Search Results (617)

Garlic root maggots are the main pest of garlic in Qi County, Henan Province, China, which has become an important factor restricting the development of the garlic industry. Earwigs play an important role in controlling root maggots because of their similar ecological niches. In this study, through DNA barcoding and morphological identification, the following root maggots and main earwigs species from Qi County were quickly identified: Delia platura (Meigen), Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang, Delia antiqua (Meigen), Muscina angustifrons (Loew), Lucilia sericata (Meigan), and the main species of earwigs was Gonolabis marginalis (Dohrn). D. platura was the dominant species and accounted for 98% among all garlic root maggots. The predation ability for each stage of G. distincta on the larvae and pupae of D. platura showed that G. distincta at different developmental stages preyed on both the the larvae and the entire pupae of D. platura. Among them, female adults had the strongest predation ability and the largest daily predation on first instar larvae of gray D. platura (71.25 ± 0.66). First instar nymphs of G. distincta also had a certain predation ability with the daily predation of first instar larvae being (1.85 ± 0.13). The predation ability of G. distincta at different instars on the larvae of the same instar of D. platura increased with the increasing of the instar. For the first to second instar larvae of D. platura, the female adult of G. distincta had the strongest predation ability, followed by the male adult of G. distincta, and then the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta. There was no significant difference in the predation ability between the male and female adults of G. distincta, but the adults’ predation capacities were significantly higher than that of the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta. The capacity of the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta was significantly higher than the fourth instar nymph of G. distincta, the fourth instar nymph of G. distincta was significantly higher than the first to third instar nymphs, and there was no significant difference in the predation amount among the first to third instar nymphs. The predation selection experiment indicated that the fifth instar nymphs and the male and female adults of G. distincta showed a positive preference for the first to third instar larvae of D. platura and a negative preference for the pupae of D. platura. Our study provided a preliminary scientific basis for green prevention and control of garlic root maggot. Full article

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (TPB), (Palisot de Beauvois), and the western tarnished plant bug (WTPB), Lygus hesperus, Knight, are major agricultural pests that cause significant damage to a wide range of crops in the southeastern and southwestern United States. Flonicamid (commercial name: Carbine 50WG) is generally effective against various sap-feeding pests, including both L. hesperus and L. lineolaris. This study evaluated the toxicity of flonicamid on third-instar nymphs and adults of both Lygus species under laboratory conditions. Two bioassay methods were used: spray application to assess both contact and oral toxicity, and dipping to evaluate oral toxicity. Results showed that L. hesperus was significantly more susceptible to flonicamid than L. lineolaris across both bioassay methods. While no significant differences in toxicity were observed between spray and dipping assays, third-instar nymphs exhibited significantly higher sensitivity than adults in both species. The addition of piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a known inhibitor of cytochrome P450-monooxygenases (P450s), significantly enhanced the toxicity of flonicamid, suggesting that P450 enzyme plays a critical role in its detoxification. Sublethal exposure to flonicamid also induced increased P450 activity in both species. These findings provide valuable insights into the differences in susceptibility between L. lineolaris and L. hesperus to flonicamid and indicate that P450-mediated detoxification is critical for flonicamid metabolism. Such insights are valuable for early resistance monitoring and optimizing flonicamid application in integrated pest management programs. Full article

Nymphs of the ambar mutant of Orius laevigatus (Fieber) are orange-colored instead of the yellowish color of the wild-type individuals. Since there were no previous studies of the pigments of this species, we searched for differences in pigments of the pteridine family between both strains. Fluorescent compounds from nymph extracts were separated by cellulose thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and by size exclusion chromatography, followed by LC/MS/MS. The present study has allowed the identification for the first time in O. laevigatus of erythropterin, leucopterin, 7-methylxanthopterin, xanthopterin, isoxanthopterin, pterin, and biopterin. The quantification was performed by fluorometry after elution of the pteridines previously separated by TLC. The results showed that the orange color in the ambar nymphs was due to the accumulation of the orange pigment erythropterin. Additionally, mutant nymphs exhibited significantly elevated levels of pterin and reduced levels of leucopterin. The possibility that these differences were due to differences in xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity was tested; the results indicated that XDH deficiency is unlikely to be responsible for the mutant phenotype. Considering that the ambar mutation is recessive, the mutant phenotype should, most likely, be due to a disruption in downstream metabolic steps involved in erythropterin processing. Full article

