supports the BSR Index as a simple yet integrative tool for soil health assessment and for future resilience monitoring in disturbed landscapes. Full article

In a two-year study (2023–2024), field experiments were conducted at a location where onion fly (Delia antiqua [Meigen]) and onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) are permanent pests. The objective of the study was to investigate independent and combined application (synergistic effect) of environmentally acceptable methods (biological and biotechnical control methods) of controlling these pests on onions. Seven treatments were tested, including a positive control (chemical control) and a negative control (untreated plots), as well as various combinations of environmentally friendly approaches, such as entomopathogenic fungi and nematodes, white clover intercropping, and colored sticky boards with lures. The onion fly caused greater damage and subsequent bulb loss than the onion thrips in both years, despite white clover (as independent application) as an intercrop, and the combined application of white clover and entomopathogens proved to be most effective against thrips and fly damage, ultimately resulting in a suboptimal onion yield of less than 7 tons per hectare annually. It is evident that environmentally acceptable control methods were experiencing challenges in either reducing the extent of damage caused by both pests or increasing the yield of healthy bulbs. It is unfortunate that, despite observing an increased yield of healthy bulbs in certain treatments, a significant quantity of bulbs was also lost due to onion fly. Full article

As a staple food, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (Solanaceae) is one of the most produced food crops to ensure food security. The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller, 1873) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a major pest of potato, damaging both the growing and storage processes. In recent years, green pest control strategies have been gaining importance to reduce the adverse effects of chemicals and protect the environment. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and their bacterial endosymbionts (Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp.) have been one of the top topics studied in sustainable pest control approaches. In the present study, the two most common EPN species, Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, and their bacterial associates, Xenorhabdus bovienii and Photorhabdus luminescens subsp. kayaii were evaluated against PTM larvae separately and in combination with spinosad. The survival rates of infective juveniles (IJs) of EPNs were over 92% after 72 h of direct exposure to spinosad. Co-application of EPNs and bioactive compounds (BACs) of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad induced synergistic interactions and achieved the maximum mortality (100%) in PTM larvae 48 h post-treatment. Spinosad and BAC combinations were highly efficient in controlling the PTM larvae and provided LT₅₀ values below 23.0 h. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified 29 compounds in total, 20 of which belonged to P. luminescens subsp. kayaii. The results indicate that the integration of EPNs and BACs of endosymbiotic bacteria with spinosad presents a synergistic interaction and enhances pest control efficacy. Full article

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most widespread and destructive phytophagous mite species, occurring across all climatic zones worldwide. Currently, the control of spider mites in crop protection relies primarily on chemical acaricides. However, the selection of resistant populations to their active ingredients is reducing their efficacy. The aim of the present study was to assess the susceptibility of T. urticae to a native isolate of entomopathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae Filipjev ZWO21, under laboratory conditions. The experiment was conducted using Petri dishes, each containing 22–28 adult T. urticae. Infective juveniles (IJs) of the nematodes were then applied at a dose of 8000 IJs per dish (±300 IJs per mite). Petri dishes with mites treated with nematodes were placed in a Sanyo incubation chamber at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. After three days, dead mites were collected from the Petri dishes and dissected, and mortality was subsequently determined. The present study confirmed that the S. feltiae ZWO21 isolate exhibited considerable potential for the biological control of T. urticae, causing 37.5–83.3% (mean 57.0%) mortality in this pest species. Although this result indicates a moderate efficacy when nematodes are applied alone, it also underscores the relevance of further research into their integration with other control strategies, including acaricides, within integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Full article

Phlebotomine-borne diseases, transmitted by sand flies, cause significant public health burdens worldwide. In Morocco, Phlebotomus papatasi is a primary vector for Leishmania major and phleboviruses. Despite extensive research in other countries, entomopathogenic parasite investigations in P. papatasi have not been conducted in Morocco until now. This study performed proteomic analysis of female P. papatasi collected from four Moroccan localities using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our analysis revealed that Phlebotomus papatasi peptides were the most abundant, with 884 peptides identified. Additionally, we detected 732 peptides from nematodes, 86 from Leishmania major, 79 from L. infantum, eight from L. tropica, and two peptides associated with phleboviruses. Microscopic examination of 1752 sand flies confirmed P. sergenti female infected with Tetranematidae, Didilia spp. in Imintanout (Z2). This study provides the first report of nematodes in sand flies in Africa and represents the first application of proteomics to identify pathogens carried by P. papatasi. These findings highlight remarkable proteomic differences among localities and generate critical data for understanding parasite-vector interactions. Full article

Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus bacteria, members of the Morganellaceae family, are sources of novel natural products for the biocontrol of fungal pathogens in soybean production. This study demonstrated the inhibitory effects of metabolites from four Photorhabdus and Xenorhabdus strains (including a local isolate, X. szentirmaii PAM 25), against four key phytopathogenic fungi. Bacterial metabolite efficacy and fungal susceptibility varied. Xenorhabdus szentirmaii DSM 16338, X. szentirmaii PAM 25, and X. doucetiae demonstrated significant inhibition (>90%) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, and Macrophomina phaseolina, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to X. nematophila and Photorhabdus kayaii. Fusarium oxysporum demonstrated greater resistance to the bacterial supernatants. We identified fabclavine, pyrollizixenamide, and szentirazine from X. szentirmaii, and xenocoumacins from X. doucetiae as the antifungal bioactive compounds in the respective easyPACid mutants. Furthermore, we assessed the efficacy of X. szentirmaii PAM 25 and its metabolites in protecting soybean seeds from S. sclerotiorum and investigated the shelf stability of the bacterial metabolites as the fungus suppressors. Cell-free supernatant maintained >80% inhibition of S. sclerotiorum after one year at 5–35 °C. Importantly, the cell-free supernatant, as well as the bacterial culture, effectively inhibited S. sclerotiorum in seed treatments, ensuring ≥80% seed germination, comparable to thiophanate-methyl + fluazinam fungicide. This study demonstrates that the direct seed application of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria offers a practical and innovative biological control method against soil-borne fungal pathogens. Full article

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are valuable biological control agents and research models in agriculture and ecology. Traditional extraction and rearing methods for EPNs, such as the Baermann funnel and White trap, work well but have limitations in efficiency and practicality. The NEMA Device, constructed from PVC components, was designed to address these limitations by combining extraction and rearing into a single tool with improved portability, scalability, and ease of use. The efficiency of the NEMA Device was evaluated by comparing it to the conventional Baermann funnel extraction method and the White trap method for nematode multiplication. Validation of the instrument was performed using two nematode species, Steinernema khuongi and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which vary in size and can be used for pest control. Our results demonstrated that the NEMA Device achieved higher recovery rates of both S. khuongi and H. bacteriophora compared to the Baermann method. Additionally, the production rate of nematodes using the NEMA Device was comparable to that of the White trap method, with no significant difference observed between the two methods. The NEMA Device offers a standardized, cost-effective methodology for the extraction and multiplication of EPNs, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of studying these agriculturally important nematodes and potentially improving biological control outcomes. Full article

Turfgrass systems in European urban green spaces, including sports fields, golf courses, and residential lawns, must balance high performance with compliance with stricter pesticide regulations. This review examines Synergistic Pest Management (SPM), an advanced form of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) that integrates monitoring, biological, cultural, and targeted chemical strategies for sustainable control of major turfgrass pests. Focus is placed on key insect pests such as Tipula spp. larvae and chafer beetle grubs (Scarabaeidae) and fungal pathogens, including Microdochium nivale, Clarireedia spp., Laetisaria fuciformis, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. avenae, and Colletotrichum spp., which cause significant losses in Central Europe and similar regions. Effective combinations include entomopathogenic nematodes with fungi, endophyte-infected cultivars with optimized mowing and irrigation, and low-dose insecticides paired with biological agents. The review considers how soil conditions, environmental timing, and maintenance practices influence success. Practical tools such as decision-support matrices and a seasonal calendar are provided for regional use. SPM can reduce chemical inputs, enhance biodiversity, and improve turf resilience, but adoption is limited by biological sensitivity, product availability, costs, and technical demands. SPM aligns with EU Directive 2009/128 and offers a pathway to sustainable turfgrass pest management. Future efforts should focus on regional validation, practitioner training, and precision technologies. Full article

Insect pests cause severe damage and yield losses to many agricultural crops globally. The use of chemical pesticides on agricultural crops is not recommended because of their toxic effects on the environment and consumers. In addition, pesticide toxicity reduces soil fertility, poisons ground waters, and is hazardous to soil biota. Therefore, applications of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are an alternative, eco-friendly solution to chemical pesticides and mineral-based fertilizers to enhance plant health and promote sustainable food security. This review focuses on the biological and ecological aspects of these organisms while also highlighting the practical application of molecular communication approaches in developing a novel plant health product. This insight will support this innovative approach that combines PGPR and EPNs for sustainable crop production. Several studies have reported positive interactions between nematodes and bacteria. Although the combined presence of both organisms has been shown to promote plant growth, the molecular interactions between them are still under investigation. Integrating molecular communication studies in the development of a new product could help in understanding their relationships and, in turn, support the combination of these organisms into a single plant health product. Full article