Search Results (1,848)

The Sunn pest (Eurygaster integriceps Puton) ranks among the most harmful pests affecting wheat yield and grain quality in Kazakhstan. In particular, it poses a serious threat to regions in which winter wheat cultivation is dominant. Climate change, parasites, predators, and recent transformations in agriculture and human activities in Kazakhstan and throughout Central Asia have significantly influenced the population dynamics of the Sunn pest. This study reports the findings on Sunn pest population dynamics in Kazakhstan’s winter wheat growing regions from 2022 to 2024, based on surveys of 233 hectares across four regions. In total, 1753 specimens of the Sunn pest were studied. The obtained results were analyzed in comparison with historical data (1991–2020) and recent findings in this field. We found that a combination of ecological factors are the main determinants of the Sunn pest population dynamics in different regions of the country. The pest population increased in seasons with optimal temperature (sum of effective temperatures—SET) and humidity conditions (hydrothermal coefficient—HTC), as well as when wheat cultivation areas and forest belts expanded. Moreover, the results highlighted that the pest population is controlled by the activity of egg parasites (Telenomus) in the south, unfavorable weather conditions during overwintering in the east and west, and the growing of resistant varieties in the southeast of the country. Compared to wild grasses, wheat crops increased the reproductive potential of the pest. Full article

Paulownia fortunei is an important economic tree species that possesses numerous biological and economic traits, such as fast growth, strong stress resistance, and excellent wood properties. The cultivation of this species is pervasive across numerous regions of China. Epicauta ruficeps, a common pest species of P. fortunei, typically consumes the foliage of its host plant. However, there are currently no reported studies on the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying P. fortunei response to E. ruficeps feeding. In this study, we discovered that the enhancement of nitrogen assimilation and porphyrin metabolism directly contributes to the maintenance of the steady state of photosynthetic activity in P. fortunei leaves. Meanwhile, E. ruficeps feeding also leads to an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in P. fortunei leaves. As key signaling molecules, the elevated level of ROS activates the antioxidant system and phenylpropanoid metabolism, which in turn results in increased antioxidant enzyme activity, as well as increased contents of antioxidants and lignin. The aforementioned changes have the potential to reduce the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation and enhance the mechanical strength of leaf tissues. Consequently, this can assist in maintaining the steady state of photosynthesis indirectly. In summary, the present study elucidates the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying the maintenance of the steady state of photosynthetic activity in P. fortunei after being feeded by E. ruficeps from multiple dimensions. Simultaneously, it lays a theoretical foundation and provides data support for the subsequent comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms involved in P. fortunei response to E. ruficeps feeding. Full article

Brassica juncea (L.) Coss. var. foliosa Bailey contains high glucosinolate (GSL) levels that define its flavor and defense properties. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling GSL biosynthesis in Brassica crops remain unclear. Here, four MYB29 homologs were identified in allotetraploid Brassica juncea. These BjuMYB29 proteins localize to the nucleus and possess transcriptional activation activity. Evolutionary analysis suggests polyploidization-driven expansion of MYB genes contributed to GLS diversification in Brassica species. Expression profiling showed distinct spatiotemporal and herbivory-responsive patterns among BjuMYB29 homologs. Heterologous expression of BjuA03.MYB29 and BjuA10.MYB29 in Arabidopsis enhanced insect resistance via GSL accumulation. Although both homologs upregulate aliphatic GSL biosynthetic genes, they differentially regulate indolic GSLs, with BjuA03.MYB29 suppressing and BjuA10.MYB29 enhancing their accumulation, potentially through differential control of CYP79B2. These results reveal subfunctionalization among MYB29 homologs in GSL regulation. This functional diversification of MYB29 homologs offers novel targets for precision breeding of Brassica crops with customized GSL profiles to optimize pest resistance and nutritional quality. Full article

Every year, up to 40% of the crops in the world are lost to pests. Plants have suffered from prolonged biotic stresses and abiotic stresses, which cause significant changes in complex crop ecosystems, necessitating intensive pest management strategies that have often been accompanied by the struggle against plant pests. Plant pests and diseases control methods heavily reliant on chemical pesticides have caused many adverse effects. One innovative method involves using ultrafine bubble (UFB) waters, which can enable pesticide reduction action for the plant pest control. The classification and six properties of UFBs were summarized, and the generation approaches of UFBs were introduced based on physical and chemical methods. The applications of UFBs and ozone UFB waters in plant protection practices were comprehensively reviewed, in which UFB waters against the plant pests and the soilborne, airborne and waterborne diseases were analyzed, and the abiotic stresses of crops in high-salinity soil and contaminated soil, drought, and soil with heavy metals were reviewed. Despite promising applications, UFB technology has limitations. Aiming at pesticide reduction and replacement using UFB waters, the mechanism of UFB water controlling plant pests and diseases, the molecular mechanism of UFB water affecting plant pest resistance, the plant growth in harsh polluted environments, the UFB behavior with hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces of crops, and the building of an integrated intelligent crop growth system were proposed. Full article

