Search Results (157)

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the most destructive pests of tomato crops worldwide. Its high reproductive potential and increasing resistance to conventional insecticides have made the development of sustainable management strategies essential. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), particularly when established as endophytes, has emerged as a promising approach. This study investigated the endophytic colonization capacity and greenhouse performance of three commercially available EPF formulations: Beauveria bassiana (Velifer^®), Lecanicillium lecanii (Lecan^®), and a Beauveria bassiana–Metarhizium anisopliae mixture (Metab^®), for the suppression of T. absoluta in tomato. Our experiment was conducted under commercial greenhouse conditions using soil drench applications at manufacturer-recommended doses. Endophytic colonization was assessed through surface-sterilized leaf assays, while pest suppression was evaluated via weekly measurements of larval mine length, infestation incidence, and survival dynamics. B. bassiana (Velifer^®) exhibited the highest endophytic colonization frequency and consistently reduced mine length and infestation levels compared with untreated plants. Survival analysis using Cox proportional hazards revealed significant reductions in infestation risk for Velifer^® (hazard ratio, HR = 0.420), Metab^® (HR = 0.480), and Lecan^® (HR = 0.599), relative to the negative control, whereas the chemical positive control provided the strongest overall suppression (HR = 0.287). Our findings demonstrate that commercial EPF formulations can significantly reduce T. absoluta infestation under greenhouse conditions and represent a valuable component of integrated pest management programs. Full article

The rapid evolution of insecticide resistance in Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) threatens effective pest management in key crops. This study characterized B. tabaci populations from cotton and tomato fields in Kashgar (September–October 2024) using mtCOI-RFLP for cryptic species identification, leaf-dip bioassays with 13 insecticides, and PCR detection of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). All analyzed individuals belonged to the Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species. Extreme resistance was observed to imidacloprid (RR = 320.65) and pyridaben (RR = 331.29), while nitenpyram (RR = 1.77) and the emamectin benzoate–chlorantraniliprole mixture (RR = 2.13) remained effective. TYLCV was detected in 97.5% of adults from tomato greenhouses. These findings provide a concise assessment of resistance status, species identification, and virus prevalence in B. tabaci, informing sustainable management strategies in cotton and tomato production. Full article

The relationship between insect diversity and crop production has been of continuous scientific interest. Understanding insect community dynamics using various sampling and monitoring methods at different crop phenology stages is crucial for enhancing pest management and ecosystem service functioning. The present study assessed the influence of four trap types (Blue, Yellow, White, and Malaise) applied at four tomato developmental stages (start of planting, flowering, flowering fruit development and harvest) on insect diversity in northeastern Tunisian open-field conditions. A total of 1771 insect individuals belonging to seven orders and 31 families were trapped, with the order Hymenoptera being the most common in the sampled plots, which was represented by 25 families. Trap type exerted a strong effect on both abundance and alpha diversity parameters. Yellow pan traps showed the highest diversity, with family richness (S) ranging from 1 to 16, Shannon diversity (H) reaching 2.54, Simpson (Is) diversity ranging from 0.72 to 0.90 and Pielou’s evenness (J) ranging from 0.83 to 0.98. Blue and white traps displayed intermediate diversity (Blue: S = 6 and H = 1.7; White: S = 7 and H = 1.6), while Malaise traps captured the least diverse assemblages (S = 4, H = 1.2 and Is = 0.65). These differences were highly significant (p < 0.05). Phenological stage significantly structured Hymenoptera diversity. Richness peaked at the start of planting (S = 1–16 and H up to 2.54) and declined sharply at harvest (S = 1–6). Pollinator families (Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae) were the most abundant during flowering, whereas parasitoid families (Braconidae, Eulophidae) dominated during the fruit development stage. Beta diversity analyses (NMDS, stress = 0.25) and PERMANOVA showed that trap type and phenological stage jointly explained 15.5% of the variation in community composition (R² = 0.155, p = 0.014). Although a strong taxonomic overlap among traps was observed, Indicator Value analysis revealed significant trap-specific associations, including the family Andrenidae with Blue traps and the family Scoliidae with White and Yellow traps. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that both trap type and crop phenology significantly influence insect population diversity. A multi-trap sampling strategy combining colored pan traps and Malaise traps could be recommended to accurately characterize insect communities and associated ecosystem services in Mediterranean open-field tomato systems. Full article

