During insect oogenesis, follicular cells (FCs) typically undergo the endocycle to become polyploid, thereby supporting oocyte development. The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens), one of the most destructive rice pests, exhibits remarkable fecundity. However, the polyploidization of FCs and its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that 92.3% of FCs become binucleate via endomitosis at stage 4 of oogenesis, followed by a significant increase in DNA content through endoreplication at stage 5. Knockdown of fizzy-related protein (Fzr), a key regulator of the mitosis-to-endocycle transition, disrupted the expression of cell cycle-related genes and caused a marked reduction in both binucleate FC numbers and DNA content, resulting in ovarian malformation and impaired egg development. Gene expression analyses revealed that Fzr knockdown caused aberrant expression and alternative splicing of genes related to spliceosome function and energy metabolism. Furthermore, these alterations appear to be at least partially independent of the polyploidization process. Our findings reveal a two-step polyploidization mechanism in BPH reproduction, offering insights into the evolutionary adaptation of reproductive strategies in insect pests. Additionally, this work advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cell cycle transitions and establishes a foundation for future studies on insect reproduction and pest management strategies.

The use of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for pest insect management presents a promising strategy for protecting crop yields, preserving ecosystem integrity and improving food security and safety. However, to address the natural instability of dsRNA, nanocarriers have been developed to enhance both its stability and cellular uptake in vivo. This study evaluates the laboratory efficacy of naked vs complexed dsRNA in the RNAi-mediated control of the pollen beetle Brassicogethes aeneus, a major insect pest of rapeseed crops. After selecting a synthetic cationic polymer that successfully protects dsRNA from degradation by B. aeneus gut nucleases, pollen beetles were orally exposed to either complexed or naked dsRNA targeting essential genes. Our results demonstrate that the low-molar-mass synthetic polymer nanocarrier PAEMA enhances the stability of dsRNA in the insect gut environment and facilitates its release. However, it does not lead to an increased mortality rate of B. aeneus. These findings suggest that nanocarrier systems achieving successful dsRNA complexation and enhanced stability do not necessarily result in a significant reduction of survival in pollen beetles. They also highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the complexation and release conditions specific to each dsRNA-nanocarrier system within a relevant biological context to develop effective dsRNA delivery strategies for B. aeneus control. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Tomato fruit worm, Helicoverpa. armigera (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera), has been identified as the most harmful and destructive insect pest of tomato crop. Mass rearing of this insect is necessary to obtain enough culture for conducting different bioassays i.e., to screen insecticides as tools for insect pest management under laboratory conditions. For this purpose, five artificial diets were prepared by substituting basic ingredients as flour of chickpea, mung bean, soybean, maize and common bean and tested for biological parameters of H. armigera compared with natural food i.e., okra fruit. The current study was conducted in the Laboratory of Plant Protection Division Nuclear Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Peshawar, Pakistan. The investigations revealed that chickpea flour based-diet produced healthy larvae and pupae that completed development within the minimum duration of 12.7 and 10.5 days, respectively, while artificial diets based on maize and common bean flour increased larval and pupal duration up to 17.5 and 13.4 days, respectively. Likewise, the minimum and maximum larval length of full-grown larvae ranged from 34.2 to 29.8 mm was recorded on common bean flour-based diet and chickpea flour-based diet, respectively. Mortality of larvae was maximum (20%) on natural okra diet. However, mortality was minimum (4%) on chickpea flour-based diet. Percent male and female emergence was varied in all treatments. Apparently maximum adult emergence of 86% was achieved on natural diet, followed by chickpea (83%), soybean (80.3 %), common bean (78%), mung bean (82%) flour based artificial diets while minimum of 68% was recorded on maize flour-based diet. Longevity of adults ranged from 7.6 to 9.4 days in males and 10.2 to 13.3 days in females were recorded among all tested diets. Pre-oviposition, oviposition, postoviposition, fertility and fecundity were also found better in chickpea flour based artificial diet. The male to female sex ratio obtained after feeding the larvae on different diets differ significantly and was found maximum (1:1.8) on chickpea and minimum (1:1.4) on common bean flour-based diet. Therefore, it is concluded from the findings that chickpea flour-based diet is very conducive to maintain good quality culture of H. armigera. Moreover, mung bean and soybean flour-based diets can also be used for successful rearing of H. armigera.

