Search Results (237)

Recent intensive research on the cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus aubei was prompted because of its invasion of Central Europe that caused serious damage to scale-leaved conifer ornamental trees. This dynamic also increased the risk of accidental introduction into North America. In contrast to other historically well-studied bark beetles infesting spruce, pine or broad-leaf trees, intense study of the pheromones and host plant kairomones of bark beetles associated with cupressaceous trees has only begun in the past decade. This highly specialized clade is represented by the genus Phloeosinus. The pressing need for semiochemical-baited traps demands the identification of behavior-modifying compounds. This challenge involves unraveling the various stimuli interacting in the complex communication system to reveal the composition of signal bouquets and the absolute configuration of their components capable of evoking behavior responses. In this short overview we describe the recent research results on host-finding and intraspecific chemical communication of P. aubei, with a short outlook on the species of this genus. 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 fields, this study aimed to identify a suitable attractant trap design that could be employed to monitor Odontothrips loti and Frankliniella occidentalis. The field experiment showed that p-Menth-8-en-2-one, dispensed through PE (Polyethylene) vials positioned at the top of the alfalfa canopy, attracted the most thrips, with the optimal concentrations of 1 µg/µL for O. loti and 50 µg/µL for F. occidentalis, respectively. When both species occur in alfalfa, PVC pipes dispensing p-Menth-8-en-2-one at a concentration of 1 µg/µL provide an effective attractant for both species, offering an indication of presence and relative abundance. Understanding the incidence and abundance of both species in the field provides growers an opportunity to target treatments to protect crops before significant damage occurs, reduce insecticide overuse, and support integrated pest management strategies for these two high-impact pests. Full article

Mating disruption (MD) is an environmentally friendly pest management approach that uses synthetic pheromones to interfere with insect mate location and reproduction. This review summarizes current progress in the application of MD for stored-product pests, with emphasis on Lepidoptera (Plodia interpunctella Hübner and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Pyralidae)) and Coleoptera (Sitophilus spp. (Curculionidae)). For moth pests, numerous studies have demonstrated substantial suppression of mating and population growth under both laboratory and field conditions, particularly when MD is integrated with sanitation, monitoring and other IPM measures. Conversely, MD applications against beetles have been less successful due to their aggregation-based communication and lower volatility of their pheromones. Advances in pheromone formulation technology, including polymer dispensers, microencapsulated sprays and aerosol emitters, have improved pheromone stability and controlled release, although achieving uniform coverage in large and aerated storage environments remains challenging. The integration of MD with biological control, temperature management and reduced fumigant use offers promising directions for sustainable pest suppression. Continued development of smart-release devices, long-term field validation and integration with automated monitoring systems will further enhance the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of MD. Overall, MD represents a key behavioral component in reducing pesticide reliance and promoting sustainable management of stored-product pests. Full article

Insect parasitoids are key biological agents within terrestrial ecosystems, offering a promising avenue for controlling insect pests. Hyperparasitoids are a group of insects that lay their eggs in or on the body of parasitoid hosts, which can greatly hamper the effectiveness of parasitoids. To optimize their reproductive success, adult parasitoids/hyperparasitoids must find sufficient food sources and mate partners (when they do not reproduce parthenogenetically) and locate suitable hosts for their offspring. To complete these tasks, parasitoids largely rely on their ability to detect relevant chemical cues (semiochemicals or infochemicals). In the last three decades, the identities of semiochemicals and their ethological significance have been widely characterized, and the possibility of using these chemical cues in insect pest management has received a lot of attention. Insects have evolved a highly sensitive and sophisticated chemosensory system adept at navigating complex and dynamic chemical environments. In this review, we first summarize the semiochemicals used by insect parasitoids, primarily including semiochemicals involved in food location, host foraging, and mate finding, while also addressing semiochemicals employed by hyperparasitoids. Next, we discuss recent progress in elucidating the chemosensory mechanisms underlying parasitoid responses to semiochemicals, with a focus on olfactory and gustatory pathways. Finally, we evaluate the potential applications of semiochemicals in pest management, highlighting the roles of parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. This paper aims to establish a theoretical framework for the effective employment of parasitoids in biological control of insect pests. Full article

This study aims to develop a novel high-efficiency lure for Tomicus yunnanensis Existing bark beetle attractants often rely on single or fixed-ratio blends of host volatiles and their oxidation products, which struggle to mimic the dynamic release process of insect semiochemicals in nature. To address this, we established a dynamic reaction system based on the catalytic oxidation of α-pinene: ① background control (no catalyst, no heating), ② thermal oxidation system (no catalyst, 40 °C), and ③ catalytic oxidation system (with a titanium–copper modified chabazite-type zeolite catalyst, 40 °C). Behavioral screening using a Y-tube olfactometer revealed a clear gradient in attraction effectiveness among the three systems: catalytic oxidation > thermal oxidation > background control. The products from the catalytic oxidation system at 2 h of reaction showed the highest efficacy, achieving an attraction rate of 61%, which was significantly superior to the α-pinene control. These results indicate that generating dynamically proportioned volatile mixtures through catalytic oxidation can significantly enhance the attraction of T. yunnanensis Further analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated that the catalyst efficiently promoted the directional conversion of α-pinene into key bioactive compounds such as verbenol, myrtenal, and myrtenone, thereby substantially improving behavioral activity. After field validation, this dynamically released attractant could potentially be developed into a real-time field-release lure system for monitoring adult emergence and large-scale trapping, providing a feasible new technological pathway for the precise and sustained management of bark beetle pests. Full article

