Search Results (1,107)

Climate change is increasingly altering the ecological dynamics of apple orchard ecosystems, creating new challenges for sustainable management of phytophagous mites. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought periods, and increasing climatic variability influence mite population dynamics, destabilize predator–prey interactions, and reduce the effectiveness of traditional pest management approaches. This review examines sustainable mite management in apple orchards through the interconnected perspectives of ecological stability, climatic stress, and resilience-oriented agroecosystem management. Particular attention is given to the ecological mechanisms underlying mite outbreaks, including climate-driven acceleration of reproduction, trophic destabilization, biodiversity loss, and disruption of biological regulation processes. The ecological limitations of both conventional chemical control and biological control strategies are critically analyzed, highlighting issues related to pesticide-induced ecological disturbance, resistance development, climatic sensitivity of natural enemies, and operational constraints. The review further explores resilience-oriented management frameworks based on ecological intensification, habitat diversification, conservation biological control, adaptive management, and system-oriented regulation. Current research gaps are identified, including the lack of long-term ecological studies, insufficient integration of climatic and ecological datasets, limited development of resilience indicators, and underrepresentation of continental and semi-arid orchard systems. The findings suggest that future sustainable mite management should move beyond reactive pest suppression toward ecosystem-based approaches that strengthen ecological resilience and adaptive capacity under increasing climatic uncertainty. Full article

Neltuma pallida is a multi-purpose tree species of the seasonally dry tropical forests of northern Peru, where it provides essential ecological and socioeconomic functions. However, recurrent defoliation associated with the cecidomyiid gall midge Enallodiplosis discordis may compromise early seedling establishment and the success of forest restoration programs. This study evaluated the effects of larval infestation on foliar integrity and established quantitative damage thresholds in N. pallida seedlings under dry forest conditions. Insects collected from naturally infested plants were identified using an integrative taxonomic approach that combined classical morphological diagnosis with COI-based DNA barcoding obtained by Sanger sequencing. Morphological assessment assigned the defoliating dipteran to E. discordis, while BLASTn v2.17.0. analysis of the 576-bp partial COI sequence showed 92.6% identity and 100% query coverage with Cecidomyiidae records, supporting its taxonomic placement within this family. Field bioassays conducted over a 17-week period, in which 25 individual seedlings were evaluated (N = 25), revealed a strong and significant positive correlation between larval density and foliar damage percentage (r = 0.872; p < 0.001), with moderate damage levels predominating throughout the evaluation period. Despite sustained larval presence, seedlings did not reach severe damage categories, suggesting potential relative tolerance to partial defoliation under the evaluated field conditions. Temperature and relative humidity were not significantly associated with infestation intensity or foliar damage during the study period. Overall, these findings indicate that E. discordis-associated foliar damage represents a relevant, although not necessarily lethal, biotic constraint for the early regeneration of N. pallida under the field conditions assessed. The quantitative thresholds reported here provide useful criteria for dry forest restoration programs, phytosanitary monitoring, and integrated pest management strategies in the Peruvian dry forest. Full article

Global climate warming has intensified in recent years, with extreme weather events occurring more frequently and severely impacting ecosystems and social production. According to the “China Climate Change Blue Book (2023),” China’s temperature rise rate exceeds the global average, with increasingly significant impacts on ecosystems. Hyphantria cunea, an invasive forest pest first discovered in China in 1979, has spread widely, causing serious damage to forestry and agriculture and posing a significant threat to China’s ecological security. To address this threat, this study employed seven modeling algorithms (GLM, GBM, CTA, ANN, SRE, FDA, MARS, RF, and MaxEnt) from the R Biomod2 package to develop an ensemble model. The core research objective of this work is to quantify climate-driven range shifts of H. cunea under ongoing global climate change. Previous nationwide SDM studies on invasive forest pests have consistently demonstrated that climatic variables dominate broad-scale nationwide suitable habitat patterns at the macro-regional level. Supplementary topographic, vegetation cover, and human land-use disturbance layers were incorporated to capture fine-scale habitat filtering effects and long-distance pest dispersal facilitated by human activities, which together fully characterize the suitable regional environments of this pest. By integrating climate, topography, vegetation, and human disturbance data, we predicted the potential geographical distribution of H. cunea in China under four future climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). The ensemble model achieved excellent performance with TSS and ROC values of 0.901 and 0.984, respectively. Currently, highly suitable areas for H. cunea are concentrated in 12 provinces, including Shandong, Jiangsu, Hebei, Henan, and Anhui, covering 56.33 × 104 km², with Shandong showing the highest proportion (25.48%). The suitable habitat range is projected to expand northeastward, with significant increases under high emission scenarios (SSP5-8.5). Analysis of environmental variables reveals that nighttime light brightness, precipitation in the warmest season, the seasonal temperature variation coefficient, and average temperature in the driest season are key factors influencing H. cunea distribution. Nighttime light brightness shows the highest contribution (27.7%), indicating significant human impact on species spread. Response curves suggest that H. cunea favors warm, humid areas with pronounced seasonal changes. This study demonstrates that climate change will increase H. cunea expansion risk, necessitating strengthened cross-regional monitoring and biological control techniques. These findings provide a scientific foundation for understanding H. cunea spatiotemporal distribution patterns under future climate scenarios and for developing effective prevention and control strategies. Full article

