Search Results (168)

Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a major insect pest that severely affects various crops. Our study provides new insights by combining field efficacy trials with enzymatic analysis to evaluate the effects of emamectin benzoate mixtures with other insecticides (lufenuron, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and spinosad) against S. littoralis. The aim of our work was to investigate the effectiveness of five insecticides, i.e., emamectin benzoate, lufenuron, cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and spinosad, for controlling this pest under field conditions during two consecutive seasons (2023–2024). Each insecticide was applied individually at the recommended rate, while some were mixed with emamectin benzoate at half its recommended rate. The results indicated that emamectin benzoate was the most effective insecticide, followed by lufenuron. The joint action of emamectin benzoate (LC₂₅) and its mixtures with other insecticides (chlorpyrifos, spinosad, cypermethrin, and lufenuron) at various concentrations (LC₅₀) against second- and fourth-instar S. littoralis larvae was evaluated. Results showed additive effects with chlorpyrifos, lufenuron, and cypermethrin, while potentiation occurred with cypermethrin (LC₅₀) and chlorpyrifos (LC₅₀). Antagonistic effects were observed in the combination of emamectin benzoate with spinosad (LC₂₅ and LC₅₀). This study concluded that applying insecticides individually is more cost-effective for managing cotton leafworm infestations in cotton crops. Additionally, enzyme activity analysis showed significant changes in alpha-esterase, beta-esterase, carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase, and glutathione S-transferase levels in larvae treated with different insecticide combinations. Full article

Thrips parvispinus (Karny) is an invasive pest of vegetable and ornamentals in the United States. To support ornamental growers to control T. parvispinus infestations, we tested seven conventional (spinosad, chlorfenapyr, sulfoxaflor–spinetoram, pyridalyl, tolfenpyrad, abamectin, and cyclaniliprole–flonicamid) and two biorational insecticides (mineral oil and sesame oil) under greenhouse conditions on mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens) and gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), primary T. parvispinus ornamental hosts. Two insecticide applications were performed: a curative, treating an existing infestation, and a prophylactic, treating a plant prior to the thrips release. In the curative application, ten larvae and ten adults were released two weeks prior to treatment. Three leaves from the upper, middle, and lower canopy were collected 24 h, 7-, and 14-days post-treatment to assess thrips mortality. In the prophylactic application, plants were first sprayed with insecticides, and thrips were introduced 24 h later, but followed the same sampling method. In mandevilla, chlorfenapyr, abamectin, and spinosad caused the highest thrips mortality in both application types. Among horticultural oils, mineral oil and sesame oil increased mortality in prophylactic applications only. In gardenia, neither curative nor prophylactic applications of these products led to significant thrips mortality, and the possible reasons and recommendations for best thrips management are presented. Full article

Botanical insecticides derived from neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seeds have gained significant interest due to their sustainable characteristics and low environmental impact. However, their use in sericulture remains contentious due to the heightened sensitivity of domesticated silkworms to environmental stressors. This study systematically investigates the toxicodynamic effects of aqueous neem seed extract (ANSE) on fifth instar larvae of Thai multivoltine Bombyx mori L., focusing on larval mortality and carboxylesterase (CarE) enzyme activity in essential detoxification organs. Larvae were exposed to ANSE concentrations ranging from 5 to 50 mg L⁻¹ for up to 72 h. Key findings highlight a pronounced dose- and time-dependent increase in mortality, with an accurately determined LC₅₀ value of 17 mg L⁻¹ at the longest time exposure, accompanied by mortality rates reaching approximately 83% at the highest concentration tested, indicating considerable susceptibility. Additionally, notable and distinct organ-specific responses were observed, with significant inhibition of CarE activity in the midgut contrasting with elevated activities in the fat body and Malpighian tubules. These differential enzymatic responses reveal previously undocumented adaptive detoxification mechanisms. Consequently, the study advocates cautious and regulated application of neem-based insecticides in sericulture, recommending precise management of concentrations and exposure durations according to silkworm strain sensitivities to ensure optimal silk production. Full article

