Ultra-low concentrations of a botanical insecticide blend alter microbiota composition and gene expression in the ladybeetle Propylea japonica.

Proteomic analysis of the response of Beauveria bassiana to HY60, an antifungal peptide from Pseudomonas aeruginosa of Blattella germanica.

Precocene-I mediated reduction of juvenile hormone titers and ovarian activity is ephemeral in a bumble bee.

Insects, the most diverse group of organisms, are a global concern due to climate change. They are extensively distributed, playing vital ecological functions. Alterations in their spatial distribution can threaten human health and food security. India hosts over 67,000 insect species (Banerjee et al. 2025), and given the increased average temperatures and projected climate change for the region, understanding the vulnerabilities of these species is imperative. By utilising the widely adopted Species Distribution Modelling (SDM) techniques, insect distributions are mapped worldwide. Analysis of regional modelling studies can identify gaps, and alignment with global efforts to inform effective management strategies. In this study, we conducted a systematic review using Web of Science and Scopus databases for SDM studies utilizing occurrence records from India for known insect orders (Wang et al. 2016). The research maps trend of insect SDMs and delineates key insect groups, models, predictors, occurrence data sources, and applied disciplines. A total of 118 papers were selected for final analysis. The selection method and document list is provided in Suppl. material 1. This review covers global studies and shows a greater application of SDM to insects than previously documented for India (Roy et al. 2022, Sarkar et al. 2024). The SDM studies demonstrate a cumulative rise starting from the year 2008, with a notable increase from 2017 onwards. These studies were classified as global, regional, national, and sub-national with respect to India (Fig. 1). Spatial scope analysis showed that studies at the country level and below are fewest in number (17.80%), whereas majority of studies were conducted at global level (61.86%). Further analysis of the corresponding author’s country revealed that, beyond national level, China is a major contributor to these studies. The literature (80.51%) was identified as most utilized data source for species data. Additionally, while global studies leveraged databases like Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI), national studies primarily depend on field data. Most of the research were focused on five orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera, commonly known as beetles, true flies, true bugs, ants/bees, and butterflies/moths, respectively. These studies modelled distributions of 171 insect species from 10 orders and 90 genera. The majority of research centered on modelling the current distribution (58.25%) of insect invasions in agricultural and forested areas. Among the five orders, Hemiptera had the highest number of studies, in addition to the highest ratio of 1.21 genera per study. Two genera with the highest frequency of studies (7.63%) were of agricultural pests, fruit flies (Bactrocera, Diptera) and armyworms (Spodoptera, Lepidoptera). In the human health area, disease vector mosquitoes (Diptera) were the most studied, whereas in conservation context, studies on bees (Hymenoptera) were most numerous for their role as pollinators. A large proportion of studies (79.66%) used a single model, whereas 12.71% utilized ensemble methods. The most frequently used modelling algorithm was Maxent (88.98%), while use of other models remained below 12%. All studies used climatic data, followed by topographic variables in 27.12% studies. This analysis reveals that there is vast potential for further studying insect diversity through SDMs. Coverage across insect functional roles may improve socioeconomic relevance of SDMs, particularly to address challenges of emerging vector diseases and decline of beneficial insects due to climate change. Further, utilising a diverse array of models for comparative assessment, may increase result reliability. Increased use of diverse data sources at national level can identify data inaccuracies and promote better data publishing practices in the region. The increased data application in SDMs may also encourage higher data generation for various species of local importance through collaboration of scientific experts and database managers. This study underscores the criticality of prioritizing national biodiversity data management as a measure for climate change adaptation and emphasizes the need for advanced biogeographic research to inform evidence-based actions.