Due to the potential role of Auchenorrhyncha in the transmission of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in a wide variety of cultivations, during recent years in Europe, many studies have focused on species composition, abundance and seasonal appearance of Auchenorrhyncha. However, females and nymphs are difficult to identify, as species-level identification relies primarily on male genitalia morphology. Sampling was conducted over four years in olive fields in Lesvos Island, in the Northeast Aegean, Greece, using sweep nets and Malaise traps. Both adults and nymphs were collected, with males identified to species level, while females and nymphs were separated on different morphotypes. Representatives from each morphotype and identified adults were sequenced using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Using a classical morphological approach, 58 species were identified to species level, and using DNA barcoding, nymph morphotypes and females were successfully identified within the families Cicadellidae, Aphrophoridae, Delphacidae and Issidae. A phylogenetic tree was generated, clustering nymphs together with the corresponding adults. Our results demonstrate the utility of combining morphological and molecular methods for accurate species identification and highlight the importance of enriching online databases with additional species records. Full article

Aphis gossypii is a significant global pest that impacts numerous agricultural crops and vegetables, causing direct damage to food plants and indirect damage through the transmission of phytopathogenic viruses, primarily begomoviruses. In Panama, particularly in the Azuero region, viral infections transmitted by this aphid can affect a substantial share of tomato crops cultivated for industrial use. A traditional alternative to synthetic pesticides involves exploring plant extracts with insecticidal properties derived from wild plants found in our tropical forests, which can be easily prepared and applied by farmers. In this context, the present research aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata on both nymphs and adults of A. gossypii. Mortality was assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h after applying three doses of each extract (25, 50, and 100 µg/L). A standard phytochemical analysis to determine insecticidal activity revealed that both extracts exhibited significant efficacy at the highest concentration tested; however, the leaf extract demonstrated greater effectiveness at lower concentrations. A comprehensive metabolomic study indicated that the active compounds are diterpenes derived from the pimarenyl cation. These compounds have been extensively documented for their insecticidal potential against various insect species, suggesting that ethanolic extracts from this plant could serve as viable candidates for agricultural insecticides to combat aphid infestations. Full article

Mayfly nymphs are reliable indicators of aquatic habitat quality, and whilst their presence and relative abundance are often used in bioassessment schemes, it is important to recognise that these attributes are affected by the sampling method employed. To test these effects, we sampled stream habitats for mayflies using two commonly used techniques in a standardised setup: aquatic sweep nets and manual collection from stones. These methods resulted in different success rates in detecting certain taxa depending on their biological traits (preferred microhabitat and locomotion type). Whilst species lists generally overlapped between the two methods, they yielded different values of total abundance, taxon richness, Shannon–Wiener’s diversity index, assemblage saprobic index, and general community structure. These results suggest that reliance on a single collection method is prone to yield only partial information for ecological assessments and emphasises the importance of employing a sampling technique that is appropriate for the study question and goals or combining more than one method. Based on these findings, we outline the scientific justifications for using each sampling method. Full article

Watermeal (Wolffia globosa) is an emerging sustainable feed ingredient, valued for its rapid growth, high protein content, and rich nutrient profile, offering great potential to improve the efficiency and sustainability of edible cricket production systems through efficient resource use and reduced environmental impact. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of replacing commercial cricket feed with dried watermeal and to determine the optimal substitution level for the production performance of two-spotted crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus). Seven dietary treatments were tested, namely 0% (control; T1), 10% (T2), 25% (T3), 50% (T4), 75% (T5), 90% (T6), and 100% (T7). Crickets were reared for four weeks in an open system with 6 replicates per treatment, with each containing 120 nymphs. Body weight, feed intake, and survival rate were recorded weekly, and a production index was calculated at the end of the trial. Results showed average growth rates ranging from 7.40 to 28.20 mg/day, feed conversion ratios (FCR) between 1.03 and 1.68, survival rates of 29.28% to 69.73%, and production index values from 24.00 to 128.30. A significant decline in production efficiency (p < 0.05) was observed at substitution levels of 75% and above, with the 100% watermeal group showing the lowest production efficiency (p < 0.05), likely due to nutrient imbalances and indigestible compounds. Segmented regression analysis identified 36.7% as the optimal level of watermeal supplementation. In terms of body composition, crickets fed diets containing up to 50% watermeal (10%, 25%, and 50%) showed crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and ash contents comparable to those fed the commercial diet. This finding suggests that dried watermeal can replace up to 50% of the commercial cricket feed without negatively affecting growth performance, survival, or nutritional quality, with 36.7% identified as the optimal replacement level for maximizing production efficiency. Full article

