Invertebrate Pests Research Articles

Selection of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Analysis in Coccinella septempunctata to Assess Un-intended Effects of RNAi Transgenic Plants.

The development of genetically engineered plants that employ RNA interference (RNAi) to suppress invertebrate pests opens up new avenues for insect control. While this biotechnology shows tremendous promise, the potential for both non-target and off-target impacts, which likely manifest via altered mRNA expression in the exposed organisms, remains a major concern. One powerful tool for the analysis of these un-intended effects is reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, a technique for quantifying gene expression using a suite of reference genes for normalization. The seven-spotted ladybeetle Coccinella septempunctata, a commonly used predator in both classical and augmentative biological controls, is a model surrogate species used in the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of plant incorporated protectants (PIPs). Here, we assessed the suitability of eight reference gene candidates for the normalization and analysis of C. septempunctata v-ATPase A gene expression under both biotic and abiotic conditions. Five computational tools with distinct algorisms, geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, the ΔCt method, and RefFinder, were used to evaluate the stability of these candidates. As a result, unique sets of reference genes were recommended, respectively, for experiments involving different developmental stages, tissues, and ingested dsRNAs. By providing a foundation for standardized RT-qPCR analysis in C. septempunctata, our work improves the accuracy and replicability of the ERA of PIPs involving RNAi transgenic plants.

DNA barcoding for biosecurity: case studies from the UK plant protection program.

Since its conception, DNA barcoding has seen a rapid uptake within the research community. Nevertheless, as with many new scientific tools, progression towards the point of routine deployment within diagnostic laboratories has been slow. In this paper, we discuss the application of DNA barcoding in the Defra plant health diagnostic laboratories, where DNA barcoding is used primarily for the identification of invertebrate pests. We present a series of case studies that demonstrate the successful application of DNA barcoding but also reveal some potential limitations to expanded use. The regulated plant pest, Bursephalenchus xylophilus, and one of its vectors, Monochamus alternatus, were found in dining chairs. Some traded wood products are potentially high risk, allowing the movement of longhorn beetles; Trichoferus campestris, Leptura quadrifasciata, and Trichoferus holosericeus were found in a wooden cutlery tray, a railway sleeper, and a dining chair, respectively. An outbreak of Meloidogyne fallax was identified in Allium ampeloprasum and in three weed species. Reference sequences for UK native psyllids were generated to enable the development of rapid diagnostics to be used for monitoring following the release of Aphalara itadori as a biological control agent for Fallopia japonica.

From species distributions to climate change adaptation: Knowledge gaps in managing invertebrate pests in broad-acre grain crops

Extensive research has shown that climate change will impact the distribution and outbreak potential of invertebrate pests in broad-acre crops. However, much less attention has been placed on translating these likely changes in pest outbreak frequency into practical management options for growers. Dryland grain production systems are generally predicted to be vulnerable to the effects of climate change. An initial step in understanding changes to outbreak potential of different pests is to describe the spatial distribution of different species and communities. Using a bioclimatic modelling approach, we demonstrate how general patterns of distribution for four major invertebrate pests of Australian dryland grain production systems are likely to be altered by climate change. While such models are useful for predicting the direct impacts of climate change on potential species distributions, they are less useful for assessing pest outbreak frequency from direct or indirect changes. In light of this, we explore different tools that can be used to support adaptive management by farmers to limit the impact of induced pest outbreaks. Primarily, research to increase available information of indirect impacts on the pest species and the communities they interact with, including their natural enemies, is required to extend models of pest outbreak potential. Further, incorporation of pests into global crop models combined with monitoring for existing pests and surveillance for new pests is critical for future pest management decision-making. For natural enemies, generalizations around the impact of climate change and flow on effects for pest control services need to be attempted now. The knowledge of potential management interventions is needed by farmers to support improved management decisions in the short-term, but in some cases will also facilitate adaption to climate change in the long-term.

An evaluation of the contribution of ultraviolet in fused multispectral images for invertebrate detection on green leaves

Real-time detection and identification of invertebrates on crops is a useful capability for integrated pest management, however, this challenging task has not been solved. Compared with other technologies, a machine vision system (MVS) could provide a more flexible solution. To date, most studies have focused on counting and identifying specimens in sample containers, glass slides or traps where the illumination and background reflection can be well controlled; few studies have been conducted to detect pests on plants. In the context of invertebrate detection or identification, the spectra of visible light, near infrared (NIR) and soft X-ray have been well studied, while the spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) is still untouched. Many species of bird prey on invertebrate pests and have adaptations in their visual system to enhance detection of targets. These birds can use both UV and visible light to hunt. If the mechanisms of bird vision could be transferred to a technological visual system, it might improve the capability for invertebrate detection. This study provides an initial estimation of the contribution of UV for invertebrate detection on green leaves. By fusing the UV images into the visible light and NIR images, the MVS can detect nine invertebrate species on leaves of plants and the UV images can significantly reduce segmentation errors. The initial experiment was conducted in a laboratory, however, this study shows promise for infield applications.