The high costs of mycoinsecticides restrain their extensive application in green agriculture. Two six-week field trials were performed in spring to test synergistic effects of fungal–chemical interactions against faba bean aphid (Aphis fabae) populations in Zhejiang, China. The treatments (three 50-m² plots each) in each trial included Beauveria bassiana ZJU435 (Bb) and imidacloprid (ImD) applied biweekly at recommended rates (1.5 × 10¹³ conidia and 45 a.i. g ha⁻¹) and co-applied at reduced rates of 2/3Bb, 1/2Bb, and 1/3Bb plus 1/5ImD, which reduced the cost of the mycoinsecticide by 32–65%. During the first three weeks at 1.3–12.5 °C (daily means), the aphid population steadily increased to a peak in the blank control, and it was much more effectively suppressed by ImD than by Bb and Bb + ImD treatments. As the weather subsequently warmed to 8.7–21.0 °C, the aphid population was increasingly suppressed by the Bb and Bb + ImD treatments, which showed suppressive effects superior or close to those of ImD on days 35 and 42. Percent efficacy values (n = 36) of ImD, 2/3Bb + 1/5ImD, 1/2Bb + 1/5ImD, Bb, and 1/3Bb + 1/5ImD in two six-week trials averaged respectively 86%, 66%, 62.2%, 59.4%, and 58.4%, which significantly differed from one another (p < 0.01). Conclusively, low-rate co-applications of fungal/chemical insecticides offer a ‘low-cost–high-efficacy’ strategy to promote extensive mycoinsecticide application for sustainable aphid control. Full article

Pyrethroids are chemical insecticides used on a large scale in agriculture, horticulture, and forest protection. In order to reduce their use in IPM, alternative methods of controlling insect pests are introduced, such as the use of biopesticides based on entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). Species of the Beauveria genus are characterized by a very broad spectrum of action, which is why they are often used to produce preparations based on EPF. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different doses of tested pyrethroids on the colony growth and metabolic activity of EPF from the Beauveria genus. In vitro, the effect of three pyrethroids (deltamethrin, λ-cyhalothrin, and α-cypermethrin) added to SDA medium at a dose 10 times lower than the recommended field dose (A), the recommended field dose (B), and 10 times higher than the recommended field dose (C) on colony growth and metabolic activity of B. bassiana and B. brongniartii was tested. The research carried out showed that pyrethroid insecticides used in the experiment showed various toxic effects towards the tested EPF of the genus Beauveria. The studies conducted showed that on the 20th day of the observation, λ-cyhalothrin used in the recommended field dose limited the growth of B. bassiana to the least extent in relation to the other tested pyrethroids. However, with respect to the fungus B. brongniartii, no toxic effect of this pyrethroid was found. Based on the results obtained, it was found that λ-cyhalothrin used in the recommended field dose and 10 times lower than recommended significantly increased the metabolic activity of B. bassiana. In relation to the B. brongniartii strain, detlamethrin used in each of the tested concentrations significantly affected its viability. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungus-based biopesticides are an excellent alternative to synthetic pesticides and are widely used in insect pest control. With the transformations of the agri-food system, it is important to consider the One Health approach, which recognizes that health threats are shared at the interface between people, animals, plants, and the environment. The safety and environmental impact of fungi-based insecticides should be assessed comprehensively, taking into account not only their effects on non-target organisms and human health but also their environmental fate. This includes how these substances degrade, persist, or dissipate in soil, water, and air and their potential to bioaccumulate or leach into groundwater. Such assessments are essential to ensure that their long-term use does not pose unintended risks to ecosystems or public health. This systematic review aims to identify and analyze available studies on the potential One Health hazards associated with fungal biopesticides. A total of 134 articles were selected: 84 bioassay articles (63%), 36 case reports (27%), 10 field studies (7%), and 4 other types of studies (3%). Of these articles, 59 were studies on vertebrate animals and 65 studies on invertebrate animals, 6 studies on diverse organisms, 2 studies focused specifically on risk assessment for non-target organisms in the environment, while 2 other studies looked at the toxicological hazards associated with human exposure to the metabolites of the fungus present in air. The United States had the highest number of publications (33). Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae followed by the fungi Cordyceps fumosorosea (Paecilomyces fumosoroseus) and B. brongniartii were the most prevalent fungal species in the studies. This review highlights that case reports of infections in humans and other vertebrates by fungi are not related to the use of fungal biopesticides. A predominance of studies with bees was identified due to the importance of these insects as pollinators. The findings indicate that fungal biopesticides pose minimal risks when used appropriately. Nevertheless, the necessity for standardized safety assessments is emphasized. In order to ensure greater effectiveness, it is essential to develop unified protocols and bioassays with specific risk indicators aligned with the One Health approach. This includes evaluating potential effects on pollinators, vertebrate toxicity, and the environmental persistence of metabolites. In future research, the development of integrated guidelines that simultaneously consider human, animal, and environmental health is recommended. Full article

