Abstract Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are the most important economic pests of field corn (Zea mays L.) in the southeastern United States. The most common pest species include the brown stink bug, Euschistus servus (Say), green stink bug, Chinavia hilaris (Say), and southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.). Stink bugs are highly mobile and feed on a wide range of crops and wild hosts across the highly fragmented southeastern landscapes. Because of their strong dispersal ability and the sporadic nature of their occurrence in corn, effective monitoring and implementation of control tactics can be challenging to prevent yield losses in field corn. This article provides an overview of the current literature on key stink bug species in the southeastern United States associated with corn production. A key focus of this review is on the seasonal dynamics of stink bugs in southeastern agroecosystems as related to their pest status in field corn. We discuss the suite of available integrated pest management practices for stink bugs and suggest areas for developing improved strategies in the future.

Abstract Short-horned grasshoppers (Acrididae: Orthoptera) are a key insect pest of both rangelands and croplands in the United States. There are approximately 400 species of short-horned grasshoppers native to the western United States. Of the 400 species, fifteen are economically damaging in the Intermountain West. Plant damage generally occurs from defoliation, yet grasshoppers can also feed on fruits or seeds. Generally, acridids can consume their body weight in foliage daily. Some species of acridids, however, can cause greater damage to the plant than others, as they clip the plant at the stem, which removes additional biomass from the plant than what is actually consumed. Control of grasshopper populations can be difficult as development timing varies by species. However, biological, chemical, and mechanical control tactics are available. Recent lawsuits highlight the growing need to develop sustainable management strategies for these pests. In this paper, we discuss the economically damaging acridid species within the Intermountain West along with their distribution and host range, as well as research findings that can inform the integrated pest management strategies to manage these pest species.

Abstract Two surveys were conducted to evaluate the awareness, experience, and perception of various biological pest management options. The first survey focused on horticultural crops in Oregon and Washington, assessing knowledge and use of macrobiologicals, microbial, and other biopesticides. The second survey was for California, examining the use of macrobiologicals, microbial pesticides, botanical and other biopesticides, biofungicides, and bionematicides. Both surveys revealed that most respondents are aware of these options and have used one or more of them. However, many perceive these options as expensive or less effective compared to synthetic pesticides. A large proportion of respondents in both surveys highlighted the need for increased knowledge about biologicals and their integration into integrated pest management.

Abstract Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta (Meyrick), a destructive pest of tomato, is currently mainly controlled using chemical insecticides. However, overdependence on chemical control induces resistance among P. absoluta populations and negatively impacts human health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need to adopt complementary pest control methods. Biological control of P. absoluta using integrated pest management (IPM) strategies incorporating entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) holds great promise for suppressing pest populations and reducing insecticide applications. In this review, we discuss the relevance of EPFs in controlling P. absoluta and highlight their value as an integral component of IPM programs. The review provides an overview of strategies to address the challenges that limit research, development, wide-scale commercialization, and adoption of EPFs, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. It also highlights technological advances that could improve the insecticidal activity of EPFs to harness their biocontrol potential fully. Further, the review recommends actionable measures for the broad and sustained application of EPFs as components of IPM programs for the control of P. absoluta.

Abstract Lycorma delicatula, known as the spotted lanternfly, an insect native to Asia, feeds on a broad range of plant species in the United States, including tree of heaven, black walnut, silver and red maple, and grapes. As of early 2024, grape growers in New York State have not reported spotted lanternfly-related issues. In contrast, growers in Pennsylvania experienced significant losses during the early years of infestation, with some vineyards replanting due to vine death caused by spotted lanternfly. Over time, Pennsylvania growers developed management strategies, but the threat remains significant. We hypothesize that New York grape growers, informed by the economic impacts faced by Pennsylvania growers, will adopt a risk-averse approach and will be better prepared to combat spotted lanternfly. This manuscript examines spotted lanternfly biology, life stages, and host plants while estimating potential economic impacts to inform growers, stakeholders, and policymakers about the potential economic losses in New York grape production. If left uncontrolled or if growers are uninformed and unprepared, economic losses in the Lake Erie and Finger Lakes regions could escalate significantly, reaching up to $1.5, $4, and $8.8 million in the first, second, and third years of infestation, respectively. These figures underscore the critical importance of proactive management and preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of spotted lanternfly infestations on agricultural economies. We also discuss the implication of these findings in management and regulatory efforts. Future research should focus on establishing the appropriate economic thresholds and conducting cost–benefit analyses of various pest control measures in grape production in New York.