Introduction Maize ( Zea mays L.) is the most commonly grown cereal crop in Benin and is a staple for millions of people. However, its production is hampered by insect pests such as the fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith), which causes substantial yield losses. Chemical pest control has demonstrated several limitations, leading to the promotion of ecological approaches such as pushpull technology, which deters insect pests through strategic intercropping. Promoting this technology in Benin requires an understanding of the maize-based intercropping systems developed by Beninese farmers across different agroecological zones and ethnic groups, as well as their perception of crop associations. It is also crucial to identify the factors that have an impact on the adoption of a maize-based intercropping system. Methods To access this technology in Benin, 438 farmers from 60 villages located in seven agroecological zones, belonging to eight sociolinguistic groups, were interviewed using participatory methods. Results and Discussion According to the findings, crop association was practiced by 70.56% of surveyed the farmers in their maize fields, and four distinct crop association types and systems were documented. Farmers listed six constraints that hinder the use of maize-based intercropping systems, with field maintenance difficulty (60.54% of responses) being the most important. Cultural prohibitions or taboos (21.67% of responses) regarding intercropping systems such as maize and common beans were recorded in the study area. The practices and types of crop associations vary according to ethnic groups and agroecological zones. The push-pull method should be implemented in Benin by targeting Yoa-Lokpa and Fon ethnic groups and agroecological zones 4 and 8. For mass adoption of the push-pull technology by Beninese farmers, it is necessary to implement participatory methods such as farmer field schools or field days and target farmers with extensive agricultural experience.

Characterizing biological parameters of Myzus persicae biotypes and diagnosing R81T linked neonicotinoids resistance.

The global migratory pest, Spodoptera frugiperda, has garnered widespread attention due to the serious damage it inflicts on agricultural productivity, particularly in maize. Thymol is a phytochemical that exhibits functional diversification in plant defense, encompassing antibacterial activities and insect pest management. However, the impact of thymol on S. frugiperda is still undetermined. This study examined the growth inhibition and mortality induction in S. frugiperda larvae after thymol exposure. The detrimental effects of 2.0 and 4.0 mg/g thymol treatments on the growth and development of S. frugiperda were also examined. RNA-Seq was used to investigate the probable toxicological mechanism of thymol on S. frugiperda, resulting in the identification of 1754 and 1022 DEGs impacted by 2.0 and 4.0 mg/g thymol treatments, respectively. The DEGs associated with chitin metabolism and cuticle synthesis, hormone biosynthesis, and protein and fat digestion were subjected to additional analysis. Our findings demonstrate the efficacy of thymol in controlling S. frugiperda and lay the groundwork for understanding the molecular toxicological mechanisms of thymol on larvae.

Ecologically based non-chemical strategies for sustainable management of rice insect-pests

Entomopathogenic fungi show great potential as biological control agents for managing insect pests. However, host defenses have limited the effectiveness of these fungi in practice. Utilizing genetic engineering-based technology could be a promising strategy to enhance the killing efficiency of these fungi against insect pests. In this study, we identified a gene Lysyloxidase (SfLox) in Sogatella furcifera, with a Scavenger receptor Cys-rich domain that significantly responds to infection by the fungus Metarhizhium anisopliae. RNA interference (RNAi) targeting this gene reduced the survival of the host S. furcifera when infected with M. anisopliae. Additionally, introducing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting SfLox into M. anisopliae, resulting in the genetically engineered strain M. anisopliae-Sfox-RNAi, eventually enhanced its virulence against the rice pest S. furcifera. Further research demonstrated that genetically engineered M. anisopliae promoted the formation of hyphal bodies in the host's body compared to the wild strain, while also disrupting the host's immune responses. Expressing host Lysyloxidase dsRNA in M. anisopliae improved its virulence against insect hosts and facilitated its proliferation within the host's body. This study proposes that the combination of dsRNA with entomopathogenic fungi through genetic engineering could serve as an effective approach for controlling insect pests. This offers a promising opportunity to enhance pest management strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

The experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India during Rabi, 2022-23 for the management of major lepidopteran insect pests of cabbage. The treatments viz., Isaria fumosorosea 5g/L, Beauveriabassiana4g/L, Neem Seed Pellets Powder-NSPP 30g/L, commercial neem product 1500 ppm (Neemsuper-1500) 2ml/L, Lecaniciliumlecani4g/L, Commercial Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis var kurt saki) 2ml/L, Metarhizium rileyi 4g/L, Metarhizium anisopliae 4g/L and control were laid put in Randomized block Design and applied twice with three replications. Data indicated that per cent reduction in the larval population of DBM over untreated check was maximum in both the sprays commercial Bt(92.77%; 90.76%) followed by Beauveria bassiana (91.69%; 90.00%). Whereas, per cent reduction of head borer population was maximum with commercial neem (70.56%; 74.71%), followed by commercial Bt (61.93%; 65.19%). Commercial Btobtained a higher yield (20.01 t/ha). The field efficacy of eco-friendly bio-rational indicated that promising insecticides can be used as an alternative to chemical management.

Mating often changes behavior and physiology of female insects. In many species, these changes have been attributed to receipt of seminal fluid molecules (SFMs). SFMs influence phenotypes including feeding, egg production, and response to male courtship and insemination attempts. These same phenotypes are potential targets for management of insect pests. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the primary vector of several pathogens including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Within an hour after an initial insemination, female Ae. aegypti are generally refractory to subsequent inseminations, a response attributed to SFMs. However, the specific molecules involved in inducing long-term insemination refractoriness have not been identified. In a previous study, we identified adipokinetic hormone (AKH) precursor protein as an SFM in Ae. albopictus. AKH is a well-studied insect neuropeptide that impacts phenotypes including those related to metabolism, locomotion, and reproduction. In this study, we investigated whether AKH is an SFM in Ae. aegypti and whether it impacts female re-insemination patterns. We first established that AKH is produced in the male reproductive tract and transferred to females during mating, and is, therefore, an SFM. We then created an AKH-null line which allowed us to demonstrate that seminal fluid AKH contributes to long-term insemination refractoriness of females. Together, these results have established a novel expression pattern for AKH and identified AKH as a contributor to Ae. aegypti insemination refractoriness, laying the groundwork for understanding the evolution and mode of action of novel seminal fluid proteins as well as for investigating novel pathways or approaches for mosquito control.

Essential oils (EOs) have been extensively studied as potential alternatives for insect pest management. In recent years, research on these natural compounds has increased substantially. However, despite numerous studies demonstrating the insecticidal properties of EOs under laboratory conditions, their practical application remains limited. This discrepancy highlights a significant gap between experimental findings and the development of commercially viable products. Several factors have been proposed as the basis for this gap, including the absence of positive controls to compare their effectiveness (i), the imperative need to develop new formulations (ii), and the potential toxicity of many to non-target organisms (iii). This work focuses on why the information obtained in the laboratory has not translated into the biopesticide market. A key issue is the difficulty of applying laboratory knowledge in adapting to field-like scenarios, such as spray quality (droplet size and volume), the nature of the application solvent used in the sprayer tank, and the way the insect is exposed to the insecticide (i.e., the type of laboratory bioassay selected). This challenge is primarily due to researchers' limited understanding of the application techniques used in field settings to manage specific insect pests. Many laboratory bioassays designed to measure effectiveness do not accurately reflect field conditions; instead, they often create scenarios that artificially enhance effectiveness. This results in an unrealistically high effectiveness estimate of the true potential of EOs in controlling the targeted insects.