Ticks pose one of the key economic risks to the cattle industry globally, affecting productivity, health, and welfare. Over 80% of the cattle population around the globe is affected by tick infestation. Several tick control methods, including the use of chemical acaricides, herbal agents, and some complementary measures, like the use of old motor oil, disinfectant, pour-on, tick grease, pulling off, cutting, paraffin, and Jeyes fluid, have been used by farmers to alleviate the effects of hematophagous ticks. However, these strategies are often mistakenly employed and can harm animals. Likewise, these methods cannot be sustained because of their cost, environmental impact, flaws, and resistance. An abundantly available, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and naturally occurring substance like fossil shell flour with no known side effects could present a sustainable solution. This review abridged the research and information on hematophagous tick control in South African cattle production using fossil shell flour. This is a systematic review of the published literature and catalogues. All available documented evidence on this topic was collated and synthesized through standardized methods of systematic review protocol. Different scientific studies and a few references from farmers’ magazines published from 1941 to 2022 were reviewed. Out of 120 research papers downloaded, 98 were included and analyzed directly or indirectly regarding hematophagous tick control in cattle production and the use of fossil shell flour among livestock farmers. The advancement in ectoparasite control through fossil shell flour is a novel concept that needs to be explored for the benefit of all livestock farmers, hence this review. Fossil shell flour has been shown to have good insecticidal effectiveness against insects of animal and agricultural importance. We hereby recommend the exploration of FSF as an alternative tick control measure to the currently used acaricides to which ticks have developed resistance. Full article

It is well known that modern agriculture would not be able to meet the current demand for food without the help of pesticides. However, conventional pesticides have been proven to be extremely harmful to the environment, to the species they are applied to, and, ultimately, to humans. As a result, bio-pesticides have been introduced in recent years and include natural substances that control pests, such as biochemical pesticides, microorganisms used as pest control agents (microbial pesticides), and pesticide substances produced by plants containing added genetic material, known as plant-incorporated protectants (PIPs). Although these are natural products, their widespread use has led to an increased presence in the environment, raising concerns regarding their potential impact on both the environment and human health. The aim of our study was to determine the phyto- and cytogenotoxicity caused by two insecticides, both certified for use in ecological agriculture: one biochemical (BCP) and the other microbial (MP), which were applied in three concentrations (the maximum recommended concentration by the manufacturers (MRFC), 1.5X MRFC, and 2X MRFC) to the meristematic root tissues of Allium cepa. The results were compared to a negative control (tap water) and a positive control (a chemical pesticide (CP) containing mainly Deltamethrin). Phytotoxic and cytogenotoxic effects were analyzed at two time intervals (24 and 48 h) by measuring root length, growth percentage, root growth inhibition percentage (phytotoxicity tests), and micronuclei frequency and chromosome aberrations (anaphase bridges, chromosomal fragments, anaphase delays, sticky chromosomes, laggard/vagrant chromosomes) (cytogenotoxicity analyses), respectively. The tests conducted in this study showed that the microbial insecticide provides greater safety when applied, even at higher doses than those recommended by the manufacturers, compared with the biochemical insecticide, whose effects are similar to those induced by the chemical pesticide containing Deltamethrin. However, the results suggest that both insecticides have clastogenic and aneugenic effects, highlighting the need for prior testing of any type of pesticide before large-scale use, especially since the results of the A. cepa tests showed high sensitivity and good correlation when compared to other test systems, e.g., mammals. Full article

Strawberry is an important specialty crop grown in Florida. Recently, chilli thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), have become a significant threat to Florida strawberry production. Pesticide applications are not always recommended because of the development of insecticidal resistance. Biological control can be a viable control option for this pest. However, the management of S. dorsalis using predatory bug Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) has never been explored in strawberries. Therefore, this study’s aim was to evaluate the predation efficacy of O. insidiosus through daily consumption rate and the functional response while preying on S. dorsalis. The results suggest that adult O. insidiosus has a significantly higher daily consumption rate than fifth-instar nymphs when feeding on both life stages of S. dorsalis. A Type II functional response was expressed by O. insidiosus when feeding on larval and adult S. dorsalis, indicating that the predation rate can increase with the prey density before it reaches a saturation point. The attack rates (a) and prey handling time (T_h) were also computed on second-instar larvae and adult S. dorsalis, respectively. The results indicate that O. insidiosus can be used as an augmentation biocontrol agent for S. dorsalis management in strawberries. Full article