Abstract Globally, more than 2 million tons of pesticides are used every year, and many farmers use pesticides in violation of the recommendations, which may lead to adverse health effects. The study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices of farmers regarding the handling of chemical pesticides. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and cross-sectional data were collected from 306 sample farmers using face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests were used to analyze the collected data. Farmers listed the 10 most pesticide-consuming crops and 22 common pesticides used in their farms, including abamectin (“extremely hazardous”) and P,p′-DDT. Among the participants, 53.6% and 58.8% of the farmers received training and had awareness of the negative impact of pesticides, respectively. Of the total sample respondents, 54.9% never used personal protective equipment and 50.3% never read pesticide labels. Moreover, 77.1% and 74% of respondents stored pesticides anywhere in the living room and incorrectly disposed of empty containers, respectively, while 34.7% of the farmers harvested crops within 7 d after spraying. The use of personal protective equipment is significantly associated with farmers’ education (χ2 = 6.923; P = 0.031) and experience of pesticide use (χ2 = 9.487; P = 0.023). Generally, most of the farmers had poor practice in handling pesticides, and hence, it needs consistent follow-up and recurrent training to minimize the negative impact of pesticides, and to adopt integrated pest management as pest control method.

Abstract Production of field corn in the southeastern United States is often impacted by a number of insect pests. However, surveys to assess stakeholder perception of the relative importance of insect pests and adopted management decisions for these pests have not been extensively reported in the region. A survey was conducted in North and South Carolina to address deficiencies in our knowledge about how corn producers perceive insect pests, implement management and insect resistance strategies, and understand and implement integrated pest management (IPM). The survey indicated that stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), were the most commonly managed insect pests in field corn. For transgenic corn expressing insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (Berliner), the rate of resistance management (i.e., planting of non-Bt corn refuge) implemented (59%) by growers was higher than previously reported. The majority of grower respondents identified ear development as the most critical corn growth stage for managing stink bugs (52%), with the most commonly reported management strategy being applications of insecticide at the economic threshold. Growers also reported understanding the concepts of IPM and implementing it in field corn. Assessing the adoption of preventative approaches, such as Bt corn and insecticide seed treatments, and strategies to manage insect resistance, in the case of Bt corn in particular, is critical for tailoring research and Extension efforts to protect the durability of these management tactics.

Abstract Corn is one of the major commodities in the United States, and is grown for fuel, feed, and food around the world. Much of the production is centered in the Midwest, but corn is grown throughout the country and has a national production value of $91.7 billion. Because of the substantial national economic impact of corn production, as well as the profitability of individual farming operations, crop protection from pests is critical. Corn is most vulnerable during ear and kernel formation, and pest infestations during this time can have a substantial impact on grain quality and yield. Detecting pests is one of the most important components of integrated pest management, and regular scouting can allow farmers to make timely management decisions for pests in corn. However, farmers and crop consultants sometimes do not notice ear-feeding pests of corn until the fall, or near harvest, when pests are nearly done feeding or have vacated the ear. When this happens, it can be difficult to diagnose the problem, which can be important for assessing management tactics that were used in the field during the current growing season or making decisions for the following growing season based on pest activity in the field. This article provides profiles of common ear-feeding pests, with written descriptions and photographs of typical injury to corn ears for those pests.

Abstract Invasive drywood termites are one of the most challenging species to detect in the early invasion process as they can infest a small piece of wood and be transported by human activity. Cryptotermes domesticus (Haviland, 1898) is native to south Asia and Australia and has been introduced into many other Asian countries and pacific islands, where they cause damage to furniture and wooden structures. Recently, an established colony of C. domesticus has been found in the Seoul metropolitan area, Republic of Korea, where drywood termites were not thought to be able to establish due to low winter temperatures. The discovery of C. domesticus was initiated from a post on an internet forum in which an anonymous homeowner collected alates in an apartment and asked for pest identification. This information was readily delivered to professional entomologists, and a task force was formed for inspection. During the thorough inspection, an infested sliding door frame was identified and a colony of C. domesticus was found. Instead of fumigation and localized pesticide treatment, the door and frame were removed and replaced, which was the most cost-effective control measure as the colony was only found there. Since the potential spread of C. domesticus is uncertain, the task force collaborated with the media, including newspapers and broadcasting news, to disseminate information to help recognize any additional unreported infestations. This study provides insights on how to cooperate with the media and citizens when a new invasive species is found.