Structural classification of insecticidal proteins – Towards an in silico characterisation of novel toxins

The increasing rate of discovery of new toxins with potential for the control of invertebrate pests through next generation sequencing, presents challenges for the identification of the best candidates for further development. A consideration of structural similarities between the different toxins suggest that they may be functionally less diverse than their low sequence similarities might predict. This is encouraging from the prospective of being able to use computational tools to predict toxin targets from their sequences, however more structure/function data are still required to reliably inform such predictions.

Effects of including forage herbs in grass–legume mixtures on persistence of intensively managed pastures sampled across three age categories and five regions

ABSTRACTTo test the hypothesis that the inclusion of the forage herbs chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) or plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) or both in a grass–legume pasture mix improves persistence of sown vegetation and reduces weed and invertebrate pest ingress, a study was undertaken in 31–44 intensively managed pastures in each of five regions in New Zealand (Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki and Canterbury). The regions were stratified according to farm type (dairy or sheep and beef), pasture type (sown with grasses, legumes and herbs or grasses and legumes) and pasture age (young: 1–2 years old; medium: 3–4 years old; and old: 5+ years since sowing, n = 171). Sown species ground cover and emergence from the soil seed bank was greater, and unsown species ground cover and emergence lower, in sheep and beef pastures sown with herbs than without herbs (78% vs 68% ground cover, respectively, averaged over all pasture ages), but there was no difference between pasture types on dairy farms. Invertebrate predator and parasitoid abundance was 65% greater under pastures sown with herbs than without herbs. The number and % dry matter contribution of sown species decreased, and that of unsown species increased, as pastures aged. Unsown species comprised 90% (sheep and beef) and 98% (dairy) of total seedling emergence. The inclusion of forage herbs increased persistence of sown species and reduced weed ingress, but only on sheep and beef farms.

Deciphering endophyte behaviour: the link between endophyte biology and efficacious biological control agents.

Endophytes associate with the majority of plant species found in natural and managed ecosystems. They are regarded as extremely important plant partners that provide improved stress tolerance to the host compared with plants that lack this symbiosis. Fossil records of endophytes date back more than 400 million years, implicating these microorganisms in host plant adaptation to habitat transitions. However, it is only recently that endophytes, and their bioactive products, have received meaningful attention from the scientific community. The benefits some endophytes can confer on their hosts include plant growth promotion and survival through the inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms and invertebrate pests, the removal of soil contaminants, improved tolerance of low fertility soils, and increased tolerance of extreme temperatures and low water availability. Endophytes are extremely diverse and can exhibit many different biological behaviours. Not all endophyte technologies have been successfully commercialised. Of interest in the development of the next generation of plant protection products is how much of this is due to the biology of the particular endophytic microorganism. In this review, we highlight selected case studies of endophytes and discuss their lifestyles and behavioural traits, and discuss how these factors contribute towards their effectiveness as biological control agents.

Enhancing Integrated Pest Management in GM Cotton Systems Using Host Plant Resistance.

Cotton has lost many ancestral defensive traits against key invertebrate pests. This is suggested by the levels of resistance to some pests found in wild cotton genotypes as well as in cultivated landraces and is a result of domestication and a long history of targeted breeding for yield and fiber quality, along with the capacity to control pests with pesticides. Genetic modification (GM) allowed integration of toxins from a bacteria into cotton to control key Lepidopteran pests. Since the mid-1990s, use of GM cotton cultivars has greatly reduced the amount of pesticides used in many cotton systems. However, pests not controlled by the GM traits have usually emerged as problems, especially the sucking bug complex. Control of this complex with pesticides often causes a reduction in beneficial invertebrate populations, allowing other secondary pests to increase rapidly and require control. Control of both sucking bug complex and secondary pests is problematic due to the cost of pesticides and/or high risk of selecting for pesticide resistance. Deployment of host plant resistance (HPR) provides an opportunity to manage these issues in GM cotton systems. Cotton cultivars resistant to the sucking bug complex and/or secondary pests would require fewer pesticide applications, reducing costs and risks to beneficial invertebrate populations and pesticide resistance. Incorporation of HPR traits into elite cotton cultivars with high yield and fiber quality offers the potential to further reduce pesticide use and increase the durability of pest management in GM cotton systems. We review the challenges that the identification and use of HPR against invertebrate pests brings to cotton breeding. We explore sources of resistance to the sucking bug complex and secondary pests, the mechanisms that control them and the approaches to incorporate these defense traits to commercial cultivars.