This study highlights compost tea as an effective and eco-friendly option for controlling Icerya aegyptiaca and Tetranychus urticae while being safer for beneficial predators like Chrysoperla carnea. Etoxazole is an effective acaricide for controlling mites, especially spider mites, by preventing them from molting and stopping egg development. Etoxazole is a good choice for integrated pest management because it is selective and safe for beneficial insects. Compost tea (at the concentrations of 50%, 60% and 70%) was applied (as foliar spray, soil addition and mixture of foliar spray+ soil addition) on rosemary plants, Rosmarinus officinalis L. infested with the Egyptian mealybug, Icerya aegyptiaca (Douglas) and common bean plants, Phaseolus vulgaris L. infested with the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch in addition to treated the mentioned pests by the pesticide and acaricide treatments, bifenthrin and etoxazole, respectively under greenhouse conditions. Although the populations of the two tested pests, I. aegyptiaca and T. urticae, were significantly reduced. The compost tea and bifenthrin was the most effective on I. aegyptiaca. Bifenthrin had an indirect effect on the predator of C. carnea, and showing a clear negative effect on the tested larvae unlike the compost tea treatments, where overall mortality rates of the predator larvae were often less than 50%.

Introduction: The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is a hymenopteran insect of high economic importance to humans, primarily due to its ecological role. Like other living organisms, this beneficial insect is susceptible to various pests and diseases, some of which severely affect colony activity, leading to increased mortality and weakening or loss of colonies. Among the most destructive pests is the Varroa mite, which infests larvae, pupae, and adult bees. The danger of Varroa lies in its rapid reproduction and widespread dissemination, ultimately resulting in colony collapse. This study aimed to molecularly identify Varroa mite collected from apiaries in Al-Diwaniyah province, determine their genetic sequence, construct a phylogenetic tree, and analyze the nucleotide sequence diversity of local isolates (Varroa sp. IQD). The sequences were then compared with other reference strains from NCBI using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene. Methods: DNA was extracted from Varroa isolates, and its quality was verified on agarose gel. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was employed to amplify an 821 bp fragment of the COX1 gene. The amplified products were sequenced and aligned using ClustalW. Phylogenetic trees were constructed in MEGA 6.0 using the UPGMA and Maximum Likelihood methods to compare local isolates with reference strains. Results: The findings revealed a high genetic similarity between the local isolates (Varroa sp. IQD.1–IQD.5) and the reference strain Varroa destructor (GQ379069.1), with a homology of 99.48%. Conclusion: The study concludes that the Varroa mite prevalent in Iraq is Varroa destructor, a parasitic mite globally known for its destructive impact on honey bee colonies.

Herbivorous insects can shape the epidemiology of disease in plants by vectoring numerous phytopathogens. While the consequences of infection are often well-characterized in the host plant, the extent to which phytopathogens alter the physiology and development of their insect vectors remains poorly understood. In this review, we highlight how insect-borne phytopathogens can promote vector fitness, consistent with theoretical predictions that selection should favor a mutualistic or commensal phenotype. In doing so, we define the metabolic features predisposing plant pathogens to engage in beneficial partnerships with herbivorous insects and how these mutualisms promote the microbe's propagation to uninfected plants. For the vector, the benefits of co-opting microbial pathways and metabolites can be immense: from balancing a nutritionally deficient diet and unlocking a novel ecological niche to upgrading its defensive biochemistry against natural enemies. Given the independent origins of these tripartite interactions and a number of convergent features, we also discuss the evolutionary and genomic signatures underlying microbial adaptation to its dual lifestyle as both a plant pathogen and an insect mutualist. Finally, as host association can constrain the metabolic potential of microbes over evolutionary time, we outline the stability of these interactions and how they impact the virulence and transmission of plant pathogens.