The red flower aphid (Uroleucon gobonis) is a significant agricultural pest causing damage via direct feeding and virus transmission. Chemical sensory proteins (CSPs) are critical for insecticide resistance, mediating the detection of semiochemicals or the sequestration of neuroactive insecticides. This study provides the first comprehensive identification and functional characterization of chemosensory gene families in Uroleucon gobonis to elucidate their roles in chemoperception and resistance. We conducted de novo transcriptome sequencing and assembly to identify chemosensory genes. Their phylogenetic relationships and structural motifs were analyzed. Developmental expression patterns were assessed via RNA-seq, and tissue-specific expression was validated using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). We identified 40 chemosensory genes: 12 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 8 CSPs, 14 odorant receptors (ORs), and 6 gustatory receptors (GRs). Phylogenetic analysis revealed species-specific adaptations, including the absence of GR clades 2/4 and minimal representation in CSP Subgroup III. Structural motifs were highly conserved in ORs/OBPs but divergent in CSPs/GRs. RNA-seq identified 1896 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between instars, including stage-specific regulation of UgobCSP4, UgobCSP6, UgobOBP3, and UgobOBP10. qRT-PCR confirmed extreme spatial expression, such as leg-specific UgobCSP6 and antennae-specific UgobOBP10. These findings elucidate key molecular adaptations in chemosensory gene families governing perception and potential insecticide resistance in Uroleucon gobonis. The identified stage- and tissue-specific genes provide targets for developing species-specific pest control strategies. Full article

The escalating challenges of insecticide resistance and environmental pollution underscore the urgent need for sustainable and multi-functional biopesticides. This study reveals the chemical diversity and potent bioactivity of essential oils (EOs) from Neolamarckia cadamba, highlighting their potential as a valuable source of bioactive agents. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed a striking contrast between the essential oils: the stem bark EO was dominated by methyl salicylate (MeSA, 97.61%), representing the first report of MeSA as a major constituent in this species, while the leaf oil exhibited a complex profile enriched with diterpenoids (25.09%) and fatty acids (23.21%). Both EOs exhibited significant insecticidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti, demonstrating rapid knockdown with median knockdown times (KT₅₀) of 1.36–1.97 min—surpassing the synthetic dimefluthrin. Additionally, they demonstrated pronounced toxicity, with median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) of 73.41–75.27 μg/mL and fumigant toxicity values of 0.20–0.22 μL/L. Notably, the major component MeSA in the stem bark EO demonstrated obvious insecticidal potential, exhibiting rapid knockdown activity (KT₅₀ of 2.29 min), fumigant toxicity (LC₅₀ of 1.55 μL/L, 5 h), and poisonous activity (LC₅₀ of 92.67 μg/mL, 24 h). Meanwhile, both the stem bark EO and MeSA exhibited strong antifungal activity against the phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani, with median effective concentration (EC₅₀) values of 48.70 and 53.91 μg/mL, respectively. This efficacy surpassed that of the commercial fungicide physcion (EC₅₀ of 93.34 μg/mL). Additionally, the EOs demonstrated moderate antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the antifungal action of MeSA involved severe cellular disruption, including ultrastructural damage, membrane peroxidation, and critical metabolic suppression via the inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase activity. Our results clearly established N. cadamba EOs, particularly the MeSA-rich stem bark oil, as potent, plant-based, and multi-target agent with significant potential for integration into sustainable pest and disease management strategies. Full article

Plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely used as insect attractants for population monitoring, offering an efficient and eco-friendly approach to pest management. Since thrips are the dominant pest species in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) crops, alfalfa volatiles produced in the presence of Odontothrips loti and compounds with attractive potential to both O. loti and Frankliniella occidentalis were investigated. Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 96 VOCs were identified from seven alfalfa cultivars with varying levels of thrips resistance with and without damage by O. loti. Eleven volatiles were selected for Y-tube olfactometer assays. The semiochemical p-Menth-8-en-2-one, which was suppressed in alfalfa subject O. loti damage, significantly attracted both O. loti and F. occidentalis in Y-olfactometer bioassays; the response rates were 2.05~3.07 times compared to control (p < 0.05). Further experiments confirmed p-Menth-8-en-2-one, dispensed through PE (Polyethylene) vials, was the most effective lure material with the concentrations of 10 ng/μL. This study demonstrated that the alfalfa-derived volatile p-Menth-8-en-2-one, shows significant attraction to thrips, which can be utilized for monitoring and management of odontothrips loti and frankliniella occidentalis. Full article