A pest and disease survey of the isolated Norfolk Island honey bee (Apis mellifera) population

Norfolk Island is one of Australia’s most remote communities, located about 1,400 km east of the mainland. This report is the first documented survey of pests and diseases affecting the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) population on Norfolk Island. The only invertebrate pest detected during the survey was the lesser wax moth (Achroia grisella), and only one honey bee virus was identified (Lake Sinai virus 1). The microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae was also detected in the majority of adult bee samples, but Nosema apis was not present in any of the samples analyzed. Given that honey bee imports to Norfolk Island ceased in 1992, we discuss possible scenarios for N. ceranae introduction to the island. Lineage analysis also determined that Norfolk Island’s honey bees are for the most part from Eastern Europe (probably A. m. ligustica and A. m. carnica) with a small percentage from Western Europe (probably A. m. mellifera). This survey has identified a remote and isolated honey bee population that is relatively free from major pests and diseases that affect honey bees around the world. This knowledge will help inform trade policy and management strategies for maintaining the unique health status of honey bees on Norfolk Island.

Invertebrate pests and diseases of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas): a review and identification of research priorities for smallholder production

Sweetpotato has been the subject of little research worldwide compared with other major crop staples, and this is especially so for less developed countries where sweetpotato is critical for food security. This review synthesises information on plant protection issues that affect smallholder sweetpotato farmers in less developed countries to identify major issues and suggest research priorities. Though the pests and diseases of sweetpotato in less developed countries are largely common to industrialised systems, their relative importance differs and losses tend to be more severe as a result of differing agronomic practices and relative unavailability of management options and technical support that are important in developed countries. Smallholders are heavily reliant on cultural practices such as traditional forms of biological control using ants and livestock, fallowing and composting (sometimes with plant materials having biocidal properties). Crop protection methods that have been developed for use in sweetpotato production in developed countries, such as pathogen-tested planting material, early maturing varieties, pheromone trapping and pesticides are less accessible to, and relevant for, smallholders. Smallholders also typically harvest a given crop progressively which extends the period over which storage roots are potentially vulnerable to attack but reduces the risk of post-harvest losses. Human population growth in developing countries is leading to an increase in cropping intensity with shorter fallow periods and more years of continuous crops. This has the dual effect of depleting soil nutrients and increasing the potential for pest and pathogen build-up. Associated with this, the adoption of strategies to manage crop nutrition, such as not burning crop residues, promote carryover of pests and pathogen inocula. As a consequence of these factors, sweetpotato yield losses from diseases, especially viruses, and pests, particularly weevils, can be high. Climate change is likely to result in more frequent drought and this will increase losses caused by sweetpotato weevils that are favoured by dry conditions. This review of sweetpotato pests and their management options concludes with suggestions for some future research priorities including the combination of traditional practices that have pest management outcomes with relevant practices from industrial production that are able to be transferred or modified for use in smallholder production. Increased technical support for decision making and diagnostics, including molecular approaches that have scope for field use, will be important in reducing the burden imposed by biotic threats to this important global crop.

Bacillus thuringiensis impacts on primary and secondary baculovirus transmission dynamics in Lepidoptera

Synergistic interactions between entomopathogenic micro-organisms can potentially be exploited to improve biological control of invertebrate pests but empirical data at the population level describing multiple-pathogen transmission dynamics is lacking. We examined how co-inoculation of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki (Btk) and the baculovirus Panolis flammea nucleopolyhedrovirus (PaflNPV) in an experimental field population of Lepidopteran Mamestra brassicae larvae impacted on viral transmission dynamics. We determined how the presence of Btk influenced primary and secondary PaflNPV transmission. When Btk was co-inoculated with PaflNPV, there was increased proportional viral mortality in primary transmission studies compared to plots with virus alone. A delay of up to 4days between applications of Btk and PaflNPV did not impact on primary viral mortality, indicating that a lag between inoculations was unlikely to affect the biocontrol potential of the two pathogens. Viral yields from cadavers in plots with Btk present were significantly lower than those from plots with virus only, and secondary cycling to introduced secondary transmission larvae was significantly reduced. Baculovirus transmission (in terms of the proportion of uninfected larvae in different treatments) was described by a ‘refuge’ model that allowed for heterogeneity in susceptibility and pathogen exposure. We discuss how transmission may be potentially affected by factors such as host feeding rate, spatial distribution of virus and interactions between pathogens within the insect host. This study improves understanding of the impact of pathogens within host populations and how mixtures of pathogens may be exploited for biocontrol of insect pests.