Subsurface drip irrigation is an advanced technique that significantly enhances agricultural water efficiency and conserves irrigation resources. The Heilonggang region is highly representative of the maize–wheat rotation system in China. This region was selected for conducting operations and maintenance experiments on subsurface drip irrigation systems. The primary objective of this study was to determine the most suitable type of drip tape for application in the North China Plain and to identify specific maintenance measures necessary to ensure the long-term functionality of subsurface drip irrigation systems. The experiment was conducted in Jing County, Hengshui City. Anti-blocking drip tape (Netafim Co., Ltd. Beijing, China) with automatic functionality was evenly laid in the test area. The experimental area was divided into six rotational irrigation groups. The key parameter examined in this single-factor experiment was the drip tape wall thickness, with values of 0.2, 0.225, 0.25, 0.28, 0.31, and 0.38 mm. Drip tape treatments were randomly sampled in rotational irrigation groups, and there were three repeat plots in each treatment. Each replicate plot contained ten drip irrigation belts spaced 60 cm apart, with an interval of more than 2 m between adjacent plots. The subsurface drip irrigation system was installed in October 2023. Prior to irrigation, drip tape troubleshooting was conducted and recorded manually on 12 March 2024 (wheat regreening stage) and 29 June 2024 (maize-sowing stage). The experimental findings indicated that the primary factor influencing the stability of the irrigation system was the wall thickness of the drip tapes, while other system components operated efficiently. A significant correlation was observed between the wall thickness of the drip tape and the number of water leakage points (p < 0.05), with an absolute correlation coefficient exceeding 0.9. The number of leakage points in drip tapes with wall thicknesses of 0.2–0.28 mm (267 instances) was significantly higher than those with wall thicknesses of 0.31–0.38 mm (29 instances), primarily due to damage caused by mole crickets and wireworms. Following the injection of 40% phoxim, 2.5% lambda-cyhalothrin, and 70% imidacloprid insecticides (at a cost of 16.7 USD·ha⁻¹) into the subsurface drip irrigation system, the insect pests were nearly eradicated within one month. A cumulative cost evaluation over a 6–10-year period recommended the use of drip tapes with a wall thickness of 0.31 mm and the application of insecticides every 1–2 months to maintain optimal system performance in this region. These measures can effectively support the stable operation of this irrigation technique at a relatively low cost. Full article

Prior to 2010, Lygus lineolaris Palisot de Beauvois was a minor pest in North Carolina cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., but became one of the top pests by 2017. This insect was already a persistent pest in other US cotton-producing regions. Initial work focused on addressing near-term management needs and documenting locally relevant ecology and population dynamics of the pest in North Carolina. Landscape factors were found that correlated with tarnished plant bug incidence. Adult numbers tended to be higher in fragmented fields (more field edges) and nymph numbers were higher near field edges. The minimum required sample for estimating tarnished plant bug populations was studied. Thresholds developed in the Midsouth were proven to be useful in a study between both southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Furthermore, an insecticide application sequence was recommended based on efficacy trials, number of expected insecticides, and preserving beneficial insects early in the season. These were evaluated in a study investigating IPM systems approaches. Finally, new management tactics for tarnished plant bug, such as ThryvOn cotton, are being evaluated. As new management strategies and tactics are developed, they will need to be evaluated for their fit in this IPM system. Full article

Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is one of the most devastating pests in citrus orchards due to its role in transmitting Huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, chemical control remains the most effective strategy for ACP management. Mineral oils are commonly used as insecticides or adjuvants in integrated pest management (IPM) practices. To extend the product life of synthetic pesticides, we evaluated the toxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF), thiamethoxam (THX), or pyriproxyfen (PPF) mixed with mineral oil Lvying (LY) against ACP nymphs under different weather conditions. Individual application of CPF, THX, and PPF effectively controlled against ACP nymphs under no rain conditions, with mortality rates varying from 20 to 100% during 1–5 d after treatment. The addition of LY at 1.0% or 0.5% rates to CPF, THX, and PPF significantly enhanced their control efficacy, achieving sustained mortality rates from 60 to 100% during the same period. Light rain had less impact on the control efficacy of these insecticide mixtures compared to individual insecticides. However, cumulative rainfall above 20 mm significantly reduced the control efficacy of individual insecticides and their mixtures. The addition of LY decreased both surface tension and contact angle of THX solution on citrus leaves, thereby enhancing the solution’s wetting and increasing THX deposition. Moreover, the rainfastness of THX was improved after adding LY, leading to a greater retention on the leaves. LY at a rate of 1.0% exhibited excellent efficacy against ACP nymphs, and observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that LY altered ACP mouthpart morphology and blocked spiracles, likely contributing to its insecticidal effects. This study revealed that mineral oils can serve as both insecticides to combine with synthetic pesticides for enhancing toxicity against ACP and as adjuvants to facilitate the deposition and rainfastness of synthetic pesticides on leaves, which could be recommended for sustainable ACP management in citrus orchards. Full article

