Pest Management Research Articles

Compatibility of Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) with Beauveria pseudobassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) for the development of integrated pest management programmes for greenhouse vegetable crops

ABSTRACT Tetranychus urticae Koch (TSSM) (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a major pest of vegetables in the Mediterranean region and has been known for rapid development of resistance to several chemical pesticide groups. The predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has been efficiently used for the management of TSSM. Therefore, other sustainable approaches should be developed for the management of other pests along with TSSM. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria pseudobassiana Rehner and Humber (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) was reported to control several insect pests. The present study evaluated the compatibility between two local biological agents, P. persimilis and B. pseudobassiana for their simultaneous use in integrated pest management programmes. In two mite-proof cage experiments, the bioagents applied either alone or in combination were able to provide a significant reduction in TSSM population, ranging between 77 and 100% within three weeks of application, with the combined application giving the highest level of control. In the greenhouse experiment, P. persimilis resulted in 59% reduction of TSSM numbers within three weeks of its application; while the combined treatment, P. persimilis + B. pseudobassaina, gave 92.4% reduction. In the three separate experiments, and after two consecutive sprays with B. pseudobassiana applied at weekly interval, there were no significant differences in the number of Phytoseiulus between the Phytoseiulus treatment alone and the combined Beauveria and Phytoseiulus treatment. This shows that the biocontrol agents are compatible, and the combined application provided a high TSSM mortality. Therefore, for IPM planning, the combined application allows to control TSSM and other insect pests.

Assessment of enset root mealybug (Cataenococcus ensete) Williams and Matile-Ferrero (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in enset-growing areas of Ari Zone, South Ethiopia

This survey assessed the prevalence, incidence, distribution, and existing farmers' practices of root mealybug on enset (Ensete ventricosum), an important crop widely cultivated in Southern Ethiopia, such as the Ari zone. The study aimed to provide information to develop sustainable pest management. A survey was conducted in two woredas during the 2023/2024 cropping seasons. Fourteen (14) kebeles were purposively selected based on enset production potential. Data were collected through stratified random sampling across 95 farms, covering 485 enset plants complemented by farmer interviews. Findings of this study revealed a significant variation in prevalence and incidence; South Ari has a slightly lower mean prevalence and incidence than North Ari. Across both districts, the grand mean prevalence is 53.44%, and the grand mean incidence is 39.91%. Altitude influenced infestation levels, with higher rates observed at mid-altitudes (1681 and 2200 m.a.s.l.), with the corm being the most affected plant part. Farmer awareness was low, with 93.68% unaware of the pest, and most prioritized bacterial wilt. Pest management practices were limited, with 92.63% neglecting debris burning and only 36.84% applying cultural controls. The exchange of infested planting materials and poor field sanitation practices were identified as significant contributors to pest spread. The study recommends educating farmers on enset root mealybugs to increase awareness, promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and enforcing stricter planting regulations to control pest spread and ensure sustainable enset production. These findings provide practical recommendations to local farmers for improving early detection, reducing pest damage, and enhancing yields by adopting sustainable practices.

Engineering a novel entomopathogenic strain Pseudomonas chlororaphis for efficient production of double-stranded RNAs and pest control.

RNA interference (RNAi)-based pesticides are emerging as the next generation of pest control solutions. We have previously identified Pseudomonas chlororaphis strain R3-3, which exhibits toxicity towards Plagiodera versicolora. We engineered a mutant strain derived from R3-3, named P. chlororaphis BM, through knocking out the RNase III gene and incorporating a T7 RNA polymerase expression system to boost dsRNA production. We revealed that P. chlororaphis BM produced comparable amounts of dsRNA to the strain E. coli HT115 (DE3) while maintaining its insecticidal activity. Importantly, insect feeding bioassays demonstrated that P. chlororaphis BM expressing dsRNA targeted β-Actin (encoding β-actin protein) of P. versicolora and Srp54K (encoding signal recognition particle protein 54 k) of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata exhibited enhanced insecticidal efficacy compared to E. coli HT115 (DE3). The development of P. chlororaphis BM, a novel dsRNA-expressing bacterium, holds promise for pest management due to its robust dsRNA production and sustained insecticidal activity. This research paves the way for leveraging biocontrol bacteria in RNAi-based pest management strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Factors affecting the impact of Popillia japonica Newman, 1841 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on grapevine in Northwestern Italy.