Biological control using entomopathogenic microorganisms is a more sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides for managing insect pests in agriculture. The isolation of novel entomopathogenic microorganisms is essential to broaden the genetic base of bioinsecticides, which will enable their effective application under diverse cropping conditions. This study aimed to isolate entomopathogenic bacteria from chitin-enriched soil with potential activity against E. heros. From soil amended with chitin for 90 days, isolates CC1, CC2, and CC3 were obtained and identified as Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus altitudinis, and Priestia megaterium, respectively. Bioassays for control of E. heros indicated that the tarsal contact inoculation method was the most effective compared with dorsal contact and ingestion methods, with the tested isolates. Insect mortality increased with higher concentrations of inoculated bacteria. Isolates CC1 and CC2, using the tarsal inoculation method at the highest cell concentration (2.5 × 109 CFU mL-1), caused stink bug mortalities of 79% and 61% within 10 days, respectively. Isolate CC3 showed the lowest insecticidal activity. The bacteria CC1 (B. thuringiensis) and CC2 (B. altitudinis), isolated from chitin-enriched soil, demonstrate promising potential as bioinsecticides against E. heros under laboratory conditions. To our knowledge, these findings represent the first report of the use of B. altitudinis in the control of E. heros. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Insect parasitoids are key biological agents within terrestrial ecosystems, offering a promising avenue for controlling insect pests. Hyperparasitoids are a group of insects that lay their eggs in or on the body of parasitoid hosts, which can greatly hamper the effectiveness of parasitoids. To optimize their reproductive success, adult parasitoids/hyperparasitoids must find sufficient food sources and mate partners (when they do not reproduce parthenogenetically) and locate suitable hosts for their offspring. To complete these tasks, parasitoids largely rely on their ability to detect relevant chemical cues (semiochemicals or infochemicals). In the last three decades, the identities of semiochemicals and their ethological significance have been widely characterized, and the possibility of using these chemical cues in insect pest management has received a lot of attention. Insects have evolved a highly sensitive and sophisticated chemosensory system adept at navigating complex and dynamic chemical environments. In this review, we first summarize the semiochemicals used by insect parasitoids, primarily including semiochemicals involved in food location, host foraging, and mate finding, while also addressing semiochemicals employed by hyperparasitoids. Next, we discuss recent progress in elucidating the chemosensory mechanisms underlying parasitoid responses to semiochemicals, with a focus on olfactory and gustatory pathways. Finally, we evaluate the potential applications of semiochemicals in pest management, highlighting the roles of parasitoids and hyperparasitoids. This paper aims to establish a theoretical framework for the effective employment of parasitoids in biological control of insect pests.

Abstract Rice cultivation is a major source of sustenance and employment for a large portion of the global population. Furthermore, the growing demand necessitates an increase in production; however, this is limited by biotic stresses, such as insect pests. More than 100 species of insect pests infest the rice crop throughout its vegetative and reproductive phases, though only a quarter of these are considered major pests. Among them, the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the most destructive, capable of damaging 70–100% of the crops during severe infestations. This phloem feeder causes hopper burn in rice-growing areas and is currently managed by insecticides. But monitoring through light traps, altering cultural practices, resistant varieties, conservation of its natural predators (mirid bugs, spiders, and coccinellid beetles), and judicious use of greener insecticides (biopesticides, botanicals, etc.) will keep the pest below the damaging level. Application of remote sensing for early detection, use of insect modelling techniques for prediction, and discovery of new breeding and molecular techniques for developing resistant rice cultivars would lead to more sustainable management of this notorious pest. Information © The Authors 2025.