Isofenphos-methyl (IFP), a highly toxic and persistent organophosphate pesticide (OP), is widely used for soil pest control in crops but poses severe risks to ecological safety and human health because of its environmental accumulation and bioaccumulation. Herein, a sensitive and specific indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) was developed for rapid IFP detection in vegetables. A novel IFP hapten was rationally designed and synthesized via computer-aided molecular simulation, and its structure was validated by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). High-specificity anti-IFP monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with strong anti-matrix interference were prepared for the first time using a matrix effect-enhanced screening strategy. The optimized ic-ELISA showed high sensitivity, with an IC₅₀ of 6.087 ng/mL and a detection range of 1.165–30.490 ng/mL, and no cross-reactivity with other common OPs. Spiked recovery experiments in celery and chili pepper matrices yielded recoveries of 81.87–97.95% (RSD < 5.44%), with highly consistent LC–MS/MS results. The method exhibited a weak positive matrix effect in vegetable matrices, eliminating complex pretreatment and enabling rapid onsite detection. Full article

This scoping review evaluates the role of vector-associated dissemination in contaminating the Philippine food supply chain with antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Salmonella, an emerging infectious disease threat, using a One Health perspective to map the mechanisms through which insects and rodents bridge environmental reservoirs to human food systems. This scoping review was conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. From 1969 records identified through systematic database searches, 52 studies met the inclusion criteria. These comprised 21 primary Philippine studies, 28 non-Philippine studies (including ASEAN-based historical baseline reports), and 3 policy/gray literature studies, prioritized to reflect tropical ecological and agricultural settings. Results suggest that intensive swine and poultry farming may contribute to the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) linked to genes such as bla_TEM and qnr. Evidence suggests that Salmonella persists in environmental matrices, such as manure and irrigation water, and that synanthropic vectors, including Rattus rattus and various fly species, potentially serve as biological and mechanical bridges in transmission. Clinical data reveal an alarming trend toward invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis (iNTS) showing reduced susceptibility to cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. Despite these findings, major evidence gaps remain, particularly regarding the prevalence of vector-borne Salmonella in pre-harvest produce. Consequently, mitigation requires a One Health framework that integrates non-antibiotic interventions, pest management to disrupt transmission pathways, and rapid diagnostic tools, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to enhance market surveillance. Full article

The family Scoliidae is composed of parasitoid wasps of notable ecological and agronomic importance, particularly for their role in the natural control of soil-dwelling beetle larvae within agroecosystems. This study provides the first record of Campsomeriella whitelyi (Kirby, 1889) in Chile, a species originally described from the Tambo Valley, Arequipa, Peru. The specimens analyzed, previously identified as Campsomeris servillei (Guérin-Méneville, 1831), were found to correspond to Campsomeriella whitelyi, whose known distribution in Chile was restricted to the extreme north. Their identity was confirmed through morphological analysis, which revealed the presence of a distinct yellow band on the fourth abdominal tergite and an elongated posterior tibial spur—diagnostic characters consistent with the original description of the species. This record from the Coquimbo Region represents the southernmost known expansion of the species. Specimens were collected between 2017 and 2025 in horticultural and rainfed agroecosystems associated with the Elqui River Basin (Coquimbo Region, Chile), using entomological nets in targeted sampling efforts. The edaphoclimatic conditions of the area—characterized by light-textured soils, winter humidity, and a high availability of hosts—appear to have favored the establishment of this wasp in a previously unreported environment. Through MaxEnt modeling, areas of high environmental suitability were identified in Chile’s Norte Chico region. From an agronomic perspective, this finding opens opportunities to incorporate Campsomeriella whitelyi as a functional component in integrated pest management (IPM) programs, particularly in the biological control of Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera) larvae that affect root, bulb, and minor fruit crops. Its adaptation to semi-arid agricultural environments suggests potential resilience under climate change scenarios, as well as a low impact on non-target species. This study contributes to applied entomology and functional conservation, promoting the integration of beneficial Hymenoptera into sustainable agricultural systems of north-central Chile. Full article