The relationships between the Japanese beetle (JB) Popillia japonica Newman, 1841 and the grapevine agroecosystem were investigated in Piedmont in 2020 and 2021, to assess the impact of the species and its distribution within vineyards in relation to the proximity of environmental risk factors. Grubs were sampled by soil coring in the inter-rows of vineyards, whereas both adult beetles and defoliation were counted directly on grapevine plants. The presence of spatial autocorrelation was assessed and the influence of environmental variables (distance from woodlands, meadows and the margin of the vineyard, soil parameters, year of sampling, and year of first detection of the JB) was evaluated through generalized linear mixed models. Beetles and defoliation were more clustered at the edges of vineyards, whereas grubs were localized in few hot spots, generally close to meadows. Spatial autocorrelation was weaker for grubs with respect to adults and defoliation. Grub density depended on distance from meadows, and partially on soil features. Adults abundance was influenced by the proximity to meadows, woodlands, and their presence was clustered at the margin of vineyards. The JBs seem to rely on grapevine mainly as a food source rather than a reproductive site, preferring meadows for egg-laying: therefore, pest management in vineyards should be more focused on adult beetles rather than larvae in the vineyard inter-rows.

A Transformer-Based Detection Network for Precision Cistanche Pest and Disease Management in Smart Agriculture

A Transformer-Based Detection Network for Precision Cistanche Pest and Disease Management in Smart Agriculture

Use of commercial fertilizers in an IPDM protocol to mitigate Olive Quick Decline Syndrome caused by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Southern Italy.

Management of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) presents significant challenges due to the lack of genetic resistance in major crops, pathogen variability and resistance development against the main antimicrobial compounds, and the lack of effective chemical compounds for control. Traditional bactericides in the EU are restricted, and copper-based products are increasingly limited due to environmental impacts. In this study the antibacterial side effects of some commercial fertilizers against Xfp were evaluated. These products, containing metal ions (mainly copper and/or zinc) complexed with phosphites and bioavailable silicon, show antimicrobial and bactericidal activities in vitro which suggest their possible use to control the pathogen, as well as enhanced plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Greenhouse and open field trials showed that they can significantly reduce disease severity and pathogen population, thus improving fruit yield. The integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) strategy, which combines these treatments with agronomic and phytosanitary vector-control measures, leads to a reduction of disease symptoms in treated plants compared to untreated ones. These findings highlight the potential of systemic fertilizers to mitigate Xfp symptoms by providing antimicrobial collateral effects and probably enhance plant defenses, since similar compounds are known to be plant defense inducers in other pathosystems. Therefore, these products offer a sustainable solution for managing plant pathogenic bacteria and improving crop health and yield. This approach is crucial for the sustainability of olive production in Xf-affected areas. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies for long-term effectiveness under field conditions. Overall, the results emphasize the value of the collateral effects of some mineral fertilizers in a comprehensive strategy aimed at mitigating the symptoms of Xfp and safeguarding the agricultural productivity as well as the invaluable heritage of centuries-old Apulian olive trees.

Optimal flight height and spectral indices for detecting insect injury in peanut crops using UAS

ABSTRACT Despite technological advances in agriculture in recent decades, it has been estimated that about 20–30% of peanut production costs are still associated with pest and disease control, due in large part to the unnecessary use of insecticides without proper sampling, a core principle of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). However, technologies like Remote Sensing can be leveraged to provide time savings and speed in detecting injured plants. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the appropriate flight height and geometric resolution to differentiate healthy peanut plants from those injured by Enneothrips enigmaticus and Stegasta bosqueella using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). To achieve this, controlled and field studies were conducted using the Parrot Sequoia® multispectral sensor. Five vegetation indices (IRVI, NDVI, NDRE, GRVI, and GCI) were generated and statistically compared between infestation treatments. We observed that remote sensing with UAS can only be used to detect insect-induced injuries in peanut crops at 80 and 120 m flight heights. Additionally, only the IRVI, NDVI, and GRVI indices were effective in characterizing infestations. Our study provides valuable new information that will serve as a foundation for using remote sensing to detect insect infestation injuries in peanut crops.

