Root-knot nematodes (RKNs), Meloidogyne spp., exhibit a broad host range, threatening more than 3000 species of plants, including agriculturally important crops such as cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and rice (Oryza sativa). Among the over 90 RKN species, the four most prevalent are M. incognita, M. arenaria, M. javanica, and M. hapla, with M. incognita being the most damaging. This paper reviewed the current RKN management strategies, including chemical nematicides, biological control, crop rotation, and resistant varieties, with a focus on the application of the revolutionary CRISPR/Cas genome editing tool in developing RKN resistance in plants. CRISPR/Cas has been widely utilized for improving crop traits due to its specificity, streamline, and inheritability. Recent progress has demonstrated the simplicity and robustness of CRISPR/Cas technology in improving plant traits. Among these, the development of nematode resistance by CRISPR/Cas knocking out of plant compatibility factors in model and commercial plants, has achieved significant progress. This review summarizes the RKN parasitism mechanisms and plant compatibility factors that would be promising CRISPR/Cas targets. The fundamentals and key aspects of CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology are addressed and discussed, and an example experimental pipeline for developing nematode resistance in cotton is described.

Abstract Background Invasive species are alien ones that are not a significant pest in their origin under the pressure of natural enemies; however, they cause economic damages by increasing their population in the introduced region. In areas newly introduced to invasive species, population growth leads to ecological imbalance and significant economic losses, particularly in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Orosanga japonica , Melichar, 1898) (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) being one of invasive species, was introduced to the Black Sea Region of Türkiye from the neighbouring country Georgia in the early 2000s and became an agenda item as both an agricultural pest and an urban pest until 2020. Results Orosanga japonica has been on the agenda in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye between 2010 and 2020, especially in July and August. However, despite public pressure, chemical control was not carried out against the pest, and cultural control methods were applied. In October 2019, Beauveria bassiana , an important entomopathogen fungus, was detected on nymphs and adults of O. japonica on leaves and shoots of kiwi plants in the Kemalpaşa district of the Artvin province. It spread throughout the region within three years of detection. It reduced the population of the pest and eliminated it as a concern for the region. Conclusion Orosanga japonica was firstly recorded in Türkiye in 2009, and many research studies have been carried out on the pest with the increase in the pest’s spread and population. Almost all of these studies are related to biology, cultural, mechanical, and biological control of the pest in addition to chemical control. The most important reason for this is that tea is intensively cultivated in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye, where the pest is transmitted and spread. Chemical pesticides are not used on tea plantations; only chemical fertilizers are applied. In addition, the abundant rain and humidity of the region create suitable conditions for entomopathogens in biological control. In this review, the process of avoiding chemical control against this species, placing the pest under natural enemy pressure, and several suggestions for these processes are given. It is thought that this study, which includes some suggestions based on experience, can be an important model for the development of control strategies that should be applied against similar invasive pest species.

Aims: To assess the lethal and sublethal effects of maize-associated bacterial endophytes against Spodoptera frugiperda under laboratory conditions and to identify the most effective isolate through molecular characterization for its potential in biological control. Study Design: Completely randomized laboratory experiment with eight endophytic isolates and an untreated control. Place and Duration of Study: MRC, ARI, Department of Plant Pathology, PJTAU during 2025. Methodology: Eight maize endophytic bacterial isolates (ESB-1 to ESB-8) were tested on second-instar larvae of S. frugiperda using in vitro bioassays. Observations included larval mortality, relative growth rate, efficiency of conversion of ingested food, feeding deterrence index, pupation, adult emergence, and developmental duration. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and compared with control. The superior isolate was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and BLAST analysis. Results: Treatments differed significantly for all parameters (p < 0.05). Isolate ESB-8 caused maximum larval mortality (50.88 ± 0.57%) over control (5.00 ± 0.14%). It recorded the lowest growth rate (0.15 ± 0.005) and food conversion efficiency (8.58 ± 0.52) with highest feeding deterrence (42.96 ± 1.69%). ESB-8 markedly reduced pupation (52.93 ± 4.14%) and adult emergence (55.96 ± 6.61%) and extended larval (17.20 ± 1.47 days) and pupal periods (9.43 ± 0.69 days). Isolates ESB-1, ESB-2 and ESB-6 showed negligible effects. The effective isolate ESB-8 was identified as Bacillus subtilis (GenBank: PV876730). Conclusion: The endophytic isolate Bacillus subtilis (ESB-8) demonstrated pronounced toxic and growth-disrupting effects on S. frugiperda and represents a viable biopesticide for development of eco-friendly pest management strategies in maize.