This study addressed the core challenge of intelligent pest and disease monitoring and early warning in smart horticultural production by proposing a multimodal deep learning framework based on multi-parameter environmental sensor arrays. The framework integrates visual information with electrical signals to overcome the inherent limitations of conventional single-modality approaches in terms of real-time capability, stability, and early detection performance. A long-term field experiment was conducted over 18 months in the Hetao Irrigation District of Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, using three representative horticultural crops—grape (Vitis vinifera), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum)—to construct a multimodal dataset comprising illumination intensity, temperature, humidity, gas concentration, and high-resolution imagery, with a total of more than $2.6\times {10}^6$ recorded samples. The proposed framework consists of a lightweight convolution–Transformer hybrid encoder for electrical signal representation, a cross-modal feature alignment module, and an early-warning decision module, enabling dynamic spatiotemporal modeling and complementary feature fusion under complex field conditions. Experimental results demonstrated that the proposed model significantly outperformed both unimodal and traditional fusion methods, achieving an accuracy of $0.921$, a precision of $0.935$, a recall of $0.912$, an F1-score of $0.923$, and an area under curve (AUC) of $0.957$, confirming its superior recognition stability and early-warning capability. Ablation experiments further revealed that the electrical feature encoder, cross-modal alignment module, and early-warning module each played a critical role in enhancing performance. This research provides a low-cost, scalable, and energy-efficient solution for precise pest and disease management in intelligent horticulture, supporting efficient monitoring and predictive decision-making in greenhouses, orchards, and facility-based production systems. It offers a novel technological pathway and theoretical foundation for artificial-intelligence-driven sustainable horticultural production. Full article

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a highly stable and mechanically transmissible tobamovirus, poses a significant threat to solanaceous crops worldwide, particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). While its transmission via human activities and contaminated materials is well-documented, the role of common phytophagous insects in its epidemiology remains less understood. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, the Hadda beetle, is a common pest of Solanaceae with a host range that overlaps extensively with that of ToBRFV. This study aimed to quantify the beetle’s capacity to act as a mechanical vector and to assess its potential epidemiological impact. Using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we evaluated beetle-mediated transmission efficiency, the persistence of its virus-carrying capacity, and its ability to vector the virus to various solanaceous hosts. Our results demonstrate that H. vigintioctopunctata efficiently acquires and transmits ToBRFV to tomato and other key hosts, including black nightshade (S. nigrum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), and eggplant (Solanum melongena). The virus was retained and remained transmissible by beetles for up to 48 h post-acquisition, providing a significant window for dispersal. Viral particles were most abundant in the digestive tract, consistent with ingestion of infected tissue, and declined rapidly on external body parts, confirming a non-circulative, mechanical transmission mechanism. Furthermore, feeding wounds created by non-viruliferous beetles increased plant susceptibility to subsequent infection from environmental contamination. We conclude that H. vigintioctopunctata acts as a potential mechanical vector that might amplify ToBRFV spread at local and landscape levels. This highlights a synergistic interaction between a native pest and an invasive pathogen, underscoring the necessity of incorporating beetle management into integrated strategies for controlling ToBRFV. Full article

Massive strandings of holopelagic Sargassum cause major ecological and economic problems, but its conversion into bioproducts offers a sustainable alternative. This study assessed the potential of holopelagic Sargassum (S. fluitans and S. natans) collected in the Caribbean as ecofriendly insecticides against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a major pest of tomato crops. Extracts were produced using green methods: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis (UAEH) with enzymes cocktails. Biochemical analyses revealed high mineral and polysaccharide contents, varying with the extraction technique. Extracts were tested at 1–6% (w/v) using clip-cage (adults) and leaf-dip (eggs) methods. All extracts reduced adult survival, with UAE and UAEH-P/C extracts achieving over 50% mortality at ≥4% concentration after 48 h (LD₅₀: 3.9–4.5%). Egg mortality was significant only with UAE and UAEH-P extracts at 6% (LD₅₀: 1.9–2.8%). These results suggest insecticidal activity through both ingestion and cuticle/embryo disruption. Although enzymatic extraction did not markedly enhance biochemical yields, extracts showed, for the first time, promising biocidal and ovicidal properties. This research highlights holopelagic Sargassum as a renewable source of natural insecticidal compounds, supporting sustainable management of both invasive algal biomass and agricultural pests. Full article