Cork oak (Quercus suber L.) forests play a crucial role in the Mediterranean region, providing essential ecological, social, and economic services. Increasing pressure from wildfires, pests, diseases, and climate change has led to a progressive decline of these ecosystems, making the development of innovative post-stripping management strategies urgent. This study evaluates the effectiveness of kaolin application on cork oak trees immediately after cork removal in a mixed forest in Sant Celoni (Barcelona, Spain). Short- and long-term physiological responses were assessed through stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence (OJIP test), while sap flux density (J_s) was continuously monitored over a four-month period (July–October 2023) using IoT-based TreeTalker® Cyber (Nature 4.0 s.r.l., Viterbo, Italy). Proximal vegetation indices (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI; and Normalized Difference Red Edge, NDRE) were also evaluated but showed no significant differences among treatments (p > 0.05). Kaolin-treated trees (K) maintained significantly higher photosynthetic performance and stem water transport capacity compared to untreated stripped trees (nK), with effects persisting up to 140 days after stripping. These findings support kaolin application as a viable and low-cost tool for mitigating post-stripping physiological stress in cork oak forest management. Further research across multiple sites and consecutive harvesting cycles is recommended to fully assess its long-term implications for tree vitality and cork productivity. Full article

Groundwater is an important resource for domestic, agricultural, and ecological use in the Surat Thani basin, southern Thailand, where increasing demand from agriculture, urbanization, and tourism is placing pressure on aquifer systems. This study investigates groundwater recharge and basin-scale flow dynamics using integrated numerical groundwater modeling, stable isotope analysis, and hydrochemical interpretation. A three-layer MODFLOW model representing floodplain (Qfd), terrace (Qt), and semi-consolidated aquifers was calibrated for 2018–2024 using PEST with pilot-point parameterization. Despite there being only four observation wells, the model achieved excellent agreement between simulated and observed heads (weighted RMSE = 0.0707 m). Simulated groundwater generally flows from western uplands toward the central floodplain and eastern coastal plain, with the Tapee River acting mainly as a gaining stream. Recharge rates range from 1.2 to 77.3 mm/yr (mean 23.7 mm/yr), representing only 1–4% of annual precipitation, while evapotranspiration is the dominant form of water loss. Stable isotope signatures (δ²H, δ¹⁸O) indicate recharge from direct monsoonal rainfall with minimal evaporation. Hydrochemical facies evolve from Ca–HCO₃ recharge waters to mixed facies along downgradient flow paths, reflecting increasing residence time and water–rock interaction. The results identify western and northern upland areas as key recharge zones requiring long-term protection and sustainable groundwater management. Full article

Forest decline in genus Abies has been increasingly associated with drought, warming, pollution, and biotic disturbances. However, the importance of these drivers and the degree to which drought–bark beetles’ interactions have been studied in Abies remain insufficiently documented. This review aimed to identify the main reported causes of decline in Abies species worldwide and to assess the current state of knowledge on the drought–bark beetles’ interaction, with special attention to sacred fir (Abies religiosa) because of its ecological importance in Mexico and its role as a winter habitat for the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus). We reviewed 237 articles indexed in Scopus and complemented this analysis with bibliometric indicators and keyword co-occurrence maps generated using the Bibliometrix R package (version 5.4.1) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.12). The main causes of decline were drought, pollution, and rising temperatures, affecting 41 taxa in 28 countries. Although drought has been reported throughout the study period (1977–2026), publications linking drought and warming to Abies decline have increased markedly during the last 15 years. Bibliometric results indicate that drought–bark beetles’ interactions have been extensively studied in Pinus and Picea, whereas comparable evidence for Abies remains limited. Future management should integrate monitoring, stand-density regulation, pest surveillance, and climate-adaptation strategies implemented by forest managers, conservation agencies, and local communities. Full article