Genomic patterns of strain-specific genetic structure, linkage, and selection across fall armyworm populations

BackgroundMolecular genetic approaches have become vital to understanding the evolutionary processes that act on insect pest populations. From mapping the development of resistance to monitoring and predicting pest movement, genomic tools can inform and enhance pest management programs. Here, we used whole genome sequencing population genomics to unravel novel patterns of population structure, linkage, and selection across the genome of a notorious agricultural pest, the fall armyworm.ResultsOur data strongly support the existence of two genetically distinct strains of fall armyworm in North America, which have previously been referred to as the C-strain and the R-strain. Although these strains have diverged genetically, we find that differentiation is not uniform across the genome. The Z-chromosome appears to drive divergence between strains with high levels of linkage observed across this chromosome. We also show that a region of the Z-chromosome containing a circadian clock gene implicated in allochronic reproductive isolation is under strain-specific selection. Our data indicates that strains differ in their geographic distributions and exhibit distinct patterns of geographic sub-structuring indicative of unique dispersal patterns. We provide the first evidence for nuclear genomic differentiation between the two major overwintering populations of fall armyworm in the US. Finally, our data reveal population-specific patterns of selection on genomic regions containing putative insecticide resistance alleles, which could relate to their biogeography.ConclusionsOur results support the existence of the fall armyworm as a pest dyad in the US, with genetically-distinct strains differing in their population structure, dispersal patterns, and genomic signatures of selection on regions likely involved reproductive isolation and insecticide resistance. These differences should be considered when devising and implementing management strategies.

Biological control of Schistocerca gregaria and Locusta migratoria migratorioides using Entomopathogenic bacteria

This study investigated the potential of indigenous entomopathogenic bacterial (EPB) strains from Egypt to control the two most prevalent locust species, Schistocerca gregaria (Forsskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), and Locusta migratoria migratorioides (Reiche & Fairmaire) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). To assess the efficacy of the EPB strains, experiments were conducted in the laboratory, semi field, and field. The results showed that Xenorhabdus nematophila (Thomas et Poinar) BA2 (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) and Photorhabdus luminescens (Thomas et Poinar) EGAP3 (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae) were the most effective strains against S. gregaria and L. migratoria migratorioides in laboratory settings. Under semi-field conditions, X. nematophila BA2 recorded nymphal mortality rates of 89.31% and 85.00% against the 2nd and 5th nymph instars of S. gregaria, respectively, and P. luminescens EGAP3 showed nymphal mortality rates of 88.00% and 80.00% against the 2nd and 5th nymph instars of S. gregaria, respectively. In field trials, X. nematophila BA2 exhibited the highest nymphal mortality rate of 88.70% at 7 days after spraying. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that X. nematophila BA2 and P. luminescens EGAP3 are promising candidates for environment-friendly, safe locust pest management. Further research is needed to explore and develop these bacteria for commercial use in agriculture.

Mobile Resistance Elements: Symbionts That Modify Insect Host Resistance.

Mounting evidence indicates that symbionts play a beneficial role through secondary metabolic compounds and various chemical processes in host adaptation to adversity, particularly in herbivorous insects whose survival is severely threatened by insecticides or secondary metabolite stress. Despite extensive research on insect symbionts, the spread of these beneficial symbionts and the correlation with host phenotypes limit our ability to predict and manage the adaptive capabilities of insect populations in changing environments. In this review, we propose the concept of "Mobile Resistance Elements (MRE)" to describe the dynamic and adaptable nature of resistance-related symbionts that can be transmitted between insect hosts. These elements encompass both the symbionts themselves and the associated traits they confer to their hosts, such as enhanced resilience to environmental stressors, toxins, and pathogens. The mobility of these resistance traits, facilitated through various transmission modes─including vertical and horizontal pathways─allows susceptible insect populations to acquire beneficial symbionts and their associated resistance phenotypes. By weaving together the threads of how symbionts shape host adaptability and survival strategies, this concept underscores the potential for symbionts to act as agents of rapid adaptation, enabling pest populations to thrive in changing environments and presenting both challenges and opportunities for pest management strategies.

