Search Results (107)

Greenhouses in subtropical and tropical regions must be designed as agricultural engineering systems adapted to local climates, rather than simply replicating the “insulation” models of temperate areas. Under extreme climatic conditions such as persistent high temperatures, intense solar radiation, high humidity, heavy rainfall, and frequent extreme winds, greenhouses transform from enclosed insulation layers into selective climate filters, mitigating crop stress while maintaining close contact with the outdoor environment. This paper summarizes how these climate drivers are reshaping the use, structure, and control concepts of greenhouses, emphasizing that the performance of warm-zone greenhouses depends primarily on heat dissipation, humidity management, and biohazard control, rather than heating and insulation. In this review, we analyze the climatic boundary conditions that define warm-climate conservation cultivation, including long-term overheating risk, high UV radiation, vapor pressure deficit, and suppressed condensation tendency, as well as storm-induced uplift and dynamic loads. These constraints necessitate unique structural forms: tall, lightweight, well-ventilated building types with large roof and side openings, roof geometries that facilitate rainwater runoff, sophisticated drainage systems, and corrosion-resistant materials suitable for humid and coastal environments. Because insect netting significantly reduces ventilation, pest control and temperature regulation become co-design issues, requiring oversized vents, optimized airflow paths, and hybrid roof–mesh structures. Ventilation is considered the primary climate-control mechanism, supplemented by passive cooling measures such as shading and radiation/optical management (e.g., diffuse films and near-infrared-selective films). Active evaporative cooling is considered a conditional measure due to humidity limitations and disease risks. This paper also integrates the impacts on specific crops (fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and orchids). It highlights emerging trends: typhoon-resistant and adaptive geometries, computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based design, and sensor-rich IoT/digital twin control frameworks. These principles collectively establish a coherent design framework for achieving resilient, resource-efficient greenhouse production in warm climates. Full article

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a key insect pest of maize in Brazil. However, the evolution of insecticide resistance has raised concerns about the risk of control failures under field conditions. This study assessed insecticide efficacy and estimated the risk of control failure in Brazilian populations of S. frugiperda exposed to selected insecticides. Nine field populations were collected from representative maize-producing regions of Brazil during the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons. Early third-instar (L3) larvae from these populations were exposed to the highest label rate of ten insecticides representing different modes of action in maize leaf bioassays. Mortality was assessed 96 h after exposure, and the risk of control failure was based on the efficacy threshold of 80% mortality. Significant effects of population, insecticide, and the population × insecticide interaction were detected, indicating variation in susceptibility among the sampled populations. Methoxyfenozide + spinetoram, spinosad, chlorfenapyr, and spinetoram consistently caused high mortality (>81%) and were associated with low risk of control failure across all populations. In contrast, chlorantraniliprole exhibited reduced efficacy with mortality below the expected efficacy threshold in most populations and a high risk of control failure. Population-dependent variation in insecticide efficacy was also evident for metaflumizone, emamectin benzoate, thiodicarb, indoxacarb, and methoxyfenozide, with corresponding variation in the risk of control failure. These findings show that insecticide efficacy and the risk of control failure depend on the specific insecticide–population combination and provide valuable information to support decision-making regarding insecticide selection and the rotation of modes of action within insect resistance management (IRM) and integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Full article

Iron-sulfur clusters are a class of functionally diverse protein cofactors. In recent years, significant progress has been made in insect research on iron-sulfur clusters, revealing that they serve as a core molecular hub that integrate multiple physiological processes. This review systematically summarizes the structural characteristics and biosynthetic pathways of iron-sulfur clusters, with an emphasis on insect-specific features in the stability of iron-sulfur cluster assembly proteins, cluster transfer mechanisms, and functional differentiation of ferredoxins. On this basis, it further elucidates the central roles of insect iron-sulfur clusters in energy homeostasis, reproductive capacity, ecdysis, detoxification metabolism, and magnetoreception, and revealed the potential regulatory mechanisms of iron–sulfur proteins in the aforementioned physiological processes in insects, including the electron transport chain, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the AMPK/TOR signaling axis, cell cycle regulation, and P450 enzyme activity. These findings provide important theoretical foundations and potential molecular targets for the development of environmentally friendly pest control strategies with low resistance risk. Full article