Elm defence against herbivores and pathogens: morphological, chemical and molecular regulation aspects

Elms (Ulmus spp.) have long been appreciated for their environmental tolerance, landscape and ornamental value, and the quality of their wood. Although elm trees are extremely hardy against abiotic stresses such as wind and pollution, they are susceptible to attacks of biotic stressors. Over 100 phytopathogens and invertebrate pests are associated with elms: fungi, bacteria and insects like beetles and moths, and to a lesser extent aphids, mites, viruses and nematodes. While the biology of the pathogen and insect vector of the Dutch elm disease has been intensively studied, less attention has been paid so far to the defence mechanisms of elms to other biotic stressors. This review highlights knowledge of direct and indirect elm defences against biotic stressors focusing on morphological, chemical and gene regulation aspects. First, we report how morphological defence mechanisms via barrier formation and vessel occlusion prevent colonisation and spread of wood- and bark-inhabiting fungi and bacteria. Second, we outline how secondary metabolites such as terpenoids (volatile terpenoids, mansonones and triterpenoids) and phenolics (lignans, coumarins, flavonoids) in leaves and bark are involved in constitutive and induced chemical defence mechanisms of elms. Third, we address knowledge on how the molecular regulation of elm defence is orchestrated through the interaction of a huge variety of stress- and defence-related genes. We conclude by pointing to the gaps of knowledge on the chemical and molecular mechanisms of elm defence against pest insects and diseases. An in-depth understanding of defence mechanisms of elms will support the development of sustainable integrated management of pests and diseases attacking elms.

G protein coupled receptors as targets for next generation pesticides

There is an on-going need for the discovery and development of new pesticides due to the loss of existing products through the continuing development of resistance, the desire for products with more favourable environmental and toxicological profiles and the need to implement the principles of integrated pest management.Insect G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) have important roles in modulating biology, physiology and behaviour, including reproduction, osmoregulation, growth and development. Modifying normal receptor function by blocking or over stimulating its actions may either result in the death of a pest or disrupt its normal fitness or reproductive capacity to reduce pest populations. Hence GPCRs offer potential targets for the development of next generation pesticides providing opportunities to discover new chemistries for invertebrate pest control. Such receptors are important targets for pharmaceutical drugs, but are under-exploited by the agro-chemical industry. The octopamine receptor agonists are the only pesticides with a recognized mode of action, as described in the classification scheme developed by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, that act via a GPCR.The availability of sequenced insect genomes has facilitated the characterization of insect GPCRs, but the development and utilization of screening assays to identify lead compounds has been slow. Various studies using knock-down technologies or applying the native ligands and/or neuropeptide analogues to pest insects in vivo, have however demonstrated that modifying normal receptor function can have an insecticidal effect.This review presents examples of potential insect neuropeptide receptors that are potential targets for lead compound development, using case studies from three representative pest species, Tribolium castaneum, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Drosophila suzukii.Functional analysis studies on T. castaneum suggest that GPCRs involved in growth and development (eclosion hormone, ecdysis triggering hormone and crustacean cardioacceleratory peptide receptors) as well as the dopamine-2 like, latrophilin-like, starry night, frizzled-like, methuselah-like and the smoothened receptors may be suitable pesticide targets.From in vivo studies using native ligands and peptide analogues, receptors which appear to have a role in the regulation of feeding in the pea aphid, such as the PISCF-allatostatin and the various “kinin” receptors, are also potential targets.In Drosophila melanogaster various neuropeptides and their signalling pathways have been studied extensively. This may provide insights into potential pesticide targets that could be exploited in D. suzukii. Examples include the sex peptide receptor, which is involved in reproduction and host seeking behaviours, and those responsible for osmoregulation such as the diuretic hormone receptors.However the neuropeptides and their receptors in insects are often poorly characterized, especially in pest species. Although data from closely related species may be transferable (e.g. D. melanogaster to D. suzukii), peptides and receptors may have different roles in different insects, and hence a target in one insect may not be appropriate in another. Hence fundamental knowledge of the roles and functions of receptors is vital for development to proceed.