Editorial – Novel Genetic Controls and Biotechnologies to Facilitate the Management of Insect Pests

Background: Biopesticides offer a promising pathway toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural practices. Aims:This study aimed to inventory the diversity of biopesticides used by organic farmers in the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso. Study Design / Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out from February to July 2025 across the Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso, specifically in Ouagadougou and Koubri in the North Sudanian zone, and Léo in the South Sudanian zone. Methodology: A survey was conducted with 84 producers certified under the Participatory Guarantee System, which complies with the standards of biological agriculture. The questionnaire focused detailed information on the types of biopesticides applied, their composition, modes of use, target pests and crops, and the botanical species and plant parts used in their preparation. Chi-square tests were performed to assess whether statistically significant differences existed among the citation frequencies of the biopesticides and the plant species used. Results: A total of 21 biopesticide formulations were identified, including Kõgle-zanga, Apitchi, Ash broth, Toukgili, Solnat neem, Fertineem, Hortineem, Vitaplant, Pissezanga, and Song-Koaadba. Kõgle-zanga was the most frequently cited (71.42%), followed by Apitchi (61.90%) and Ash broth (51.19%), whereas Vitaplant was the least cited (5.95%). Nineteen (19) plant species were reported as ingredients in these formulations. Azadirachta indica was the most widely used species (85.71%; P = 0.006), followed by Capsicum annuum (52.38%), Allium sativum (35.71%), Allium cepa (17.85%), and Zingiber officinale (14.28%). Target pests include caterpillars, whiteflies, termites, mites, aphids, scale insects, thrips, grasshoppers, ladybugs and arachnids. Conclusion: The results highlight the diversity and importance of plant-based biopesticides in organic farming systems of the Sudanian zone and that producers are increasingly interested in biopesticides. They also underscore the potential of botanical extracts as effective alternatives for managing insect pests and diseases while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides.

Application of ethyl formate for the management of insect pests in commercial greenhouses cultivating watermelon, zucchini, and melon

Investigating imidacloprid resistance in Amrasca biguttula biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Insights from RNA-Seq and functional validation using RT-qPCR.

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit peel is an agro-industrial by-product rich in bioactive compounds. In this study, the bioactivity of pomegranate peels (cv. Ako) extracted with acetone, diethyl ether, and n-hexane was assessed by evaluating toxic (contact and ingestion), repellent, antifeedant, and nutritional effects towards Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) adults. Contact toxicity assays revealed significant mortality induced by the acetone and n-hexane extracts, with 24-h LD50 values of 76.93 and 81.14 μg/adult, respectively. In ingestion bioassays, at the highest dose tested (750 μg/disk), the acetone pomegranate peel extract showed a strong feeding deterrence (FDI: 80%), and significantly reduced food consumption (RCR) and relative growth rate (RGR). In filter paper repellency assays, the acetone extract induced positive contact repellency, with PR values ranging from 80% to 30%. GC-MS analysis identified sitosterol, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, and α-tocopherol as the major constituents of the acetone extract. These results highlight the potential of pomegranate peel as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds for stored-product insect pest management.

The use of entomopathogen (insect pathogen) is one of the effective strategies for managing insect pests. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Fusarium keratoplasticum against Spodoptera litura larvae under laboratory conditions and to assess its potential in controlling infestations on mustard plants. The pathogenicity of the fungal isolate was tested against third-instar S. litura larvae at a concentration of 1 × 107 conidia/mL. Both fungal isolates caused 100% larval mortality, however, F. keratoplasticum acted more rapidly than Beauveria bassiana, reaching 100% mortality within 6 days, compared to 9 days for B. bassiana. The virulence of F. keratoplasticum was further evaluated using a Simple Completely Randomized Block Design (SCBD) consisting of five treatments with different conidial concentrations (1 × 106, 2 × 106, 4 × 106, 8 × 106, and 1 × 107 conidia/mL) and an untreated control. A commercial B. bassiana formulation (1 × 107 conidia/mL) served as a comparison. The application technique involved direct exposure of S. litura larvae to the fungal suspensions. The LC50 value of F. keratoplasticum was 2.74 × 106 conidial/mL, while the LT50 value at 1 × 107 conidia/mL was 2.96 days, significantly shorter than that of B. bassiana (LT50 = 3.63 days). Under semi-field conditions, F. keratoplasticum demonstrated superior effectiveness in controlling S. litura larvae on mustard plants, achieving complete mortality more rapidly than under laboratory conditions and outperforming B. bassiana. These findings indicate that F. keratoplasticum has strong potential to be developed as a biopesticide.