Laminosioptes cysticola (Vizioli, 1870), a tissue-dwelling mite responsible for nodular acariasis in birds, was identified from two hens reared in a rural backyard flock in Umbria, Italy. Adult mites were found in the subcutaneous tissue and on the serosal surface of various internal organs. Larval and first- and second-stage nymphal forms were observed beneath the skin and near the trachea and esophageal serosa. By comparing the existing literature with that reported in the present study, we propose a hypothetical reconstruction of the parasite’s life cycle. It is postulated that the entry of L. cysticola occurs through the cervical skin, where adults mate and larviparous females give birth to larvae. These larvae migrate into the loose connective tissues surrounding the trachea and esophagus, where they develop into nymphs. The immature forms then progress along the esophagus and trachea to reach the thoracic and abdominal cavities, colonizing the serosal surfaces of visceral organs. It remains unclear whether, or how, the mites return to the subcutaneous tissues to complete their maturation. Senescent specimens degenerate within the subcutis, where they are encased by a granulomatous inflammatory reaction that leads to the formation of characteristic calcified nodules. Full article

Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), first reported in 1957 in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, India, has spread significantly over the past two decades, reaching both northern and southern states, with reports of monkey deaths. Haemaphysalis spp. ticks are the primary vectors, transmitting the disease to monkeys, humans, and other mammals. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of Ixodidae ticks, including the KFD vector, in domestic animals across selected localities of the Western Ghats. A total of 2877 domestic animals were surveyed, revealing an overall tick prevalence of 44.91% (CI: 43.10–46.73), with sheep showing the highest prevalence at 47.92% (CI: 40.96–54.95). The most abundant tick species was Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, with a mean of 2.53 ± 0.66 ticks per host, which also represented the most proportionally dominant species, accounting for 39.63% of the total ticks collected. The highest mean intensity was recorded for Haemaphysalis intermedia (7.35 ± 2.03 ticks per infested animal). Regionally, Rh. (Bo.) microplus was found in 96.15% of buffaloes examined in Tamil Nadu, Haemaphysalis bispinosa in 85.19% of cattle in Maharashtra, and in 98.46% of goats in Goa. Ha. intermedia was common in 99.11% of sheep examined in Karnataka, while Ha. bispinosa was observed in 90.82% of goats in Kerala. The proportional representation of the KFD vector Haemaphysalis spinigera was 0.97%, with a mean intensity of 2.34 ± 0.04 ticks per infested animal and an overall mean abundance of 0.06 ± 0.01 ticks per host. Adult Ha. spinigera were recorded from cattle, buffaloes, sheep, goats, and dogs; however, no nymphs were detected. This study also reports the first documented occurrence of Ixodes ceylonensis in domestic animals. These findings suggest a notable presence of tick infestations in the region and emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and targeted control measures to better understand and manage potential KFD transmission risks in the Western Ghats. Full article

In the scenario that requires the biological control of pests using predatory enemies, predators not only prey on pests directly but also can affect the population fitness of pests through indirect non-consumptive effects (predation risk effects). However, the impact of predation risk effects varies depending on the mode of stress imposed by natural enemies and the state of the stressed pests. Herein, we exposed aphids (Periphyllus koelreuteriae) at different stages to various cues from the multicolored Asian lady beetle (Harmonia axyridis) to assess the effects of different predation risks on P. koelreuteriae development and reproduction. We found that the effect of predation risk on aphid developmental time was clearly stage-dependent. When 1st-instar nymphs were exposed to predator cues, their developmental time was prolonged only in the early stages (1st–3rd instar nymphs). Similarly, when third-instar nymphs were stressed, only the current stage (third instar) showed a developmental delay, while fourth-instar nymphs and adult aphids were not significantly affected. Additionally, aphids at different stages perceive predation risk differently. Nymphs cannot recognize visual cues from predators, but can perceive odor cues. In contrast, adult aphids are sensitive to a variety of predator cues, including visual ones. Predation risk caused aphids to shorten their adult lifespan and reduce reproductive output, but it increased the proportion of diapause offspring. This study highlights the importance of considering how predation risk affects multiple life stages and physiological changes, which are important for gaining insights into the mechanisms of predator–prey interactions and for comprehensively assessing the ability of lady beetles to regulate aphid populations. Full article

Acarus siro L. and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) are cosmopolitan mite species in food storage and processing environments, infesting a wide variety of commodities. In the current study, the diatomaceous earths (DEs) InsectoSec and Fossil Shield were evaluated for wheat protection against adults, larvae, and nymphs of A. siro and T. putrescentiae. Both DEs were examined at 200 and 500 ppm at 1, 2, and 5 days post-exposure. The efficacy of both formulations against A. siro and T. putrescentiae life stages depended on dose and exposure. Mortality of A. siro reached 100% in larvae, 99.3% in nymphs, and 95.6% in adults by day 5 at 500 ppm of InsectoSec. Similarly, Fossil Shield achieved almost complete larval mortality (99.3%) of A. siro at 500 ppm. For T. putrescentiae, 100% mortality was observed for larvae at both doses of InsectoSec and for adults or nymphs at 500 ppm by the fifth day. Fossil Shield caused a similar mortality to larvae, reaching 97.0% and 100%, at 200 and 500 ppm, respectively, after 5 days. Our findings indicate that InsectoSec and Fossil Shield can be used as sustainable management tools against A. siro and T. putrescentiae. Full article