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917), commonly known as the tomato pinworm, is a destructive pest of tomato and other solanaceous crops worldwide that leads to large yield losses. Because of the increasing resistance to chemical insecticides, alternative means of control are required. This review is focused on the actual integrated management with regard to natural, chemical, and advanced biotechnological control systems for T. absoluta. Traditional chemical methods of control, most commonly insecticides, have become less efficient as resistance develops. On the other hand, natural enemies such as predatory mirids, parasitoids, and microbial organisms seem to be promising in suppressing them. Moreover, biotechnology tools, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9, and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), provide targeted and durable strategies against pests. Nano-bio-insecticides prepared using nanotechnological tools can enhance pest control through optimizing stability, toxicity, and release of active molecules. These improvements not only optimize pesticide monitoring but also contribute to sustainable farming. Integrated into a holistic IPM system, such innovative tools decrease dependence on chemical pesticides and offer environmentally friendly and effective solutions for T. absoluta control. This multi-modal approach outlines the need for further studies and the harnessing of these advanced techniques to suppress the emerging hazardous consequences posed by this invasive pest. Full article

Integrated pest management (IPM) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) on the Ecuadorian coast represents a critical challenge, given that pest persistence has led producers to abandon the crop, generating significant losses. This study compared pest population fluctuations in greenhouse and open field conditions under realistic management conditions and free infestation, considering the influence of environmental factors and applications of biorational, semisynthetic, and synthetic pesticides. In open fields, infestations were high and sustained, exceeding treatment thresholds, while in greenhouses, levels were lower, attributable to the protection of the aphid netting. Product efficacy depended on the pest and the level of infestation: Azadirachta indica, Bacillus thuringiensis, and Beauveria bassiana were effective in low infestations; spinetoram and abamectin reached efficacies between 80 and 100% in moderate infestations; neonicotinoids had variable efficacy, ranging from 47.8% to 89.9%. Since the system determines the type of pest and the level of infestation, monitoring becomes a key tool for timely decision-making. The findings show that the greenhouse limits the entry of the main pest, Prodiplosis longifila. While it does not prevent the presence of smaller pests, such as thrips and white mites, the combination of physical barriers and low-toxicity pesticides significantly reduces populations, minimizing the number of applications and the use of more toxic insecticides. The proposed strategy provides solid evidence for the effective implementation of a greenhouse to reduce pest pressure and promote IPM in protected coastal systems in Ecuador. Full article

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is among the most destructive invasive pests of tomato globally. The diamide insecticide tetraniliprole is increasingly used for its management. This study examines the sublethal effects of tetraniliprole on T. absoluta larvae, with a focus on its transgenerational impacts. Bioassays demonstrated that tetraniliprole was highly toxic to third-instar T. absoluta larvae, with an LC₅₀ of 0.029 mg/L. Sublethal (LC₁₀) and low lethal concentrations (LC₃₀) were used to investigate their impact on developmental, reproductive, and population parameters across two subsequent generations (F₁ and F₂). In the parental (F₀) generation, exposure to tetraniliprole at both concentrations significantly prolonged larval and pupal durations and reduced adult longevity and fecundity. In both F₁ and F₂ generations, concentration-dependent effects were observed—LC₁₀ accelerated development and enhanced fecundity and population growth, indicative of a hormetic response, whereas LC₃₀ delayed development and suppressed reproduction and survival. Life table analyses revealed significant changes in the r, λ, and T, particularly under LC₃₀. Additionally, the RT-qPCR analysis revealed the downregulation of development and reproduction-related genes (Vg, VgR, and JHBP) in the F₀ generation following exposure to tetraniliprole (LC₁₀ and LC₃₀). In contrast, these genes were upregulated in the progeny generations (F₁ and F₂) at LC₁₀. Furthermore, the overexpression of key detoxification genes, particularly CYP4M116 and CYP6AW1, persisted across all three generations. Taken together, these findings reveal a substantial risk of unintended population resurgence (hormesis effects) at sublethal concentrations, underscoring the importance of integrating transgenerational consequences into insecticide resistance management programs for sustainable control of this key insect pest. Full article