Hemipteran insects such as Euschistus heros and Dysdercus peruvianus are important pests of soybean and cotton, respectively, making them relevant targets in pest management programs. This work aims to evaluate the insecticidal and chemical activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (CC-EO) and its nanoemulsion against E. heros and D. peruvianus. A mixture of citral stereoisomers (59.5%) was identified as the major constituent of CC-EO The topical application of nanoemulsion resulted in 53.33% and 33.33% mortality in E. heros and D. peruvianus, respectively. Contact treatment caused 83.33% mortality in E. heros and 86.70% mortality in D. peruvianus, also inducing antennal deformities observed by scanning electron microscopy and reflected in altered behavioral responses in a Y-tube olfactometer assay. Ovicidal effects were observed in contact treatment for both species, affecting nymph emergence from eggs treated with nanoemulsion. Treatments with pure EO resulted in 100% nymph mortality and complete inhibition of egg hatching in both insects. Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) analysis revealed changes in the volatile profile of treated insects, showing the presence of semiochemicals related to defense and alarm, such as terpenes and alcohols. The multiple lethal and sublethal effects demonstrated by CC-EO highlight its potential as a candidate for integrated pest management programs, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical control methods. Full article

Plutella xylostella, a major pest of cruciferous vegetables, depends predominantly on chemoreception to locate host plants. Legs are crucial in insect chemical perception, particularly during close-range and contact chemoreception. However, the molecular basis underlying the chemosensory repertoire in P. xylostella legs remains elusive. To address this, we sequenced chemosensory-related genes in diamondback moth legs. Sequencing identified 32 odorant binding protein (OBP), 18 chemosensory protein (CSP), 26 odorant receptor (OR), 20 gustatory receptor (GR), 15 ionotropic receptor (IR), and 3 sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) genes. Comparative analysis with antennal transcriptome data revealed three CSPs, seven ORs, and two GRs newly identified in the legs. Transcriptome analysis showed higher fragments per kilobase of transcript per million mapped reads values for CSPs than for other chemosensory-related gene families. Furthermore, qRT-PCR confirmed the highest expression of PxylCSP9 in the legs, suggesting its role in perceiving external compounds. Fluorescent binding assays revealed high binding affinity of PxylCSP9 for several host plant semiochemicals. Molecular docking predicted a hydrophobic binding pocket in PxylCSP9 with Met11, Leu13, and Leu43 frequently participating in ligand interactions. Our findings indicate that leg-enriched PxylCSP9 is pivotal for host plant recognition during close-range chemoreception, suggesting its potential as a molecular target for precision management through behavior-based strategies. 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

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

The genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) includes several agricultural pests that cause major losses in global crop production and threaten food security, notably Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith, 1797), an invasive pest that is difficult to manage. Mating disruption through the application of synthetic sexual pheromones has emerged as a viable alternative method for lepidopteran pest management. However, the successful application of this method requires knowledge of the pest under various environmental conditions and the evaluation of pheromone effectiveness. This systematic review aims to highlight advances and knowledge gaps in the genetic characterization and pheromone-based mating disruption of Spodoptera species, with implications for S. frugiperda management. A literature search following PRISMA guidelines identified 4523 articles, of which 107 met the inclusion criteria, 84 focused on genetic analysis, 16 focused on pheromone-based control, and only 7 integrated both approaches. The COI gene is the main genetic marker used for species identification (76%), but inconsistencies remain in the strain identification of S. frugiperda. Pheromone-based control studies reported variable efficacy, with many not evaluating their impact on pest populations or crop damage. Overall, this review highlights the need to standardize pheromone formulations and adapt management strategies tailored to local agroecological conditions. It also underscores the importance of integrating genetic identification to improve our knowledge of pests and support the sustainable management of S. frugiperda. Full article

The management of the olive fly using sustainable methods includes strategies based on attract-and-kill techniques. Although some studies have shown that lure-and-kill and mass-trapping methods can be effective in certain contexts, their performance under conditions of highly variable olive production remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of two sustainable control techniques in olive groves located at the northernmost boundary of olive cultivation in Europe. The efficacy of a lure-and-kill product (Spintor^TM Fly) and a mass-trapping product (Flypack^® Dacus Trap) was assessed over a three-year period by monitoring olive fly population density and infestation levels. We found that the efficacy of attract-and-kill techniques varied over the years. In years of abundant production, the high availability of fruits may reduce the detectability of damage. In contrast, in low production years, the limited number of fruits can lead to higher infestation rates, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the control techniques. Both techniques tested, particularly lure-and-kill, can help maintain low Bactrocera oleae population densities. However, they are insufficient to maintain fruit infestation at acceptable levels during years of low olive production, when the adoption of control measures is not economically justified. Full article