Cockroaches, particularly the German cockroach (Blattella germanica Linnaeus, Blattodea: Ectobiidae) and the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus), Blattodea: Blattidae), are major public health pests due to their ability to transmit pathogens and develop resistance to chemical insecticides, including synthetic pyrethroids, which are widely used worldwide. Given the increasing resistance, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have emerged as a potential biological control alternative. This study evaluates the efficacy of three EPN species, Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser), S. feltiae (Filipjev), and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, against B. germanica and P. americana collected from different regions of Antalya, Türkiye. Laboratory bioassays were conducted under controlled conditions, testing five EPN concentrations (100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 IJs/mL). The results showed that S. carpocapsae was the most effective, causing mortality rates of 46.7% to 100% in adult German cockroaches and 20% to 66.7% in nymphs, while S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora exhibited lower efficacy. American cockroaches showed higher resistance, with S. carpocapsae achieving a maximum mortality of 33.3% at the highest concentration, whereas S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora had no significant lethal effect. These findings suggest that S. carpocapsae could be a promising biological control agent for B. germanica, particularly in pyrethroid-resistant populations. Full article

Ixodiphagus hookeri (Howard, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a hyperparasitic wasp that parasitizes hard ticks, has been documented in various parts of Europe; however, data on its presence in southeastern regions has been lacking. This study provides the first molecular evidence of I. hookeri in ticks from the coastal areas of the Balkan Peninsula, specifically Croatia and Bulgaria. A total of 1043 questing ticks were collected between 2011 and 2013 across 15 locations. Molecular screening revealed I. hookeri DNA in Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs from inland Croatia (overall prevalence: 18.72%) and in Haemaphysalis concinna (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs and larvae from coastal Bulgaria (prevalence: 17.2%). All I. hookeri-positive samples were co-infected with Wolbachia spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae). This detection marks the southernmost record of I. hookeri in Central Europe, expanding its known range to the Balkan Peninsula and supporting its relevance as a potential natural enemy in integrated tick management strategies. Full article

Harmless crop-associated insect communities are a fundamental part of the agroecosystem. Their potential as a reservoir of natural enemies of pests has encouraged their conservation through the development of low-impact pest management programs. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, represents a serious threat to Italian hazelnut production. Laboratory and field experiments confirmed the susceptibility of this pest to the disruption of the obligated symbiotic interaction with gut bacteria, paving the way for the development of the symbiont-targeted control strategy. Here we present the results of a three-year field assessment of symbiont-targeted control in a hazelnut orchard in northwestern Italy. The use of a biocomplex to disrupt symbiont acquisition by H. halys nymphs was compared to the use of lambda-cyhalothrin insecticide. The effects on the local entomofauna were assessed, as were the trend of H. halys population and the damage caused by stink bugs to harvested hazelnuts. The insecticide consistently reduced the insect diversity in the field, while the anti-symbiont biocomplex had no effect. However, the control of the H. halys population and the stink bug-induced damage to hazelnuts varied over the years in the field plot submitted to the symbiont-targeted approach. Our results indicate that the symbiont-targeted control does not interfere with local insect communities. Key aspects for improving the effectiveness of this tactic are discussed. Full article

Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C.M. Evrard) Crins (synonym Brachiaria ruziziensis) Poales: Poaceae) pastures are often attacked by spittlebugs, compromising their biomass for livestock usage. A sustainable control method involves the use of entomopathogenic fungi. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of controlling Mahanarva spectabilis Distant, 1909 (Hemiptera: Cercopidae), in greenhouse and field conditions via endophytic entomopathogenic fungi. In the greenhouse, the mortality of nymphs and adults was 100%, and more than 53% of the nymphs and 59% of the adults that fed on plants inoculated with Fusarium multiceps and Metarhizium anisopliae presented with these fungi in their cadavers. In the field, more than 45% of the insect cadavers that had fed on plants grown from fungus-treated seeds were found to contain the fungi. F. multiceps was found to be endophytic in more than 60% of the plants up to 90 days after seed treatment, and M. anisopliae was found in more than 70% of the plants up to 120 days after treatment. The damage scores of the control plants, both in the greenhouse and in the field, were greater than those of the plants inoculated with the fungi. F. multiceps and M. anisopliae in the endophytic pathway of U. ruziziensis are therefore efficient at controlling spittlebugs. Full article