Spring wheat was grown on a loess-derived Luvisol under the conditions of two farming systems (conventional and organic) and five forecrops (sugar beet, spring barley, red clover, winter wheat, and oat) over the period 2021–2023. In the conventional system, mineral NPK fertilization and pesticides (herbicides, fungicide, insecticide, and retardant) were applied at the recommended rates for wheat. Mechanical weed control was also used (double harrowing). In the organic system, the organic fertilizer Humac Agro was applied and the fields under the wheat were harrowed twice. No plant protection products were used under organic farming conditions. The organic system was proven to have an effect on reducing spring wheat yield, on average by 23%, compared to the conventional system (the grain yield was, respectively, 4.59 t ha⁻¹ compared to 5.96 t ha⁻¹). In spite of the lower yield potential, the organic cultivation of spring wheat significantly improved the quality and health-promoting parameters of this cereal grain. Except for the total nitrogen and potassium content, the organic system contributed to a significant increase in the grain content of total dietary fiber (by 0.89 p.p.), o-dihydroxyphenols (by about 19%), and polyphenols (by about 12%), and increased the content of the following elements: Se, Mg, Ca, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn. Among the forecrops, red clover and sugar beet had the most beneficial effect on grain quality (including the amino acid composition and EAAI index), followed by oat (especially under organic farming conditions). The other wheat forecrops (spring barley and winter wheat) clearly deteriorated the yield and quality of spring wheat grain. To sum up the obtained research results, appropriate management of organic spring wheat cultivation (forecrop sugar beet or red clover, Humac Agro fertilizer) contributes to high grain nutritional quality relative to the conventional system and also reduces the yield gap relative to conventional farming. Full article

Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) are vector-borne orbiviruses that pose an emerging threat to livestock, including cattle and sheep. This review summarizes the global distribution, genetic diversity, and key factors driving their spread along with the existing knowledge gaps and recommendations to mitigate their impact. Both viruses cause hemorrhagic disease in susceptible ruminants and are commonly reported in tropical and subtropical regions including North America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and some parts of Europe. The geographical distribution of these viruses, encompassing 27 BTV and 7 EHDV serotypes, has shifted, particularly with the recent invasion of BTV-3, 4, and 8 and EHDV-8 serotypes in Europe. Several factors contribute to the recent spread of these viruses such as the distribution of virulent strains by the movement of temperature-dependent Culicoides vectors into new areas due to rapid climate change, the reassortment of viral strains during mixed infections, and unrestricted global trade. These diseases cause significant economic impacts including morbidity, mortality, reduced production, high management costs, and the disruption of international trade. Effective prevention and control strategies are paramount and rely on vaccination, vector control using insecticides, and the destruction of breeding sites, husbandry practices including the isolation and quarantine of infected hosts, restriction of animal movement, prompt diagnosis and identification of circulating strains, and effective surveillance and monitoring plans such as the pre-export and post-import screening of semen used for artificial insemination. However, challenges remain with intercontinental virus spread, live vaccines, and the failure of inactivated vaccines to produce protective immunity against dissimilar strains. Significant knowledge gaps highlight the need for a better scientific understanding and a strategic plan to ensure healthy livestock and global food security. Full article

The white-backed planthopper (WBPH) poses a significant threat to rice crops globally. A bioassay was conducted on three WBPH populations collected from Korean rice fields to assess the effectiveness of five insecticides, including etofenprox and fenobucarb. The results showed a mortality rate of over 97% at the recommended concentration for carbamate and organophosphate insecticides. However, etofenprox exhibited a mortality rate of less than 40% in all tested populations with the Jindo population showing the highest resistance. No mutations were identified in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel, the target site of etofenprox, suggesting an alternative resistance mechanism. To explore this, RNA-seq analysis was performed on the Jindo population to identify genes potentially associated with etofenprox resistance. Gene expression was assessed after treatment with two sublethal doses of etofenprox using the Jindo population. The analysis revealed that the CYPSF gene, part of the CYP6 family, was consistently overexpressed in both treated and untreated samples. This observation aligns with the bioassay results, where mortality increased significantly after treatment with the cytochrome P450 inhibitor PBO, indicating that CYPSF may play a key role in etofenprox resistance. Additionally, distinct gene expression patterns at different etofenprox concentrations suggest that metabolic resistance mechanisms may be involved. Full article