Nano-delivery platform with strong protection and efficient delivery: preparation of self-assembled RNA pesticide with dual RNAi targets against Apolygus lucorum

BackgroundRNA pesticide is regarded as the “third revolution in the history of pesticides”. However, the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is easily degraded in the environment, and its delivery efficiency is not sufficient for pest management. This study aimed to construct a star polycation (SPc)-based delivery platform with strong protection and efficient delivery to develop a self-assembled RNA pesticide with dual RNA interference (RNAi) targets.ResultsThe nanocarrier SPc was applied to assemble with dsRNA via electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond and Van der Waals force, and the self-complexation with SPc formed nanoscale dsRNA/SPc complex. The SPc could protect the dsRNA from the degradation by midgut fluid or RNase A, thus significantly increasing the stability of dsRNA under various environmental conditions. Meanwhile, the SPc was able to improve the translocation of dsRNA across insect cuticle, and increase its plant uptake. Then, dsECR-A and dsTre-1 fragments were individually screened, and the dsECR-A and dsTre-1 fragments with good control effects were co-expressed in pET28-BL21 (DE3) RNase III − system to prepare the dsECR-A + Tre-1/SPc complex. Both topical application and spraying of dsECR-A + Tre-1/SPc complex could effectively control a piercing-sucking agricultural pest Apolygus lucorum. The SPc-loaded dsECR-A + Tre-1 could up-regulate endocytosis-related genes and down-regulate cuticle biosynthesis-related genes, which primarily inhibited insect growth and development.ConclusionsOur study comprehensively demonstrated the advantages of SPc-based dsRNA delivery platform, and developed a self-assembled RNA pesticide with dual RNAi targets, which provided a reference for the design of novel RNA pesticides.Graphical abstract

Laboratory and field efficacy of natural products against the invasive pest Halyomorpha halys and side effects on the biocontrol agent Trissolcus japonicus

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive pest causing major economic losses to crops. Since its outbreaks in North America and Europe, H. halys has been controlled with synthetic pesticides. More sustainable methods have been proposed, including biocontrol and use of natural products. Here, we conducted laboratory and field investigations to evaluate organically registered products for their effectiveness against H. halys and their non-target effect on the egg parasitoid, Trissolcus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). In the laboratory, azadirachtin, orange oil, potassium salts of fatty acids, kaolin, basalt dust, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, sulphur formulations, calcium polysulfide, and mixtures of sulphurs plus diatomaceous earth or zeolite demonstrated higher lethality against H. halys nymphs compared to control. Calcium polysulfide, azadirachtin and sulphur achieved more than 50% mortality. All treatments except azadirachtin and kaolin had negative effects on T. japonicus, with mortality exceeding 80% for calcium polysulfide and sulphur. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 in pear orchards. Diatomaceous earth alone or alternated with sulphur or calcium polysulfide provided similar H. halys control, when compared to farm strategies based mostly on neonicotinoid (acetamiprid) treatments. Implications for H. halys control in integrated pest management are discussed.

Genome assembly of Hawaiian flower thrips Thrips hawaiiensis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

The Hawaiian flower thrips, Thrips hawaiiensis, is a common flower inhabiting pest of various horticultural plant species. It damages flowers and fruits by puncturing. T. hawaiiensis shows a rapidly developed resistance to chemical control. The lack of a high-quality reference genome limits our understanding of the genetics of T. hawaiiensis. Here, we sequenced the genome of T. hawaiiensis using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology, Illumina, and Hi-C technology, yielding a genome assembly of 287.59 Mb with scaffold N50 of 13.84 Mb. BUSCO analysis demonstrated the T. hawaiiensis genome assembly has a high-level completeness of 98.7%. In total, 18,289 protein-coding genes were annotated and 26.69% of the genome were annotated as repeats. Our study presents the first high-quality genome assembly of T. hawaiiensis and lays the foundation for further studies on thrips genetic characteristics and pest management.

Dengue: epidemiology, diagnosis methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies.

Dengue is an arboviral disease caused by dengue virus, which is mostly found in tropical regions, and the number of human cases has increased dramatically since 2000, with 5.2million cases reported in 2019, according to WHO reports, 70% of which were in Southeast Asia, the Western Pacific, and Asia. Dengue infection can result in a wide range of clinical manifestations, ranging from fever to severe dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal, particularly in those with secondary dengue. This review of the aetiology of dengue fever examines the complex interactions between the virus and the immune system and the interaction between viral and host factors and also covers outbreaks, the severity of disease caused by different serotypes, and methods for diagnosis of dengue, such as serological tests, nucleic acid amplification tests, and ELISA assays for detecting the NS1 antigen. Current treatment options and prevention strategies, including vector control measures, environmental interventions, and insect repellents are also discussed. This review highlights the challenges involved in developing a dengue vaccine, which is complicated by the need for an efficient and balanced immune response against all genotypes of the four serotypes.