Museum collections are at risk from insects. A changing climate or increased amounts of imported materials, exhibition loans and international travel, can increase exotic species. Heritage properties are often monitored for pests, so we used trapping data from 31 Austrian museums, libraries and storerooms. The carpet beetles Anthrenus spp. and Attagenus spp. studied here, showed that the catch of these two species in buildings was correlated. Unheated libraries show high catch rates for Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp. seemed more often caught in heated/urban museums. Anthrenus verbasci, Anthrenus olgae and Anthrenus museorum account for almost 98% of our catch. Anthrenus verbasci and Anthrenus olgae are commonly found occurring together suggesting they form a core ecological pair, found in most buildings. Rarer Anthrenus fuscus appears typically at locations lacking winter heating. Attagenus smirnovi and Attagenus unicolor accounted for 95% of this genus in the buildings. There are notable differences in the types of carpet beetle across European heritage environments. Anthrenus olgae, often trapped in Austria, is uncommon elsewhere, while Anthrenus sarnicus, fairly common in the UK, is rare elsewhere. Not enough is known about the range of heritage insects across Europe, which is increasingly relevant to management under a changing climate. Full article

Globally, Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is known as the most effective biological control agent due to its ability to parasitize insect pest eggs. However, identifying an appropriate host is vital for Trichogramma to prosper. Therefore, this study delves into the complex role of semiochemicals in shaping the host-seeking behavior of Trichogramma parasitoids, with a particular focus on their responses to both plant-derived and host-derived cues. The mechanism of semiochemical reception in Trichogramma wasps relies on a highly specialized, sensitive olfactory and gustatory system to locate host eggs and mates. Semiochemicals, which mediate ecological interactions, have been identified as pivotal in influencing the parasitic efficiency of Trichogramma species. Trichogramma’s host-seeking behavior is influenced not solely by ovipositional cues but also by the intrinsic physical attributes of Lepidopteran hosts, such as the scales on the wings and abdomen, which emit semiochemicals capable of eliciting positive chemotactic responses, thereby guiding parasitoids toward optimal sites for oviposition. Furthermore, the interplay between insect-derived and plant-derived chemical cues exhibits a synergistic effect, collectively enhancing the chemotactic attraction of Trichogramma, thereby fine-tuning its host-seeking behavior with greater precision and specificity. This study further underscores Trichogramma’s innate behavioral ability to discriminate between host eggs of varying developmental stages, facilitating the precise identification and selection of the most suitable host for parasitization. Age and experience both make Trichogramma more selective of hosts, but younger parasitoids may take a broader approach to host selection due to their greater life expectancy. Furthermore, the removal of these cues affects their host localization and learning abilities. Associative learning enables Trichogramma to exhibit flexible behaviors, providing them with a selective advantage; allows them to explore various hosts; and reduces environmental uncertainty. Plant structure, host density, and host age are the key factors that significantly influence the foraging and parasitism of Trichogramma. The searching speed of this parasitoid is significantly influenced by temperature. Heat stress increases VOC emissions in plants such as potato via stomatal opening, reducing herbivore attraction and enhancing parasitoid recruitment. Furthermore, air pollution, including CO₂, O₃, and NOx, impairs parasitoid efficiency by disrupting volatile-mediated host location and reducing biological control performance. Trichogramma wasps are generally effective biological control agents, but their success depends on the species used, target pest, crop, release density, and field conditions. Overall, species such as T. ostriniae, T. japonicum, and T. leucaniae show the strongest performance in several crops by increasing parasitism, reducing pest damage, and improving yield. This study highlights the successful integration of semiochemical cues in pest management programs and the effective utilization of Trichogramma in conjunction with entomopathogenic bacteria to control Lepidopteran pests. This approach contributes to the development of more effective pest management strategies, thereby promoting agricultural sustainability. Full article

This study evaluates the multi-year taxonomic diversity and functional structure of beetle assemblages (Coleoptera) within Sub Arini Park, a historic urban green space in Sibiu, Romania. Following a preliminary baseline and methodological calibration phase in 2023, systematic monitoring was conducted during the 2024 and 2025 seasonal cycles utilizing standardized pitfall trapping across diverse park zones. We explicitly tested two hypotheses: (H1) that long-standing historic park management preserves a resilient and functional insect community structure, and (H2) that local spatial heterogeneity and microhabitat variations significantly drive species distribution. A total of 14,843 individuals belonging to 39 species were analyzed. While total abundance exhibited a slight decrease from 2024 (N = 7112) to 2025 (N = 6551), true diversity metrics (Hill numbers) revealed a significant increase in raw species richness (q = 0) from 30 to 39 species, alongside an enhanced equity of frequent species (Shannon diversity, q = 1, increased from 4.26 to 5.12). Functional guild analysis and multivariate PCA demonstrated a highly structured biocenotic distribution; specialist and hygrophilous species (e.g., Carabus variolosus Fabricius, 1787) were strictly constrained to high-humidity riparian corridors, whereas thermophilous generalists dominated open lawns under high anthropogenic stress. Our spatial analysis identified critical degradation within these heavily managed zones, specifically driven by intensive mowing, soil compaction, and organic debris removal. These findings confirm both hypotheses, revealing that the park operates as a heterogeneous mosaic of ecological refugia rather than a uniform habitat block. Crucially, this study provides a concrete, quantitative basis—derived from empirical thresholds of species richness, abundance shifts, and mapped microhabitat preferences—for implementing nature-based management strategies (such as establishing buffer zones with reduced mowing frequencies, limiting trampling, and retaining coarse woody debris) aimed at mitigating urban biodiversity loss and maintaining vital biological pest control services in Central–Eastern Europe. Full article