Reports of serious and widespread insect declines have been a source of concern for years, but long-term changes in migratory insect communities-which are important components of large-scale ecosystem functioning-are still little understood. Most migratory insects fly at high altitudes, making quantitative investigation problematic. Aerial trapping is the oldest sampling method, and generally still the only one that can provide information on species identity and adequately sample the smaller species. However, aerial sampling is laborious, and thus sampling periods are usually not continuous and sampling sites are sparsely scattered worldwide. To address these issues, we integrated existing data obtained by sampling from aerial platforms (and some high-mountain netting in East Asia) in a comprehensive analysis. We found that, between 1926 and 2017, the aerial density of high-flying migratory insects from samples taken about 200 m above Europe (eastern United Kingdom), North America (southern and central United States), and Asia (east-central China, India, and the Philippines), remained relatively stable overall. Additionally, some key migratory agricultural pests have significantly increased over this period, indicating that the non-pest portion of the aerial migrant community may have declined. Changes in the community structure of high-altitude migratory insects will be closely associated with large-scale ecosystem changes. Thus, apart from continued long-term monitoring of agricultural insect pests and the development of diversified prevention and control methods, there is a need to protect the diversity of non-pest and beneficial migratory insects.

Small organic ligands for the ecdysone receptor - agrochemicals, gene switches, and beyond.

Aphids pose a significant threat to crop production, highlighting the need for sustainable pest management strategies. Plant-derived compounds are well-known as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. However, the role of methyl chavicol (MC), a phenylpropanoid found in several plant species, in inducing plant defence through exogenous application remains unexplored, despite its demonstrated insecticidal properties against various pests on direct exposure. This study aims to investigate the impact of exogenous MC applications on Brassica assessing performance and behaviour of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Aphididae) and its parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Braconidae). Therefore, we assessed aphid survival and fecundity on MC-treated and untreated (control) plants using clip cages and evaluated behavioural responses through settlement and Y-tube olfactometer assays. Additionally, we conducted foraging and parasitism bioassays to examine performance of the natural enemy A. gifuensis on MC-treated plants. Our results showed that M. persicae exhibited higher fecundity on MC-treated plants compared to controls, indicating that MC treatment made the plants more favourable for aphid reproduction. Similarly, A. gifuensis demonstrated enhanced preference and parasitism behaviour towards MC-treated plants, suggesting that MC could help recruit the parasitoid. These findings suggest that MC may act as a modulator of plant defence, altering insect-plant interactions while maintaining compatibility with beneficial insects, offering a promising approach for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in Brassica crops.

Vector-borne diseases account for 17% of all infectious diseases. The most effective strategies for controlling these diseases have focused on decreasing the vector population, primarily through the use of insecticides. Many insecticides have no specific targets, harming pollinators and beneficial insects. Additionally, the vector populations are developing resistance, reducing the effectiveness of these strategies and increasing ecological damage. Double-strand RNA (dsRNA) is widely used in insects to study gene function by knocking down their expression. Recently, this technology has been applied to develop RNAi-based insecticides for controlling agricultural pests. These biopesticides demonstrate high specificity, as insects do not develop resistance to them, and they cause minimal ecological damage. These pesticides knock down the expression of key genes related to vital functions, development, and reproduction, which affects the insect life cycle and consequently decreases their populations. This review focuses on using RNA interference (RNAi)-based insecticides for controlling major insect vectors, including mosquitoes, kissing bugs, and ticks. We examine the advancements and challenges associated with this technology, considering the complex life cycles and feeding behavior of these insects. Furthermore, we discuss gaps in knowledge about vector biology and delivery strategies for dsRNA, which need to be addressed to enhance the application and efficiency of this emerging technology for controlling vector-borne diseases.