Natural Biphenyl-Type Neolignans as Resources of Pesticide Candidates: Assembly, Insecticidal Potency, and Cytotoxicity of Honokiol/Magnolol Analogues of Isoxazoline Hybridization via [3 + 2] Dipolar Cycloaddition.

Currently, the development of novel pesticides remains a crucial initiative to address the challenges of agricultural pest management. In pursuit of agrochemical candidates derived from plant natural products (NPs), 76 novel isoxazoline-hybridized honokiol/magnolol analogues were assembled via a [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition reaction, and their pesticidal potency and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Bioassays revealed that 13 compounds (5d, 6k, 7b-d, 7f, 7g, 8d-f, 13f, 15d, and 16h) exhibited superior larvicidal activity against Plutella xylostella Linnaeus with LC50 values in the range of 1.75-5.87 μg/mL, outperforming the botanical insecticide rotenone (LC50 = 26.7 μg/mL). Particularly, compounds 7c, 8d, and 15d showed over 11-fold higher larvicidal activity against P. xylostella than against rotenone. Meanwhile, compounds 5i, 6g, 7a, and 8a displayed better growth inhibitory effects on Mythimna separata Walker (LC50 = 0.13, 0.25, 0.34, and 0.35 mg/mL, respectively) compared to rotenone (LC50 = 0.53 mg/mL). Further greenhouse potted-plant assays revealed that compounds 8d and 15d showed superior in vivo control efficacy against P. xylostella compared to rotenone and comparable to tolfenpyrad and also demonstrated good protective effects on plants. Toxicity tests disclosed that these potent compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxicity to the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), indicating a considerably favorable safety profile for skin exposure. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis illustrated the importance of the exposed hydroxyls and newly introduced isoxazoline scaffolds in enhancing the insecticidal activity of these compounds. The novel scaffold, excellent insecticidal potency, and good safety profile position these compounds reported herein as promising leads for further pesticide candidates development. Furthermore, the present work offers valuable insights for advancing the NP-inspired agrochemical innovation.

Response of Cucurbit Fruit Fly (Zeugodacus cucurbitae) Coquilette to Gel Formulations of Protein Bait

In the integrated pest management of fruit flies, trapping is the most practical and effective component. Currently, cucurbit fruit flies are being trapped by employing the male attractant, cuelure. Protein baits attract both male and female fruit flies and they may be explored for their management. The present study was conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai, Tamil Nadu during 2022 in which, protein baits were compared with the cuelure for their attraction to fruit flies by using electroantennogram. In field conditions, effectiveness of protein bait is restricted due to water loss by evaporation thus making the bait dry. In view of this, studies were conducted to compare the preference of fruit flies to protein baits & cuelure and evaluated advanced gel formulations of protein bait in attracting fruit flies. In electroantennogram studies, female fruit fly response was found to be better to proteinex bait volatiles followed by soybean bait and cue lure volatiles. Responses of male fruit flies were uniform to proteinex bait and cue lure followed by soybean bait. Among the gel formulations of liquid proteinex bait, using olfactometer, attraction response of pectin and sodium alginate gel formulations was similar to the attraction of liquid protein bait. The response recorded in olfactometer were seen in decreasing pattern while using xanthan gum powder and carrageenan powder gel formulations attracxted more number of fruit flies. In gated cup trap choice test, pectin powder gel formulation attracted more number of fruit flies followed by liquid proteinex bait.

Binding Properties of the General Odorant-Binding Protein GOBP2 to Herbicides and Insecticides in Spodoptera litura.