Soil disinfection is of great significance in reducing soil pests and weeds, overcoming the problem of crop continuous cropping obstacles, and ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural products. Soil flame disinfection technology, as a supplementary soil disinfection method that can be incorporated into an integrated plant protection system, has attracted much attention in recent years due to its characteristics of low resistance, greenness, environmental friendliness, and high efficiency. However, soil flame disinfection can also have a certain impact on soil organic matter and microbial communities, which is a core challenge that limits the promotion of flame disinfection technology. Clarifying the mechanism and temperature distribution of flame disinfection, accurately controlling flame disinfection parameters, can not only kill harmful organisms in soil, but also minimize damage to soil organic matter and microbial communities is the current research focus. This paper presents a comprehensive summary and discussion of the research progress regarding the mechanism of soil flame disinfection technology, the distribution of temperature fields, and the precise control technology for disinfection machines. It thoroughly elaborates on the efficacy of flame in eliminating typical soil-borne diseases and pests, the destructive impact of flame on soil organic matter and beneficial microbial communities, as well as the current status of research and development on soil flame disinfection devices. Additionally, it explores the pressing technical challenges that remain to be addressed. The article then discusses the future market prospects of soil flame disinfection equipment, focusing on key technological breakthroughs and opportunities, providing theoretical support for the next research, optimization and promotion of soil flame disinfection technology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Leguminous plants (Fabaceae) are essential for global food and nutritional security due to their high protein content, bioactive compounds, and ecological role in nitrogen fixation. However, climate change poses significant threats to their productivity, quality, and safety. This review aims to summarize the nutritional, biochemical, and health-related importance of legumes, while highlighting the effects of climate change—particularly heat stress and pest pressure—on their nutritional value and public health implications. Methods: This review is based on an integrative literature review drawing on scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and PubMed (March–October 2025). The relevant literature on climate change, legume composition, stress physiology, pest–plant interactions, and nutrition- and health-related outcomes was identified using targeted search terms. Evidence from diverse study types was synthesized to provide a broad, interdisciplinary perspective rather than a systematic assessment. Results: Legume seeds are rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates, fibers, and essential fatty acids, and contain valuable phytochemicals, including polyphenols, carotenoids, saponins, and bioactive peptides, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. Nevertheless, elevated CO₂ levels and temperature stress can reduce protein, iron, and zinc contents, while altering phenolic and isoflavone profiles. Simultaneously, warming enhances pest proliferation and fungal contamination, increasing mycotoxin exposure and associated health risks. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, particularly those emphasizing biological control, show promise in mitigating these risks while ensuring sustainable legume production. Conclusions: Safeguarding the nutritional and ecological value of legumes under changing climatic conditions requires coordinated efforts across plant breeding, agronomy, and food science. Enhancing thermotolerance and pest resistance, reducing pesticide use through IPM, and valorizing legume by-products are key to preserving food safety and human health. Legumes, thus, represent both a challenge and an opportunity in achieving resilient, climate-smart nutrition systems for future generations. Full article

The spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of citrus and other crops, causing feeding damage and transmitting plant viruses. Control relies mainly on insecticides, increasing the risk of resistance. We surveyed Greek populations of A. spiraecola (2022–2023) and developed molecular diagnostics to detect target site mutations linked to resistance against neonicotinoids, carbamates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and spirotetramat. Seventy-two aphids were analyzed. All individuals were homozygous and susceptible at R81T, A302S, L1014F, M918 variants, and A2226V loci. However, the S431F mutation in the AChE2 gene, associated with resistance to dimethyl-carbamates, such as the selective aphicide pirimicarb, was present in all regions. Heterozygotes occurred at high frequencies, while homozygous resistant individuals were rare. These findings indicate that Greek populations remain largely susceptible to most insecticide classes, but the widespread occurrence of S431F questions the use of pirimicarb in resistance management. The diagnostic assays developed here are cost-effective tools for large-scale monitoring, enabling early detection of resistance in A. spiraecola. Continued surveillance, combined with bioassays and studies on metabolic mechanisms, will be essential for sustainable pest management. Full article

Nilaparvata lugens is a migratory pest with high fecundity and outstanding drug resistance, which poses a devastating danger to rice production. This study investigated the reproductive regulation mechanism of N. lugens, specifically silencing the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase gene (TPS) via RNAi to elucidate how TPS governs the trehalose metabolic network through modulation of trehalose biosynthesis. Insect fecundity hinges on the synchronized progression of oogenesis and the tightly controlled expression of vitellogenin (Vg). In N. lugens, this coordination is orchestrated by an integrated molecular network that converges juvenile hormone signaling (JH), 20-hydroxyecdysone pathways (20E), insulin/IGF signaling (IIS), and the target of rapamycin cascade (TOR), collectively dictating the reproductive output of the species. Using TPS knockdown as the entry point, this study dissects the lipid-metabolic circuitry of N. lugens and uncovers how hormonal signaling cascades orchestrate reproduction by precisely modulating vitellogenin (Vg) and its cognate receptor VgR. Synthesized double-stranded terpene synthase genes (dsTPSs) can degrade mRNA, inhibit protein translation, and ultimately lead to the silencing of TPS genes, simultaneously crippling energy provision and hormonal signaling to orchestrate a multi-pronged suppression of reproduction. This dual-action intervention offers a promising molecular target for environmentally friendly management of N. lugens. Full article

Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in promoting precision agriculture and environmental management. This review integrates the latest advances in nanotechnology in the fields of pollution detection, agrochemicals, and stress resistance, and quantifies the significant enhancements brought by nanomaterials (NMs). NMs used in biosensors enable highly sensitive, low detection limit, and highly accurate detection of environmental pollution, plant growth status, and soil conditions, while achieving precise drug delivery and reducing environmental pollution. Furthermore, NMs can be combined with agrochemicals or directly act on plants to promote growth, reduce pests and diseases, and enhance stress resistance by altering plant physiological processes and microbial functions. This review focuses on the application value of nanotechnology in detection, smart chemicals, and stress resistance, and analyzes current challenges and risks in technology, biosafety, regulatory challenges, and scalability. Finally, it points out future directions for utilizing nanotechnology to advance smart agriculture, precision agriculture, and green bio-industrialization. Full article

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) or white mold, is a soil-borne hemibiotrophic fungus that causes substantial soybean yield losses worldwide. This pathogen infects over 400 plant species and persists in soil for extended periods through melanized sclerotia, which can survive under extreme environmental conditions. The wide host range, environmental adaptability, and longevity of sclerotia make SSR a persistent challenge in soybean production. No single management tactic provides reliable control, which underscores the importance of integrated pest management (IPM). Cultural practices such as crop rotation with non-hosts, optimized row spacing, adjusted seeding rates, and targeted irrigation are fundamental to reducing inoculum and modifying canopy microclimates to slow infection. Although genetic resistance remains partial, the deployment of cultivars with stable performance across environments contributes to disease suppression, particularly when combined with fungicide applications. However, fungicide efficacy is inconsistent and limited due to environmental concerns and potential resistance. Advances in disease modeling have improved the timing and precision of chemical control, while biological control agents and RNA interference approaches offer promising future options. This review synthesizes current IPM strategies for SSR and explores emerging alternatives to support sustainable soybean production. Full article

In the face of the global climate and ecological crisis, as well as growing consumer needs and demands, a transformation of the global food production and distribution system is necessary. The productivity and quality characteristics of Tritordeum make this cereal an effective tool in the sustainable modernization of the agricultural sector. However, this potential can be significantly limited in the supply chain by storage pests. This study aimed to assess the impact of Tritordeum resistance on the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.). The experiment used 11 Tritordeum breeding lines in comparison to three cereal species derived from conventional cultivation systems (common wheat Triticum aestivum L., durum wheat Triticum durum Desf., spring barley Hordeum vulgare L.). The research showed that Tritordeum may be a substrate on which S. oryzae feeds, although the intensity of the pest’s development varied depending on the line. The study also demonstrated that the hardness of the Tritordeum seed coat did not directly influence the development intensity of the analyzed beetles. It was noted, however, that the degree of infestation by these insects depended on the chemical profile of the infested kernels. The increased total protein content and lower fiber content (compared to common wheat) likely influence the development of Tritordeum resistance. This study demonstrates that Tritordeum possesses inherent resistance traits linked to its grain chemistry, providing a basis for breeding more storage-resistant cereal cultivars. Full article

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide and in Mexico; however, its effects on soil microbiota in traditional agroecosystems remain unclear. We evaluated bacterial, archaeal, and fungal responses to commercial glyphosate in three representative karst soils of the Yucatán Peninsula (black Leptosol, red Leptosol, and red Cambisol) historically associated with the Mayan milpa system. The high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 and ITS1 regions was used to assess diversity patterns and differential abundance. Glyphosate application did not significantly alter alpha or beta diversity; however, fifteen taxa classified at the genus level exhibited shifts in relative abundance. Most bacterial taxa were depauperated in treated soils, whereas others, such as Arthrobacter, were enriched after application, indicating the presence of tolerant or resistant bacteria that may play a role in glyphosate degradation. Cordyceps, an entomopathogenic fungus, was depleted, indicating potential for natural pest control. The similarity of the core microbiota between samples with and without glyphosate application indicates that these communities are resilient. Overall, under short-term exposure, glyphosate induced compositional shifts in specific taxa without major effects on community structure but with potential implications for soil functionality and resilience in the Mayan milpa. Full article