Widespread application of chemical pesticides may result in the destruction of beneficial insects, causing a resurgence of pests that had been managed in ecosystems for many years. To safeguard these beneficial organisms, it is essential to mitigate the non-target effects of most pesticides; however, this requires understanding the potential native natural enemies in the ecosystem and evaluating their possible ecosystem services against current spodopteran pest threats. Studies on the host range of fall armyworm and its natural enemies were undertaken at SKUAST-Jammu for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) was encompassing by fortnightly surveys across three distinct areas in Jammu district viz., Nagrota, Marh and R.S. Pura Block. The widespread infestations of fall armyworm (FAW) were observed on varied host plants viz., maize, cowpea, chilli, sorghum, sugarcane, cabbage and cauliflower, belonging to four major families (Poaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Brassicaceae). The detailed studies on pest status revealed that fall armyworm was a major pest on maize in Nagrota, Marh and R.S. Pura Block during both years. Among natural enemies, ten natural enemies categorised into predators and parasitoids of fall armyworm were recorded in the maize ecosystem. Among the parasitoids, Chelonus sp., Campoletis chlorideae, Cotesia sp. and Tetrastichus howardi were recorded parasitising various stages of the fall armyworm life cycle. Alongside the parasitoids, a significant number of predators were meticulously recorded within the maize ecosystem. Among them, the presence of the formidable Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) as a predator of fall armyworm was also observed. Thus, fall armyworm infestation, particularly in maize, with minor infestations observed in chilli, cabbage and sugarcane and in the maize ecosystem, ten natural enemies, comprising predators and parasitoids of fall armyworm, were identified.

Low chilling varieties are those apple varieties which can be successfully cultivated in warm areas with around 200-300 hrs of chilling temperature (below 7oC). Some of the low-chilling apple varieties are Anna, Tropical Beauty, Early Fuji, Tamma, Neomi, Parlin's Beauty, Golden Dorsett, HRMN-99, etc. Apple crops have been infested by a large number of insects, including both harmful and beneficial insects, and some of them are very serious pests and need awareness to control them. The present study aimed to investigate the insects infesting low-chilling apple varieties. A study on “diversity of insects on low chilling apple varieties viz. HRMN-99, Dorsett Golden and Anna” was carried out in the Horticulture Experimental Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, India, during 2023-24. Based on taxonomic classification, the insect species were placed into 6 different orders, viz. Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Heteroptera and Aranea. Major insect pests recorded were woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), shot hole beetle and codling moth (Cydia pomonella) and the remaining 6 species were recorded as minor insect pests. Natural enemies observed were ladybird beetles, braconid wasps and lynx spider, while honey bees visited as pollinators. Also, the prevailing weather conditions of the experimental region, especially during flowering and fruiting stages, and the insects recorded in response to particular intervals of time were presented along with the weather data. The results gathered throughout the study will aid in understanding the biodiversity of insect species linked to low chilling apple plants, thus impacting taxonomy and pest control in apples, especially within the Jorhat area. Consequently, further research may be conducted to obtain a clear understanding of insect pests linked to apple in this area, thus informing pest management approaches. Furthermore, examining the effectiveness of key natural foes is crucial to decrease the reliance on chemical pesticides and protect both them and the pollinators.

Plants emit hundreds, if not thousands, of different volatile chemical compounds, although the function of most individual volatiles remains elusive. Individual volatiles, as well as blends of many chemicals, are likely multifunctional in regulating plant interactions with different groups of insects, including herbivores, natural enemies, and pollinators. However, research on these insect groups has historically been siloed, limiting our understanding of connections between different volatile-mediated ecological processes and how to apply this knowledge to agroecosystems. Here, we review recent literature on volatile multifunctionality in mediating plant interactions with insect herbivores, natural enemies, and pollinators. Ultimately, we propose that future research shifts towards a holistic approach in the study of volatile-mediated interactions between plants and insect communities. By elucidating how specific volatiles, chemical classes, and blends regulate behaviors across different groups of insects, we will uncover new semiochemical tools for controlling pests and protecting beneficial insects in agroecosystems.