We previously reported that the general odorant-binding protein GOBP2 enhances chlorpyrifos tolerance in Spodoptera litura by perceiving the herbicides. However, the direct interaction between GOBP2 and pesticides remains unknown. Herein, we verified the effect of the direct binding of GOBP2 to pesticides on the herbicide-induced insecticide tolerance in S. litura. Fluorescence competitive binding assays indicated that GOBP2 exhibits high binding affinities to the herbicide trifluralin and the insecticides indoxacarb, chlorpyrifos, and fipronil, with Ki values ranging from 1.95 to 13.01 μM. Moreover, Ala136 and Thr30 were determined as the key binding sites of GOBP2 to the pesticides through molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis. Finally, the knockdown of GOBP2 significantly increased the larval susceptibility to trifluralin and three types of insecticides. Our findings provide a valuable reference for the further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying herbicide-induced insecticide tolerance in S. litura, laying the foundation for innovative pest management strategies.

Consequences of global warming on apple orchards in the Mediterranean basin: Challenges of insect pest management

Consequences of global warming on apple orchards in the Mediterranean basin: Challenges of insect pest management

Reproductive Potential and Population Growth of the Worm Enchytraeus buchholzi (Clitellata: Enchytraeidae) Under Laboratory Conditions as Well as Regression Models

The worm Enchytraeus buchholzi is a new pest injuring American ginseng Panax quinquefolium. To explore its reproductive potential and then estimate its population dynamics, the authors conducted two related experiments: (1) measuring individual fecundity in its lifetime by rearing each of the parent adults alone in a wet sandy dish at 18 and 21 °C indoors; (2) testing population growth by rearing each of the parent adults together with its offspring for a time longer than two generations at 21 °C. In Experiment I, five dependent variables, namely daily mean cocoons (DMC), cumulative cocoons (CC), eggs per cocoon (EPC), daily mean eggs (DME) and cumulative eggs (CE), were extracted, with each of them subject to a stepwise regression analysis on rearing time (T) and its power series as independent variables. Equaling to the net reproductive rate (R0), the generational adult equivalent (GAE) was calculated via a conversion of F1 generational eggs into adult equivalents (AE). In Experiment II, both an exponential and a logistic function were applied to construct regression equations. The results indicated that (1) a parent adult of E. buchholzi was able to live for a period as long as 10 and 13 full generations at the two temperatures tested and lay 84.8 and 110.6 cocoons containing 545 and 714 eggs, respectively; (2) DMC reached its maximum between 7 and 9 days of rearing and then declined slowly along a straight regression line; (3) CC rose steadily along a quadratic curve; (4) both EPC and DME varied following a cubic curve; (5) CE increased steadily along a cubic curve; (6) the new polynomial models suitably reflected the numerical growth trends of cocoons and eggs in the F1 generation in a broad sense, while corresponding derivative equations quantified both the daily reproductive potential and resistance of the worm, thus revealed its daily reproductive capacity; (7) R0 was 41.2 AE at 21 °C and 42.5 AE at 18 °C when a population of E. buchholzi lived in a niche with unlimited ambient resources; (8) this kind of temporal population generated by individual reproduction had fully demonstrated its significant, generational reproductive potential; and (9), through living in such a limited area as the wet sandy dish, bypassing an exponential growth process, the laboratory population grew up along a logistic curve from the F1 to F3 generations. The statistical relationships help to comprehend the individual reproduction of E. buchholzi, understand deeply the logical sequence and the difference between individual and population reproductions, predict population dynamics of the worm, and provide its integrated pest management with a solid basis. The experimental study has expanded theories on bionomics and population ecology, opening up a new area for research work in related fields.

Pathogenicity of Serratia marcescens strains as biological control agent: Implications for sustainable pest management.

The escalating demand for sustainable and eco-friendly pest management strategies has raised interest in harnessing the pathogenic potential of microorganisms. Serratia marcescens, a Gram-negative bacterium, has emerged as a potential biological control agent for sustainable pest management. This review critically examines the history, biology, identification, and pathogenicity of S. marcescens strain with their potential application in pest management. The diverse mechanisms employed by the strain to exert control over pests, including the production of metabolites and the induction of systemic resistance in plants, are examined. The review also summarizes the ecological significance and global distribution of S. marcescens associated with the use of S. marcescens in biological control strategies. Furthermore, the usage efficacy of S. marcescens over other conventional chemicals is discussed. A comprehensive understanding of the pathogenic potential of S. marcescens strains as biological control agents is crucial for developing effective and sustainable pest management strategies. This review consolidates current research advances on S. marcescens, and provides insights into the prospects and challenges of using S. marcescens for integrated pest management.