Marine by-products, including fishery discards, seafood-processing residues, aquaculture wastes, crustacean shells, and seaweed-derived side streams, are heterogeneous feedstocks rich in proteins, lipids, minerals, chitinous materials, polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds. This review examines insect-mediated bioconversion as a controlled biorefinery strategy for transforming these unstable marine residues into functional aquafeed ingredients and value-added bioproducts. We compare major marine feedstock classes and industrially relevant insects, with emphasis on substrate–insect matching, moisture control, salinity, lipid and ash load, texture, spoilage risk, and safety. Particular attention is given to how marine substrates can tailor insect meal, insect oil, chitinous fractions, hydrolysates, frass, and functional feed additives. The review further summarizes aquafeed applications of insect-derived products, including fishmeal and fish-oil replacement, protein and amino acid quality, lipid enrichment, gut health, immunity, and disease resistance in aquatic animals. Microbiome-assisted strategies, such as fermentation, enzymatic pretreatment, and gut or substrate microbial management, are discussed as tools to improve substrate stability, digestibility, and product quality. Finally, safety, regulation, scale-up, life cycle assessment, and techno-economic issues are considered. Overall, marine insect biorefineries should be optimized not only for biomass yield, but also for product quality, traceability, and application-specific safety. Full article

Bumblebees are dominant pollinators threatened by environmental antibiotic residues. This study investigated sublethal chloramphenicol (12 and 120 μg/L) effects on Bombus terrestris after 15 days’ exposure. The results showed that chloramphenicol exposure had no significant effect on the survival rate and cumulative food intake of bumblebees, confirming the sublethal property of the tested concentrations. However, chloramphenicol significantly dysregulated the expression of genes related to learning–memory (DopR2, Oamb, NMDA), immunity (abaecin, defensin) and detoxification (cyp9Q6) in bumblebees. High-dose chloramphenicol significantly increased carboxylesterase activity and reduced malondialdehyde content, while superoxide dismutase activity remained unchanged. In addition, chloramphenicol exposure significantly reshaped the gut microbiota structure of bumblebees, reduced the abundance of core beneficial symbiotic bacteria, and increased the proportion of drug-resistant bacteria. Our findings indicate that sublethal concentrations of chloramphenicol can impair bumblebee health through multiple pathways, including regulating gene expression, altering antioxidant enzyme activity and disrupting gut microbiota homeostasis. This study provides multi-dimensional toxicological data and a scientific basis for the ecological risk assessment of agricultural antibiotic residues to pollinator insects. Full article

Genetically modified (GM) plants have been commercially grown for 30 years, and their acceptance depends on a thorough risk assessment. Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) evaluates potential impacts of releasing GM plants into the environment, whether through cultivation or import for food, feed, and processing. A key component is assessing potential gene flow to crop wild relatives or non-GM crops. For gene flow to significantly affect the environment, transferred genes must provide a selective advantage. Since most GM plants are engineered for herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, or stacked traits, evaluating such advantages is relatively straightforward. New genomic techniques (NGTs) can generate plants with a wider range of traits, including tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. Although still considered GM in the EU, their genomic changes can complicate detection, identification, and ERA, especially when such traits may offer advantages under stress conditions. This scoping review focuses on gene flow in two crops: oilseed rape (canola) (Brassica napus L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). In canola, transgene movement can increase weediness, fitness, herbicide resistance, or genetic diversity in feral or related populations. Gene flow in potato is less studied, with concerns centered on contamination risks in the Andean diversity center. Limited data exist for NGT plants, though many are expected to resemble conventionally bred varieties, suggesting comparable environmental impacts. Full article

Cyantraniliprole, a second-generation diamide insecticide, exhibits broad-spectrum efficacy against numerous insect pests due to its selective activation of insect ryanodine receptors (RyRs). This activation triggers uncontrolled calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, resulting in sustained muscle contraction, paralysis, and ultimately death. Its unique mode of action, which is different from that of organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and neonicotinoids, helps minimize cross-resistance, making it a valuable component of integrated pest management (IPM). However, continuous field use has led to the development of resistance, primarily mediated by target-site mutations within the RyR transmembrane domain (e.g., G4946E, I4743M, and I4790K) and by enhanced metabolic detoxification via cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, carboxylesterases, and glutathione S-transferases. These mechanisms often confer cross-resistance to other diamide insecticides, thereby complicating resistance management. Moreover, sublethal exposures can disrupt insect growth, development, and reproduction, potentially accelerating resistance evolution. In addition, cyantraniliprole poses ecological risks due to its toxicity to non-target organisms such as aquatic species, including zebrafish and water fleas, pollinators such as honeybees, and soil fauna, as well as the environmental persistence of its major metabolite, J9Z38. This review comprehensively integrated current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of action, genetic and metabolic bases of resistance, sublethal effects, and ecotoxicological impacts of cyantraniliprole, along with its environmental fate, plant uptake and translocation, and residue dynamics in agricultural systems. Finally, we discuss potential risk-mitigation strategies, including formulation optimization, application-method improvements, and resistance monitoring. Overall, this review aims to provide a comprehensive scientific foundation for the sustainable use, resistance management, and regulatory assessment of this widely used insecticide. Full article