The background of this study is grounded in the economic importance of Planococcus ficus (P. ficus) Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), commonly known as the vine mealybug, which is a major pest in vineyards across South Africa, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, Argentina, California, and Mexico. This pest causes both direct damage to grapevines and indirect damage by promoting the development of sooty mold, which reduces fruit quality and marketability. The limited effectiveness of conventional pesticides—due to the pest’s concealed habitats and biological resistance—combined with their negative impacts on beneficial arthropods, underscores the need for alternative and environmentally sustainable pest management approaches. The methodology of this study involved a field trial conducted in Koruk Village, Elazığ Province, Turkey, from March to October 2022. The aim of the study is to determine the repellent and toxic effects of two types of wood vinegar (WV) and hazelnut vinegar (HV) on P. ficus populations under natural vineyard conditions by using statistical data analysis methods used in basic engineering. Various concentrations of each vinegar wereapplied to the vines, and pest population dynamics were monitored. Additionally, the potential repellent effects of the vinegars on beneficial predatory insects, particularly members of the Coccinellidae family, were assessed. The results of the study indicated that wood vinegar (WV) was more effective than hazelnut vinegar (HV) in reducing P. ficus populations. Both vinegars demonstrated statistically significant, dose-dependent reductions in pest numbers compared to the untreated control. Although both treatments also exhibited repellent effects on Coccinellidae species, these effects were not statistically significant when compared with the positive control group. These findings support the potential application of vinegar-based products in integrated pest management. The conclusion of this study is that wood vinegar (WV) and hazelnut vinegar (HV), as natural carbonization-derived products, can serve as environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling P. ficus in vineyards. Their application may reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, contribute to sustainable viticulture practices, and minimize negative impacts on non-target beneficial organisms. This research introduces an innovative, eco-compatible control that could be effectively integrated into broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

The vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster), long recognized as a model organism in genetics and developmental biology, has in recent years also emerged as a problematic pest in agricultural and food-related environments. Its capacity to infest fruit, disrupt storage systems, and adapt rapidly to chemical treatments underscores the pressing need for innovative and selective pest management strategies. Traditional insecticides often lack specificity, leading to ecological concerns such as resistance development, collateral damage to beneficial insects, and broader environmental risks. Against this backdrop, molecular approaches targeting essential proteins of D. melanogaster offer promising alternatives for precision control. Recent research has identified three candidate proteins encoded by the genes CG44425, CG5151, and CG6606. Preliminary in vitro assays demonstrate that these proteins undergo rapid degradation in the presence of certain inhibitors, suggesting their potential as molecular Achilles' heels. However, the translation of this vulnerability into effective in vivo lethality, as well as the potential off-target impacts on non-pest organisms, remain largely uncharacterized. These uncertainties highlight the need for systematic evaluation before any practical application can be realized. This study is designed to fill these critical gaps by assessing the specificity, functional indispensability, and molecular accessibility of the three candidate genes. We employ a combination of biochemical inhibition assays, genetic knockdown and knockout approaches, and phenotypic survival analyses to establish the causal links between protein disruption and organismal mortality. Additionally, comparative sequence and structural analyses will be conducted to predict the likelihood of cross-reactivity in non-target species, thereby addressing potential ecological safety concerns. By integrating molecular, ecological, and applied perspectives, this work aims to identify the most promising target protein for selective vinegar fly control. The findings will not only advance our understanding of gene-function relationships in Drosophila but also lay the groundwork for next-generation insecticide design that balances efficacy with environmental responsibility. Ultimately, the study contributes to the broader goal of developing sustainable pest management strategies that align with modern agricultural and ecological priorities.

Natural enemies, such as predators and parasitoids, are essential for good agricultural ecosystems by regulating pest populations and maintaining ecological balance, which helps in reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promotes sustainable farming practices. Climate change affects these organisms, disturbing insect distribution patterns, causing changes in their life cycles and potentially misaligning natural enemies with hosts or prey due to shifts in environmental conditions. Such disruptions reduce their effectiveness in pest control, undermining agroecosystem balance. However, generalist natural enemies (e.g., lacewings, spiders, ladybugs) can adapt more flexibly to climate shifts due to their broader diet and habitat range, offering resilience against such changes. The review explores strategies to enhance the climate resilience of natural enemies, including habitat management and conservation practices they depend on. Proactive measures to safeguard these organisms are vital for maintaining their role in pest regulation despite climate change. Strengthening the adaptability of natural enemies can ensure continued natural, sustainable pest control, supporting food security, sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity protection. The paper also elaborates on how climate-smart pest management (CSPM) can improve pest control as the climate changes. By helping these organisms adapt through CSPM, these beneficial insects may continue to play a key role in natural pest management, which supports food security, sustainable farming and biodiversity and the environment.