Heritable symbionts are key modulators of host biology, influencing reproduction and fitness. While antibiotic removal of symbionts is common, non-target effects on host fitness are often understudied. This is particularly true for Rickettsia, a widespread reproductive manipulator, and a stable, long-term (i.e., >7 generations) cured lineage in Hymenoptera has been lacking. This study aimed to fill this methodological gap by generating a cured bisexual lineage of parasitoid wasp with non-target effects of such treatments. Thus, we investigated not only the efficacy but also the non-target effects of three antibiotics: rifampicin, tetracycline, and sulfadiazine, administered at five concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/mL) in Rickettsia-infected thelytokous parasitoid Anastatus gansuensis (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae). Survival, parasitism, emergence, and male rate were evaluated to determine the safety of antibiotic treatments, while Rickettsia titer reduction was used to assess elimination efficacy. Results showed that at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL, tetracycline and rifampicin had minimal negative effects on host survival, parasitism, and emergence rates. However, prolonged exposure effectively eliminated Rickettsia, leading to the exclusive production of male offspring. Notably, short-term rifampicin feeding (0.01 mg/mL) across multi-generations successfully established a stable Rickettsia-cured bisexual line, confirmed via diagnostic PCR, quantitative PCR, and reproductive phenotyping over 10 generations. In contrast, sulfadiazine, previously effective against Wolbachia, had minimal impact on Rickettsia removal. This study provides a validated protocol for generating genetically stable aposymbiotic lines and a framework for assessing antibiotic specificity and non-target effects, enabling future studies of host adaptation and biological control in Rickettsia-cured parasitoids.

The widespread use of synthetic pesticides in agricultural contexts has caused various environmental and health issues, including contamination of food, soil and water, as well as the development of resistance in target pests. Biopesticides and plant-derived natural compounds are increasingly promoted as sustainable alternatives due to their reduced toxicity, enhanced biodegradability and compatibility with organic farming. Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest that poses a significant challenge due to its preference for ripe, ready-to-eat fruits, and the limited effectiveness of biological control methods. This study investigates the repellent activity of Origanum vulgare and Artemisia herba-alba essential oils, as well as their key constituents (carvacrol, camphor, and α-thujone), against D. suzukii. The composition of essential oils was determined by GC-MS and their main compounds-α-thujone (9.6%) and camphor (26.02%) in A. herba-alba, and carvacrol (67.05%) in O. vulgare-exhibited a repellent activity against D. suzukii. Repellency index values in the two-choice trap assay were 0.37 ± 0.11 for α-thujone, 0.28 ± 0.07 for camphor, 0.58 ± 0.13 for carvacrol, and -0.57 ± 0.13 for O. vulgare EO. In no-choice oviposition bioassays, carvacrol reduced egg-laying by 51% compared to controls, whereas in paired-choice oviposition assays, O. vulgare EO stimulated egg-laying. Overall, our results contribute to the development of alternative pest management strategies against D. suzukii that align with the principles of integrated pest management and organic farming, thereby reducing dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides.