The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, is a major pest affecting economically important crops like tomatoes, causing significant global economic losses and exhibiting increasing resistance to pesticides. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly control method that is sustainable for both ecosystems and human health. This study used age-stage, two-sex life tables, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to analyze how irradiation affects the reproductive capacity of male T. absoluta. Compared to the control group, the irradiated offspring showed reduced total lifespan, pre-adult survival rate, net reproductive rate, and intrinsic growth rate. Transcriptomic analysis identified 232 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that irradiation impacted biological processes in male adults related to key biomolecules, hormone metabolism and synthesis, and immune responses. Of the 14 selected genes validated through RT-qPCR, 13 were identified as potential regulators of male reproductive capacity, offering possible targets for controlling T. absoluta using inherited sterility-based SIT strategies. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for applying SIT in field control and identifies potential genetic targets for managing T. absoluta populations through a genetic sterile insect technique. Full article

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production is increasingly threatened by Tuta absoluta, a destructive pest that compromises yield and quality. To explore sustainable alternatives to conventional insecticides, we investigated the jasmonate-mediated defense pathway by performing a genome-wide characterization of the JAZ gene family in S. lycopersicum. A total of 39 SlJAZ genes were identified and mapped to 12 chromosomes. Detailed analysis revealed conserved motifs, diverse exon–intron structures, four major phylogenetic groups, and the presence of multiple MeJA- and stress-responsive cis-elements. Synteny analysis indicated gene duplication events and evolutionary conservation with Arabidopsis and potato. Small RNA predictions suggested that 33 SlJAZ genes are targeted by 69 microRNAs, implying multilayered regulation. Transcriptome analysis under four treatment conditions—mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) ± pest infestation—revealed 21 differentially expressed SlJAZ genes. SlJAZ1, SlJAZ19, SlJAZ20, and SlJAZ22 were notably upregulated under the combined MSN and pest treatment, with expression patterns validated by qRT-PCR (R² = 0.92). Phenotypic assessment of leaf damage index, larval survival rate, and number of leaf mines showed reduced pest activity in MSN-treated plants. Regression analysis demonstrated significant negative correlations between expression levels of SlJAZ20, SlJAZ26, and SlJAZ29 and pest-related damage traits. These findings indicate that MSNs function as effective elicitors of JA-responsive defense in tomato and modulate the expression of specific JAZ genes linked to enhanced resistance. The study provides a valuable foundation for integrating nanotechnology with molecular defense strategies to promote sustainable pest management. Full article

Aphis gossypii is a major pest that harms crops like industrial tomatoes in Panama. Recent resistance to synthetic insecticides has prompted interest in using plant secondary metabolites as eco-friendly alternatives. While some plants with insecticidal properties are well-known, others remain unexplored but could offer effective solutions. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts from the stems and leaves of Eschweilera jefensis against nymphs and adults of Aphis gossypii. Extracts were tested at three concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µg/L), with mortality assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h post-application. The LC₅₀ values for the stem extract were 66.5, 36.8, and 31.0 μg/L, and for the leaf extract, they were 37.3, 28.4, and <25 μg/L at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. An advanced metabolomic analysis was conducted to identify the active compounds in each extract. This analysis uncovered several pentacyclic triterpenes, which, known for their insecticidal properties, are likely the key bioactive components responsible for the observed effects. Advanced metabolic analyses also revealed that the leaf extract, displaying the strongest insecticidal activity, is primarily composed of friedelin, while the stem extract contains betulin as their key active compounds. Furthermore, 29 known compounds were identified across both extracts, representing the first comprehensive report on the metabolic composition of E. jefensis, which underscores the significance of these findings. Together, these results suggest that E. jefensis extracts could serve as a promising natural alternative to synthetic insecticides for the management and control of A. gossypii. Full article