Mosquito-borne diseases are an emerging public health challenge in Europe, driven by the spread of invasive mosquito species capable of sustaining outbreaks of tropical arboviral diseases. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, human-driven habitat changes, and prolonged transmission seasons have increased the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus outbreaks, among other vector-borne diseases. Effective control requires a multifaceted approach, combining traditional and novel methods with advanced surveillance technologies and community involvement. However, growing insecticide resistance and concerns about insecticide use highlight the need for more prudent management of current tools and the development of innovative alternatives. Genetic control strategies, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Wolbachia-based approaches, and genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes, offer promising solutions but still face scientific, regulatory, and societal challenges. This review explores the current landscape of mosquito-borne disease control in Mediterranean Europe, emphasizing key challenges and emerging solutions. An integrated approach that strengthens surveillance, promotes sustainable control methods, and incorporates novel biotechnological tools supported by smart technologies will be essential to reduce the future burden of mosquito-borne diseases in the region. Full article

With global economic development and rising living standards, expectations regarding the quality of staple rice have become increasingly multifaceted. This shift has imposed more stringent demands on high-quality rice breeding and field management and has stimulated research into the mechanisms underlying changes in rice quality. This article explores how assessments of rice quality have evolved from a primary emphasis on appearance, eating and processing quality to include stronger requirements for nutritional value and safety. In rice production systems, quality outcomes are influenced by interactions among genetic traits, ecological factors and field management practices. Through genetic improvement, biological breeding techniques and precise field management, improvements in appearance, eating and nutritional qualities can be achieved. Although climate change is an uncontrollable external factor affecting rice quality, constructing multi-factor dynamic simulation models that target key genes has been proposed as a strategy to enhance stress resistance and guide rice breeding. Rice safety and quality depend on the rational use of pesticides in terms of timing and dosage, which can help mitigate disease and insect resistance while reducing the risks associated with pesticide residues and toxins. Furthermore, the application of artificial intelligence technologies in biological breeding and field management can shorten breeding cycles, improve disease and pest outbreak prediction and support the timely formulation of treatment prescriptions. Full article

Deployed armed forces and the public engaged in outdoor activities are at high risk for mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit. Current mosquito bite-resistant garments prevent blood-feeding with slow-release insecticide formulations. Many people today want to avoid contact with pesticides, especially in their clothing. Insecticide treated clothing also is costly and requires regulatory agency approvals. Using mosquito bite-resistant mathematical textile models and a WholeGarment^® knitting technique, a seamless garment was constructed with military-compliant, no-melt, no-drip flame retardant yarns using an AiryPique knit architecture. The garment was 99.5% bite proof in walk-in cage bioassays with 200 Aedes aegypti host-seeking mosquitoes where the human subjects did not move for 20 min. A standard flame test and a PyroMan^TM flammability study validated the garment’s fire protection, a requirement for military uniforms. The thermal physiological comfort tests (air permeability, wetting time/radius, thermal resistance, evaporative resistance, and sweating thermal manikin test) were similar to current army combat uniforms and appropriate for use in everyday clothing. Bite prevention occurred by physically blocking the insect mouth parts from obtaining a blood meal. The knitting technique is well-suited for mass production of bite-resistant clothing through automation, significantly reducing labor, time, and cost by optimizing “fit on demand” for different body types compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This innovation provides a non-insecticidal, safe, scalable, and efficient solution for protecting individuals against mosquito bites. Full article

Carvone-rich essential oils (EOs), and carvone specifically, exhibit a broad spectrum of protective effects against major agricultural threats. They display strong antifungal and moderate antibacterial effects, effectively inhibiting numerous phytopathogenic fungi. EOs exhibit significant insecticidal, acaricidal, and repellent activity against various insects and mites, and some EOs are highly effective against agricultural nematodes, suppressing mobility and egg hatching. Crucially, the EOs demonstrate a strong capacity to suppress the germination and initial growth of different weed species, highlighting their viability as natural herbicides. This review analyzes the chemical composition, biological effects, and potential agricultural applications of carvone and carvone-rich essential oils, primarily sourced from Mentha spicata (Lamiaceae), Carum carvi (Apiaceae), and Anethum graveolens (Apiaceae). The biological activity of these EOs is significantly influenced by their specific composition, which varies among plant species and chemotypes. While EOs’ inherent volatility limits direct field application, this challenge is being successfully addressed by innovative formulation technologies, such as nanoemulsification and encapsulation, which enhance stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. In conclusion, carvone-rich EOs offer effective, environmentally low-risk agents for the integrated management of pathogens, pests, and weeds in sustainable agriculture. They help reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals and minimize the potential for resistance development. Full article