Phytolacca americana L. (pokeweed) is an invasive alien plant in China that experiences little herbivore or disease pressure, suggesting the presence of effective chemical defenses. Although insecticidal activity of P. americana tissues has been reported, its potential repellent effects against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), remain unexplored. In this study, we further optimized distillation conditions to obtain fruit extract (FE) from P. americana. Subsequently, its chemical composition was analyzed. behavioral repellency, and antennal olfactory activity against P. xylostella adults. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) tentatively identified 11 compounds, accounting for 96–99% of the total distillate composition. The major constituents in the final distillate were palmitic acid ethyl ester (26.00%), 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (25.75%), and ethyl oleate (14.19%). Behavioral assays using a Y-tube olfactometer demonstrated that the FE, as well as diethyl phthalate, palmitic acid ethyl ester, and ethyl oleate, exhibited strong repellent activity against adult P. xylostella, whereas 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone showed moderate repellency only at high concentrations (10 μg/μL). Electroantennogram (EAG) recordings revealed robust antennal responses to the three highly repellent compounds, with ethyl oleate eliciting the strongest response (0.58 mV at 100 μg/μL). Furthermore, Diethyl phthalate shows moderate repellency to P. xylostella. These results indicate that P. americana FE mediates repellency primarily through olfactory perception and that its major constituents contribute substantially to this effect. Overall, this study provides the first laboratory evidence that P. americana FE functions as an effective olfactory repellent against P. xylostella. The findings offer preliminary proof-of-concept for developing phytogenic repellents. Full article

This study utilized the age-stage, two-sex life table method to evaluate the toxic effects of polyethylene microplastics (PE, 300 mg/kg) and cadmium (Cd, 30 mg/kg), both individually and combined, on Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Compared to controls, all treatments significantly prolonged larval development and reduced survival, lifespan, and fecundity. The combined exposure (PE + Cd) exerted the strongest inhibition: the total pre-adult developmental duration (TPOP) increased by 18.8% (38.00 days), while the intrinsic growth rate ($r$) dropped by 59.0% to 0.0273 d⁻¹. Additionally, the net reproduction rate ($R_0$) and fecundity fell to their lowest levels (5.08 and 19.06, respectively), significantly lower than in single-treatment groups. Age-stage life expectancy analysis confirmed severe survival pressure in the combined group, evidenced by a 30% reduction in first-instar survival and a 14-day shortened adult lifespan. These findings demonstrate the synergistic toxicity of PE and Cd co-contamination, providing critical data for ecological risk assessment in the “soil–plant–herbivore” system and integrated pest management strategies. Full article

The study aimed to analyze how peasant economies in the municipality of Caicedonia recognize, classify, and manage functional biodiversity associated with coffee, plantain, and orange production systems to propose a contextualized framework for species accounting and ecological cost assessment within the coffee ecosystem. A qualitative interpretive approach with exploratory quantitative support was adopted through an exploratory descriptive design and participatory action research methodology. The study integrated 21 semi structured interviews conducted with producers managing approximately 61 associated crop units distributed across diversified farming systems. Data collection included field visits, direct observation, participatory species identification exercises, and thematic interviews focused on ecological functions, agricultural practices, biodiversity management, and perceived environmental impacts. The methodological framework additionally incorporated thematic coding, functional species classification, ecological cost identification, process and strategy mapping, descriptive frequency analysis, and multiple correspondence analysis to explore relationships among crop systems, species, ecological functions, management practices, and environmental pressures. The findings indicate that producers develop consistent empirical classifications regarding pests, pollinators, biological control organisms, and ecological indicators while recognizing cumulative ecological impacts associated with intensive agricultural practices. Quantitative exploration analysis revealed differentiated ecological configurations according to crop system and biodiversity management dynamics, supporting contextualized biodiversity accounting for sustainable agronomic decision making. Full article