Abstract The lubber grasshopper, Romalea (Taeniopoda) eques (Burmeister) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is common in desert scrub from southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southwest Texas to southern Mexico. This species is very similar to the eastern lubber grasshopper, Romalea microptera (Beauvois), but the 2 species do not overlap geographically. Romalea eques displays a bold color of shiny black with red hind wings, exemplifying aposematic (warning) coloration. The lubber has a wide host range, primarily desert annuals and various shrubs, from which it can sequester or synthesize a variety of toxic chemicals. It also is known to scavenge carcasses. Romalea eques defenses consist of a 2-tiered chemical defense. The first tier is exudation of a stored, noxious fluid that deters most predators. The second tier is a potent internal toxin that elicits vomiting in naïve predators. Experienced predators avoid these lubbers. Given their wide host range, R. eques cause occasional crop damage, especially in northern Mexico. Damage typically is localized. Specific management recommendations have not been developed for R. eques, but recommended treatment for the eastern lubber will likely be equally effective. Because of the large size and detoxification capacity of adult R. eques, insecticides are likely to be ineffective on adults and generally not recommended. Hand-picking and killing lubber adults and nymphs may be effective at low densities. However, several insecticides may be effective against nymphs and treatment, especially toxic baits, focused along the margins of crops or landscaping can prevent lubber nymphs from entering.

Abstract This review examines the challenges that prevent the adoption of integrated pest management in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cultivation in Indonesia, emphasizing the impact of Lophobaris piperis Marshall (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a critical stem borer pest in Southeast Asian black pepper-producing countries. The recommended integrated pest management strategies involve employing pepper varieties tolerant to L. pipperis, routine pest population monitoring, mechanical controls, adherence to adequate agricultural practices, and environmentally responsible pesticide management. The review encompasses technical and nontechnical aspects, addressing challenges like farmer skills, knowledge, government support, and market prices. We identified obstacles and opportunities in implementing sustainable pest management strategies, especially in the largest black pepper plantations in Indonesia. This comprehensive review provides valuable insights for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of black pepper pest management, ultimately benefiting smallholder farmers’ livelihoods and the sustainability of their pepper farming enterprises.

Abstract Bark beetle Pityogenes chalcographus is a common species that can impact coniferous forests throughout Europe, especially Norway spruce. Under typical conditions, standard forestry management practices do not lead to increased population densities or pose significant threats to forest stands. This beetle multiplies after abiotic disturbances like windthrow, drought, or snow damage, leading to localized outbreaks. P. chalcographus poses a significant threat to young spruce stands and infests the upper, thin-barked sections of older trees, often alongside Ips typographus. To effectively manage P. chalcographus, it is necessary to implement both preventive and direct control measures. Integrated pest management strategies emphasize the importance of maintaining cleanliness in logging areas, promptly removing infested trees, and reducing available breeding material, particularly fresh logging debris. Pheromone traps are primarily used to monitor flight activity. Cultural control measures involve carefully managing logging debris. This includes piling branches in shaded areas to reduce breeding opportunities for beetles. Timely logging and thinning operations are also important for reducing population growth by making trees less susceptible to attacks. In smaller areas, pheromone traps can be used to capture and to concentrate emerging beetles effectively. This comprehensive review underscores the importance of enhancing current management practices to address the rising challenges posed by P. chalcographus in spruce forests. A deeper understanding of its ecological interactions and adaptive strategies will be key to developing more effective control measures.

Abstract Insects are the most diverse group of living organisms on Earth, but their small size and structural complexity make species identification a challenging task, especially for those with less experience in entomology. Accurate identification is essential for pest management decisions in agriculture. Traditional 2D resources, such as field guides and taxonomic keys, may exhibit limitations when depicting complex insect structures, as exemplified by the intricate morphology of insect mouthparts. This study explores the use of 3D models to enhance the learning experience in insect identification and morphology education. We developed an online course that incorporated interactive digital 3D models alongside instructional videos and assessments. Participants (N = 102), primarily undergraduate students in natural sciences, completed pre- and posttests to assess knowledge gains. Additionally, they completed a survey designed to evaluate learning satisfaction, self-efficacy, limitations of the learning tools, and to collect open-ended written feedback. A paired samples t-test revealed a significant increase in posttest scores compared to pretest scores (t = −17.71, P < 0.001). Most participants rated learning satisfaction and self-efficacy above 9 on a 0 to 10-point Likert scale survey. Participants highlighted the effectiveness of 3D models in species differentiation and morphological understanding. Feedback suggested potential improvements, including expanded insect coverage and interactive comparison tools. This study demonstrates that 3D models can significantly enhance insect morphology education, providing an engaging and effective learning tool for students and pest management professionals.