Two invasive adelgids are associated with widespread damage to several North American conifer species. Adelges tsugae, hemlock woolly adelgid, was introduced from Japan and reproduces parthenogenetically in North America, where it has rapidly decimated Tsuga canadensis and Tsuga caroliniana (eastern and Carolina hemlocks, respectively). Adelges abietis, eastern spruce gall adelgid, introduced from Europe, forms distinctive pineapple-shaped galls on several native spruce species. While not considered a major forest pest, it weakens trees and increases susceptibility to additional stressors. Broad-spectrum insecticides that are often used to control adelgid populations can have off-target impacts on beneficial insects. Whole genome sequencing was performed on both species to aid in development of targeted solutions that may minimize ecological impact. Adelges abietis was sequenced using barcoded linked-reads from 30 pooled individuals, with Hi-C scaffolding performed using data from a single individual collected from the same host plant. Adelges tsugae used long-read sequencing from pooled nymphs. The assembled A. tsugae and A. abietis genomes, pooled from several parthenogenetic females, are 220.75 Mbp and 253.16 Mbp, respectively. Each consists of eight autosomal chromosomes, as well as two sex chromosomes (X1/X2), supporting the XX-XO sex determination system. The genomes are over 96% complete based on BUSCO assessment. Genome annotation identified 11,424 and 12,060 protein-coding genes in A. tsugae and A. abietis, respectively. Comparative analysis of proteins across 29 hemipteran species and 14 arthropod outgroups identified 31,666 putative gene families. Gene family evolution analysis with CAFE revealed lineage-specific expansions in immune-related aminopeptidases (ERAP1) and juvenile hormone binding proteins (JHBP), contractions in juvenile hormone acid methyltransferases (JHAMT), and conservation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). These genes were explored as candidate families towards a long-term objective of developing adelgid-selective insecticides. Structural comparisons of proteins across seven focal species (Adelges tsugae, Adelges abietis, Adelges cooleyi, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Apis mellifera, Danaus plexippus, and Drosophila melanogaster) revealed high conservation of nAChR and ERAP1, while JHAMT exhibited species-specific structural divergence. The potential of JHAMT as a lineage-specific target for pest control was explored through virtual screening of drugs and pesticides.

Weeds seriously affect crop yield in global agricultural production. Paraquat (PQ), as one of low cost and highly effective herbicide, is forbidden or severely restricted in production and sales owing to its lethal toxicity to humans. Creating an efficient and bio-friendly PQ formulation is crucial to facilitate the open use of PQ in world's agriculture. This study aims to construct one intelligent and bio-friendly mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCN) nanoherbicides coated with α-CD polymer (CDP) gatekeepers. MCN was prepared through the low-concentration hydrothermal way, calcined and carbonized. PEG stalks were immobilized on MCN surface by amidation reaction. The PQ was trapped in the MCN pores via physical diffusion adsorption and the robust π-π effects between electron-deficient PQ and electron-rich MCN. CDP gatekeepers were fastened via host-guest effects between the chamber of α-CD units and PEG stalks. The PQ-loaded MCN-PEG@CDP nanoherbicides integrated with multi-stimuli responses to amylase, elevated temperature under sunlight, and competitors at leaf interface to control the PQ release for efficient weed control, while appeared low PQ leakage under the simulated human gastric or intestinal conditions, low cytotoxicity to human normal cells in vitro, and high mouse survival rate in vivo. Even through the nanoherbicides inevitably contact with water or intake by beneficial insects, they appear good biosafety on zebrafish (D. rerio) and honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). The as-prepared nanoherbicides have high herbicidal efficacy and low risks to non-target species, and could promote the open use of PQ in agriculture.

Leveraging advances in RNAi and CRISPR for improved biological pest control.