Leucoptera malifoliella has become a severe leaf-mining pest in Chinese apple orchards, especially under expanding organic and green cultivation practices, with effective management hindered by insufficient contemporary ecological data. To fill this gap, this 2023–2025 study conducted in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, combined field monitoring, morphological analysis, flight mill assays, and parasitoid release trials to clarify the moth’s phenology, develop rapid pupal sexing methods, quantify adult flight capacity, and assess Trichogramma dendrolimi biocontrol potential. The results showed five annual generations (overwintering as pupae), peak damage in July–August, and marked generational overlap. A reliable pupal sexing method was established via genital opening morphology. Adult flight peaked at 3 days post-emergence (max distance: 1.223 km), with no sexual dimorphism. Timely T. dendrolimi releases boosted parasitism rates, achieving 23.4–49.6% control efficacy during peak damage, with the parasitism rate positively correlated with efficacy. This study confirms the moth’s potential for generational increase under climate warming and medium-distance dispersal capacity, validating Trichogramma’s utility and laying a scientific foundation for precise, regionally coordinated ecological management.

These results highlight irradiated Ch-NPs as a promising, eco-friendly, and sustainable component of integrated disease management strategies, offering a viable alternative to conventional chemical fungicides for controlling Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami in sesame cultivation. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. sesami, poses a major limitation to sesame productivity. To develop a more efficient control approach, chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-NPs) were synthesized and exposed to 24kGy of gamma irradiation, a process that improves their structural uniformity and enhances their functional properties. The antifungal activity was tested under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions, either alone or in combination with Trichoderma reesei, Bacillus subtilis, and the commercial fungicide Maxim-XL. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV, FTIR, and TEM analysis. UV analysis confirmed the nanoparticle spectrum with a maximum absorbance at 224nm. Using transmission electron microscopy, it was found that by gamma irradiation, Ch-NP size was reduced from 89.08-113.63nm to 48.11-56.22nm, which, in turn, made it more uniform and bioactive. Irradiated Ch-NPs (250µL L⁻1) demonstrated the ability of almost complete inhibition of F. oxysporum growth in vitro, along with controlling the disease incidence and severity in greenhouse and field tests, which is equal to that of Maxim-XL. Among the biological agents tried, T. reesei was the best in giving an antagonism of 76.3% inhibition. Treatment with irradiated Ch-NPs and T. reesei enhanced sesame growth and productivity, reflected in greater plant height, more capsules, and higher seed yield, and also elevated the activities of defense-related enzymes-peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, chitinase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The study therefore sought to assess the effectiveness of gamma-irradiated chitosan nanoparticles, used in combination with biological control agents, as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides for managing the disease.

Resistance evolution in parasitoid biocontrol: understanding the rule, managing the exceptions.

ABSTRACT Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), an invasive pest, poses a major threat to agricultural productivity and food security in China. This study evaluated the biological control potential of the native parasitic wasp Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) against third-instar S. frugiperda larvae. We examined the developmental dynamics of M. pulchricornis under different temperatures, its functional response to varying host densities, lifetime parasitism capacity, and larval morphological characteristics. Results showed that increasing temperature accelerated development but reduced emergence rates, with optimal performance at 26 °C. Functional response analysis indicated a Type II model, with parasitism escalating as host density increases before reaching saturation. Adults exhibited a continuous parasitism period of up to 22 days and parasitised an average of 131 hosts throughout their lifespan. Semi-field trials further confirmed its capacity to suppress S. frugiperda populations, achieving a 90.8% larval reduction and 52.0% corrected control efficacy, with parasitism and cocoon formation rates of 60.4% and 54.2%, respectively. Collectively, this study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the development, parasitic capacity, and field efficacy of M. pulchricornis against S. frugiperda in China, offering crucial insights for its application in integrated pest management.

Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) is one of the most problematic invasive plants threatening agricultural lands in the northern Middle East. Its recent widespread occurrence has raised serious concern, as one of the major problems associated with lands infested by this weed is its allelopathic effect on successive crops. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the allelopathic effect of different concentrations of its aqueous extracts on the germination and seedling development of three potential successive crops, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), broad bean (Vicia faba L.) and flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) and to screen its chemical components. All tested concentrations of the plant extract had a negative impact, inhibiting germination and suppressing seedling growth. The highest concentration (12.5 %) inhibited germination of wheat and broad bean by 100 %, while flax seeds showed complete germination inhibition at concentration of 7.5 % and above. Furthermore, the lower concentrations exhibited an inhibitory effect on growth over time, likely due to the accumulation of active substances within seedlings, preventing normal germination and development. The results of the chemical composition analysis also indicated that the residues of this plant contain a considerable amount of bioactive secondary metabolites known to inhibit seed germination, particularly glycosides and terpenes. The study's findings demonstrate the adverse impact of this plant’s spread and recommend implementing all possible measures to limit its further expansion. Conversely, the study highlights the potential use of its bioactive compounds as natural agents for biological control.

Parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera) are important biological control agents, yet studies on the function and evolution of their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain limited. To address this gap, we systematically identified GPCRs in seven representative hymenopteran species based on evolutionary relationships, and found notable contraction compared to basal hymenopterans. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis revealed extensive contraction in Family A GPCRs and methuselah-like (mthl) genes. Among the species analyzed, Gregopimpla kuwanae was selected for detailed experimental studies due to its relatively large size and suitability for laboratory manipulation. Temporal gene expression analysis in G. kuwanae showed that opsins and biogenic amine receptors exhibit low expression during the larval stages, likely reflecting adaptations associated with its parasitic lifestyle. Moreover, transcriptomic comparisons before and after initial host feeding in G. kuwanae showed 63 GPCRs showing higher expression before feeding, suggesting their involvement in host detection and feeding initiation. Notably, we found that short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and its receptor are highly expressed in females before their initial host-feeding experience, and RNAi knockdown of either gene significantly reduced both feeding motivation and intake, confirming their key function in parasitic feeding behavior. Together, our study elucidates how a streamlined GPCR repertoire supports essential life-history traits in parasitic wasps and provides a framework for leveraging these receptors in targeted biological-control strategies.

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

Fengycin-producing Bacillus subtilis alleviate strawberry fusarium wilt disease by activating microbial community structure.

Winter CO2 temporal variations in a northern temperate bay: role of biological processes.

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch, is a significant pest in strawberry cultivation worldwide, causing substantial crop damage and economic losses. Biological control using predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot and Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) is an essential component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. However, the efficacy of these natural enemies can be negatively affected by acaricide applications. This study assessed the sublethal effects of two acaricides; bromopropylate, a synthetic agent, and GC-Mite, a botanical formulation, on the life history and population growth parameters of A. swirskii and N. californicus feeding on T. urticae in strawberry crops. Acute toxicity assays demonstrated that both predatory mites exhibited significantly lower susceptibility to these acaricides than T. urticae, with A. swirskii showing the greatest resistance. Perinatal exposure to LC25 residue of bromopropylate and GC-Mite prolonged immature development, reduced adult longevity, and decreased fecundity in both predatory mite species. N. californicus experienced more pronounced negative effects, including marked declines in survival rates and reproductive output, whereas A. swirskii displayed greater resilience and more stable reproductive potential. Population growth parameters, such as the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R0), declined significantly under acaricide treatments, with bromopropylate producing stronger adverse effects than GC-Mite. These results emphasize the relative compatibility of GC-Mite within IPM programs due to its lower toxicity to beneficial predatory mites. Careful selection and application of acaricides that minimize harm to natural enemies are crucial for sustainable management of T. urticae in strawberry cultivation.

Substitutions in the cardiac glycoside binding site of the Na+/K+-ATPase do not explain differences in salinity tolerance between Steinernema entomopathogenic nematodes.

Wolbachia-Based Biocontrol of Aedes aegypti: Current Progress, Challenges, and Future Prospects.

Quality control of entomopathogenic nematodes through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR, 2D-COS): Tracing, modelling and prediction.

Landscape composition, but not landscape configuration, improve the biological control service in pomelo agroecosystems

First report on whole genome sequencing of Chaetomium strumarium BRFC4 and its antagonistic activity against Fusarium wilt of banana