IPM approaches based on pheromone-based techniques for the management of the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), are of great interest. We evaluated the effectiveness of mating disruption (MD) experiments against T. absoluta using a biodegradable pheromone dispenser (Isonet-T TT BIOX234) in greenhouse-grown tomatoes over two years in southern Italy. A base treatment alternating the most used insecticides for the pest, i.e., the farmer treatment schedule (FTS), was assigned as a reference, and two MD dispenser densities (i.e., 300 and 500 dispensers/ha) were compared with the MD commercial product Isonet T at 1000 units/ha. We conducted two trials on crops at a density of 37,000 plants/ha. Pest flights were monitored in summer–autumn 2023 and 2024 with pheromone-baited Delta traps. The FTS ensured a generally low level of T. absoluta attacks (about 1 leaflet/leaf and 1/300 fruits). Even so, mating disruption resulted in further appreciable reductions in the presence and attacks of the target pest: 89%, 76% and 52% fewer catches; 61%, 45% and 37% fewer mined leaflets; and 76%, 59% and 54% fewer attacked fruits, for Isonet-T TT 500, Isonet-T TT 300 and Isonet T 1000, respectively. Overall, MD biodegradable dispensers could be a valuable tool for controlling T. absoluta in greenhouse-grown tomatoes, while also reducing plastic waste in the agricultural setting. Full article

The whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a small phytophagous invertebrate of herbaceous plants, shrubs, trees, wild plants, and crops of economic importance. It generates substantial economic losses due to direct damage caused by sap sucking and virus transmission. This work presents referential images of the morphology of B. tabaci and one of its main biological controllers in southern South America, thus serving as a reference for other researchers. In addition, results are presented of studies carried out to evaluate the pathogenicity of two fungal isolates (previously selected in vitro against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea and plant growth promoters) identified as Metarhizium taii CEP-722 and Trichoderma afroharzianum CEP-754 in immature stages of B. tabaci in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). The trials were conducted under controlled conditions in controlled chambers, ensuring optimal growth conditions for B. tabaci, after morphological prospection, collection, identification, and mass rearing of adults in entomological cages. The results indicate that M. taii CEP-722 caused approximately 30% mortality in the immature stages of B. tabaci, while T. afroharzianum CEP-754 did not increase mortality under the experimental conditions. This study provides new knowledge on the potential of M. taii as a biological control agent against B. tabaci, offering a promising alternative in integrated pest management strategies. The results with T. afroharzianum suggest that further methodologies or combinations should be explored to improve its efficacy. Full article

To identify highly virulent Beauveria bassiana strains against Tuta absoluta and evaluate their biocontrol potential, four strains were phylogenetically characterized via ITS sequence analysis of rDNA and assessed for virulence against second-instar T. absoluta larvae. Foliar spray and root irrigation methods were used to establish B. bassiana endophytic colonization in tomato plants, with untreated plants serving as controls. A population life table was constructed to quantify the impact of colonized plants on larval development, fecundity, and key demographic parameters. Results showed variation in virulence among the four B. bassiana strains Bb1Bm, Bb2Bm, Bb1M, and BbC with Bb1Bm exhibiting the highest pathogenicity (85.00% corrected mortality at 1 × 10⁸ spores/mL). Maximum endophytic colonization in tomato leaves was observed 14 days post-inoculation with both foliar spray and root irrigation treatments. Life table analyses revealed that T. absoluta feeding on colonized plants exhibited significantly reduced survival rates, shorter adult lifespans, and lower female fecundity compared to controls. Key population parameters, including net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r), and finite rate of increase (λ), were significantly reduced, while mean generation time (T) was significantly prolonged. These findings highlight the dual role of B. bassiana in T. absoluta management, demonstrating its potential as both a direct pathogen and an endophytic biocontrol agent capable of disrupting pest population dynamics. Full article