Abstract Puncturevine, Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a summer annual plant, native to Asia, southern Europe, and northern Africa. It is an invasive and troublesome weed that injures livestock, lowers forage quality, and punctures bicycle tires among other things. Microlarinus lypriformis (Wollaston) and Microlarinus lypriformis (Jacquilin de Valand) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are 2 species of biological control agents that were imported to the United States in the early 1960s to control puncturevine. Despite the potentially high reproductive rate of Microlarinus weevils and their ability to induce mortality of puncturevine plants, the weevils have had mixed success in reducing puncturevine populations. Potential causes of the variable success include mismatches in the climatic ranges and biology of the host plant and insect. Integrated weed management strategies have the potential to improve the impact of Microlarinus weevils on puncturevine, but thus far have been understudied and underutilized. A review of insect biology, description of life stages, host plant, biological control use, and contribution to integrated pest management is presented.

Abstract Gonipterus platensis Marelli (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) has been detected for the first time in the Caazapá Department, Paraguay. This species is closely related to the eucalyptus snout beetle, which is an invasive pest native to Australia, that causes serious damage to eucalyptus plantations. Gonipterus platensis belongs to a complex of cryptic species (Gonipterus scutellatus species complex) that share morphological similarities, making species differentiation challenging. In addition, oothecae parasitized by Anaphes nitens Girault (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) were found. This record highlights the importance of conducting further studies on the biology and establishment of G. platensis in Paraguay as well as exploring the potential of biological control using A. nitens as a part of an integrated pest management strategy.

Abstract Agricultural production and crop yields are threatened around the world by the emergence and spread of agronomic pests, including insects, diseases, and weeds. Due to changes in precipitation, carbon dioxide levels, and warming temperatures being experienced throughout most of the world, new challenges are emerging for pest management in virtually all major cropping systems. While precise environmental impacts due to climate change are very difficult to predict, farming in the future will require new and innovative solutions for pest management. In this article, we explore the challenges of 3 problem pest species commonly found in corn cropping systems: tar spot of corn (Phyllachora maydis Maubl.), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea Boddie), and itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis). These cases illustrate how fungal pathogens may become more aggressive with changing moisture patterns, how insect pests may shift range and increase in generation number under warming temperatures, and how invasive weeds may gain competitive advantages under elevated CO₂. Understanding how pests respond to climate pressures is crucial for developing the innovative agricultural strategies needed to manage them in the future.

Abstract Adult mosquitoes are vectors for many infectious diseases, such as the dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses, and thus are significant threats to public health. Reducing mosquito populations decreases the risk of vector-borne diseases in human populations. Integrated management of mosquitoes includes targeting larvae with biological controls and insect growth regulators, while adulticides are commonly used for adult population reduction. Secondary effects of these insecticides can include insecticide resistance, non-target effects, and potential human health impacts. Emerging adult mosquito control techniques, such as sterile insect techniques (SIT), incompatible insect techniques (IIT), and use of genetically modified mosquitoes, such as Oxitec mosquitoes, are increasingly being successfully implemented. These techniques have advantages but also have challenges. The advantages and challenges are detailed, and future adoption of these mosquito release techniques is discussed.

Abstract In the United States, the Cooperative Extension System provides vital Integrated Pest Management (IPM) resources to stakeholders. Improved understanding of the IPM training needs of Extension agents serves as a resource for training development decisions. The purpose of this study was to use a Borich-style needs assessment to determine the IPM training needs of Extension professionals in North Carolina. The results of this study produced a prioritized list of IPM training needs based on 35 different IPM competencies covering six IPM categories: (i) Extension Master Gardener Volunteers, (ii) Prevention, Avoidance, Monitoring, and Suppression, (iii) Pest Identification, (iv) Pesticide Safety, (v) Pesticide Use, and (vi) Pollinators. Extension agent workshops and trainings should prioritize the top IPM training needs found in this study. The development of a new Extension agent onboarding IPM webinar and resource packet is also recommended to provide new Extension agents with baseline IPM technical knowledge.

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a new tool in the extension educator’s toolbox. 3D printing allows users to print novel, cost-effective, and as-needed products to demonstrate key Integrated Pest Management concepts to stakeholders, such as plant damage patterns. 3D printing is underutilized in extension education but can have large impacts in the implementation and education of integrated pest management. Using 2 case studies, we demonstrate the broad impact of 3D printing in invasive species education and integrated pest management practice implementation. First, we developed 3D printed spotted lanternfly egg masses to train stakeholders to properly identify infestations. Second, a soybean defoliation tool was designed to showcase threshold estimations allowing stakeholders to visually calibrate the amount of leaf damage caused by soybean leaf defoliators. We assessed the impact of these tools on stakeholder education. In both cases, we found >15% increases in stakeholder knowledge and skill compared to pre-test values. Most stakeholders (~80%) stated that they enjoyed the inclusion of 3D printed products in the extension events. These case studies demonstrate the use and efficacy of utilizing 3D prints in extension education to improve IPM programming.