The western corn rootworm (WCR) and northern corn rootworm (NCR) are the two major belowground insect pests of corn in the U.S. Corn Belt. These species coexist in the same habitat, where their larvae feed on corn roots, increasing the risk of lodging and yield loss. Understanding larval competition between WCR and NCR is crucial for effective insect resistance management and integrated pest management. To assess interspecific larval competition between WCR and NCR, two independent greenhouse trials were conducted. We infested non-Bt corn plants with varying egg ratios of diapause and non-diapause populations of both species and counted the number of adults of each species recovered from each plant. Results showed that WCR consistently exhibited higher emergence rates than NCR, regardless of the initial egg infestation ratio. The observed ratio of NCR to WCR in both diapause and non-diapause groups was significantly lower than expected, suggesting that WCR is more competitive than NCR. The competitive dominance of WCR, coupled with climate warming, may facilitate its northward expansion across the U.S. This could potentially affect local NCR populations and further spread Bt and rotation resistance. Such changes could exacerbate pest management challenges in corn production systems. Integrating knowledge of corn rootworm competition, biology, resistance development, and climate change will be critical for developing informed management strategies to mitigate corn rootworm damage in agroecosystems effectively. Full article

Myzus persicae is a worldwide insect pest with high resistance to many traditional insecticides. Cycloxaprid, a novel cis-configuration neonicotinoid insecticide, is effective in controlling neonicotinoid-resistant insect pests. Lethal and sublethal effects of cycloxaprid on M. persicae were conducted in this study. Results showed that cycloxaprid had higher toxicity to the laboratory and field resistant M. persicae than imidacloprid. Because of the resistance, imidacloprid showed lower control efficacy (<60%) against M. persicae, which falls short of the efficacy required for practical agricultural management. However, cycloxaprid exhibited higher control efficacies (>84.79%) against M. persicae in the field. In addition, in order to quantify the sublethal impacts of cycloxaprid, we conducted a life table analysis on M. persicae. When resistant M. persicae was treated with LC₂₅ of cycloxaprid or imidacloprid, the longevity and fecundity of F₁ adults were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the intrinsic rate of increase (r_m), finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproduction rate (R_i) of F1 generation M. persicae were reduced in cycloxaprid and imidacloprid treatments. Therefore, cycloxaprid shows high potential as a candidate insecticide for managing imidacloprid-resistant M. persicae. Importantly, our laboratory data indicate that exposure to its low sublethal concentration (LC₂₅) inhibits population growth parameters, suggesting a low risk of inducing pest resurgence under such conditions. Full article

Plastic pollution, particularly the widespread presence of microplastics, has emerged as a global environmental threat. Conventional plastics are highly resistant to degradation and can persist in ecosystems for decades, posing a serious long-term risk to wildlife, habitats, and human health. Increasing evidence suggests that insects and their gut microbiota may play a significant role in the degradation of these plastics. This review examines the mechanisms by which insects and their associated microorganisms contribute to microplastic biodegradation. Plastivorous insect larvae such as Spodoptera frugiperda, Galleria mellonella, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas atratus have demonstrated the ability to ingest and partially degrade diverse polymers. The initial mechanical breakdown caused by insect mandibles increases the surface area, which allows gut microbes to colonize the material. Once these microbes are established, they form biofilms that help with adhesion, create localized redox environments, and concentrate degradative enzymes at the polymer interface. The enzymatic machinery of insect-associated microbes plays a crucial role in breaking down polymers. Oxidative enzymes, including DyP-type peroxidases, multicopper oxidases, alkane monooxygenases, and laccases, initiate the oxidation of polymers, while hydrolases and esterases further break down the resulting fragments. Co-metabolic processes and microbial consortia improve degradation efficiency by primary degraders by producing oxidized intermediates, which are then consumed and mineralized by secondary fermenters. Despite significant progress, the complete biochemical pathways of microplastic mineralization remain unclear. Degradation rates are slow, and scalability challenges hinder practical applications, with incomplete mineralization in insect biodegradation potentially causing secondary microplastics. Understanding these mechanisms will lay the groundwork for developing insect-microbe systems as potential biotechnological solutions to mitigate plastic pollution in terrestrial environments. Full article

The widespread but often poorly regulated use of pesticides has triggered urgent debates on their hidden effects beyond resistance in target pests. This study investigates the morphological effects of pesticide exposure, specifically the organophosphate chlorpyrifos, using geometric morphometrics to assess fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in wing shapes of houseflies. Developmental stability (DS), the capacity of an organism to maintain an optimal phenotype under stress, serves as a key indicator of environmental and genetic stress. Flies collected from pesticide-exposed areas in rural areas in Chile (Arbolillo) exhibited significantly higher wing asymmetry than those from less exposed zones, reflecting developmental disturbances caused by chlorpyrifos. These findings emphasize the potential of FA as a biomarker for pesticide-related environmental stress. By linking pesticide exposure to measurable phenotypic disruption, this study calls for urgent integration of morphometric and genomic tools to better understand resistance mechanisms, while also promoting sustainable pest management practices. Our findings demonstrate that even a common insect like the housefly can serve as a biological sentinel, warning of broader ecological and public health risks in pesticide-dominated landscapes. Full article