Aggression among group-housed male laboratory mice poses significant challenges for animal welfare and scientific outcomes. Semiochemicals, such as mammalian appeasing pheromones, have shown potential in modulating social behaviors in various species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a synthetic Common Trunk (CT) of mammalian appeasing pheromone on social behavior, aggression, and welfare indicators in adult male mice. Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) male RjOrl:SWISS mice (8–12 weeks old) were housed in open-top cages and exposed via environmental passive diffusion to either a 2% synthetic CT pheromone formulation or a placebo (excipient only). Behavioral tests included the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and the Resident–Intruder (RI) test. Clinical welfare assessments and hematobiochemical analyses were also performed. Behavioral testing revealed minimal differences between groups, except for—in animals exposed to the CT—significantly fewer unsupported rearings, both in number (p = 0.0284) and duration (p = 0.0184), suggesting reduced vigilance (EPM Test) and shorter upright posture durations (p = 0.0031), a behavior linked to social signaling during conflict (RI test). Welfare assessments and risk-based analyses indicated that mice exposed to the CT of the appeasing pheromone displayed more agonistic but less violent confrontations, with fewer visible lesions. The protective effect was most pronounced during early group housing of unfamiliar adult males, with significantly fewer injuries in treated mice during the first (p = 0.0215) and second week (p = 0.0329). Treated mice also showed higher serotonin levels (p = 0.0295), suggesting reduced aggressiveness in line with observed behavioral outcomes. Exposure to the CT appeared to improve social dynamics and reduce escalation of aggression in male mice, supporting its potential as a refinement tool in laboratory housing practices. Full article

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae and Scutelleridae) produce a wide range of semiochemical compounds that function as pheromones, allomones, synomones, and kairomones. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and synthesize the main semiochemical components of the metathoracic glands of Aelia rostrata, A. melanota, Eurygaster integriceps, and E. maura. Extracts from male and female glands were analyzed using GC–MS, which revealed that (E)-2-hexen-1-ol acetate was the dominant compound in all four species. In addition, several α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with chain lengths of C6–C8, including (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-octenal, and (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, were detected. These compounds are characterized by strong odors and irritant properties, acting as defensive allomones and alarm pheromones. Synthetic routes were developed for these key compounds. In particular, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol acetate was efficiently synthesized via acetylation of (E)-2-hexen-1-ol using acetic anhydride in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) as a catalyst. This approach significantly reduced the reaction time to 30 min and improved the yield to 90%. Although DMAP is widely used in organic synthesis, the simplicity and efficiency of this optimized protocol for producing semiochemical analogues of stink bugs have not been previously reported. Preliminary trials with synthetic lures indicated their potential for pheromone-based monitoring of stink bug populations in cereal fields. The optimized semiochemical blends developed in this study are expected to contribute to integrated pest management strategies by enabling more effective detection and control of these economically important pests. Full article

Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is a serious pest of horticultural and agronomic crops. Using plant-released semiochemicals to control thrips is one eco-friendly control method for their management. In this study, to develop repellents and an attractant–repellent push–pull strategy for F. occidentalis, we investigated the effects of α-pinene and eucalyptol on their oviposition on pepper plants in cage experiments and evaluated the control efficiency of repellents on them in pepper fields. The control efficacy of a combination of aggregation pheromone attractants and plant volatile repellents was also investigated. The results showed that spraying eucalyptol (at the dose of 200 μL) and α-pinene (at the dose of 100 μL) significantly reduced the oviposition behavior of F. occidentalis in cage experiments. Field results showed that the application of eucalyptol and α-pinene could significantly reduce the population of F. occidentalis in the field, with the highest control efficacy of 80.96% and 66.66%, respectively. Furthermore, a push–pull strategy combining thrips-repellent eucalyptol and aggregation pheromone lures was an effective strategy to suppress a population of thrips in the field, with the highest control efficacy of 81.95%. The repellents and push–pull strategy developed here provided an effective method for the eco-friendly control of F. occidentalis. Full article

Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) is a polyphagous pest of significant agricultural importance in the Americas, yet its nutritional and pheromone-related variations remain to be understood. This study evaluated the effects of larval diet and female adult age on life-cycle parameters, fertility, survival, and pheromone gland composition in C. decolora reared on Alstroemeria leaves (primary host), cauliflower florets (secondary host), and an artificial diet. While the overall life-cycle duration was similar among diets, Alstroemeria-fed larvae showed the highest fertility and adult longevity. Diet strongly influenced pheromone gland chemistry, with multivariate and quantitative analyses revealing significant diet- and age-dependent variations in key pheromone components, including (Z)-tetradec-9-enyl acetate (Z9-14:Ac) and (Z)-tetradec-9-en-1-ol (Z9-14:OH). Females reared on Alstroemeria exhibited enhanced pheromone production, whereas artificial diets favored higher alkane accumulation. These findings demonstrate nutritional modulation of pheromone biosynthesis and highlight the importance of diet standardization in insect rearing and semiochemical-based pest management strategies. Full article