Temporal change in vegetation productivity in grain production landscapes: linking landscape complexity with pest and natural enemy communities

1. Strategies to enhance the ecosystem service of pest control in agricultural landscapes often rely on manipulating the structure of the landscape to reduce pest population build‐up or facilitate natural enemy activity. For highly mobile and polyphagous invertebrate pest species the agricultural landscape represents a continually changing mosaic of resources and habitats that at certain points in time may be conducive to high population productivity and therefore pest outbreaks. Deciding which features of the landscape we need to measure and monitor to understand this process is the first step in developing intervention strategies. Previous studies have focused on static measures of landscape composition and have generally ignored landscape configuration and change across time.2. In this study we sampled invertebrate pests and predatory natural enemies repeatedly over two years from crop, pasture and semi‐natural habitats (up to 36 sites per landscape) in multiple agricultural landscapes (14km diameter circles) across Australia's grain production regions. The temporal pattern in vegetation productivity was quantified (using remote‐sensed Normalized Differential Vegetation Index) at the landscape‐scale and related to the pest and natural enemy density data.3. Metrics derived from the vegetation show variation across time and highlight transition points in the landscape that might represent important shifts in resources for higher trophic levels. The landscape metrics that were related to pest density were different in each landscape, but generally characterized connectivity of vegetation classes (more than configuration or composition). How connected or dis‐aggregated vegetation productivity classes were appears important for pest dynamics in these landscapes.

Insect-proof nets affect paddy field microclimate parameters and grain quality of different japonica rice varieties

Insect-proof nets (IPN) are widely used to protect crops from invertebrate pests. The effects of IPN on the main microclimate parameters of paddy fields, as well as grain quality, were investigated for three japonica Oryza sativa L. varieties (Nanjing 44, Nanjing 45, and Suxiangjing 3) that are widely grown in China. The environmental temperature of IPN-treated fields increased slightly, whereas the maximum value of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), daily cumulative PAR, and daily cumulative global radiation all decreased. However, the ratio of PAR to global radiation increased significantly, from 15.08 to 45.48%. Compared to the no insect-proof net (NIPN) treatment, the head rice percentage increased significantly for all three varieties; however, the chalky grain percentage, area and degree, and the amylose content all decreased significantly. The response of gel consistency, protein concentration, and the main parameters of the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) profile of rice starch to IPN treatment differed between varieties. The peak viscosity and breakdown were increased compared to the NIPN treatment, whereas the final viscosity and setback were decreased. However, no significant differences were found between the IPN and NIPN treatments. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated no interaction between rice planting pattern (RPP) and rice variety (RV) for the rice grain quality parameters. These results suggest that IPN treatment improved rice grain quality for all japonica rice varieties studied, possibly due to the slight increase in environmental temperature and increased ratio of PAR to global radiation in IPN treated paddy fields.

Identification of Novel Pesticides for Use against Glasshouse Invertebrate Pests in UK Tomatoes and Peppers.

To inform current and future pesticide availability to glasshouse vegetable growers, the current project trialled more than twenty products, including existing industry standards, against four key pests of glasshouse tomatoes and bell peppers. These included experimental conventional chemical pesticides as well as alternative biopesticide and biorational products based on phytochemicals, microbials and physically-acting substances. The results suggest that certain biopesticide products, particularly botanicals, provide good levels of pest control, with the same being true of experimental conventional chemical pesticides not yet recommended for use against these pests on these crops. Efforts are on-going to ensure that results of the current project translate to industry benefit via new pesticide approvals.

Pasture renewal on Bay of Plenty and Waikato dairy farms: impacts on pasture performance post-establishment

To determine the impact of pasture renewal on dairy pasture performance, a total of 24 renewed and unrenewed pastures were monitored in Bay of Plenty and Waikato for 5 years. Renewed pastures produced an additional 1.5, 1.8 and 1.9 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 in the first, second and third years of monitoring, respectively, compared with unrenewed pastures. There was a greater contribution of clover, sown grasses and unsown grasses and a smaller contribution of broadleaf weeds in renewed than unrenewed pastures in some years (% of total DM). The sown grass DM content (kg DM ha−1), perennial ryegrass tiller densities and endophyte infection frequencies were similar in renewed and unrenewed pastures. The abundance of invertebrate pests and total nematodes was lower in renewed than unrenewed pastures in some years. The greater clover content, fewer weeds and fewer insect pests, contributed to the greater herbage production of renewed pastures.

Application of a putative alarm cue hastens the arrival of invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) at a trapping location

The sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus is an invasive pest in the Laurentian Great Lakes basin, threatening the persistence of important commercial and recreational fisheries. There is substantial interest in developing effective trapping practices via the application of behavior-modifying semiochemicals (odors). Here we report on the effectiveness of utilizing repellent and attractant odors in a push–pull configuration, commonly employed to tackle invertebrate pests, to improve trapping efficacy at permanent barriers to sea lamprey migration. When a half-stream channel was activated by a naturally derived repellent odor (a putative alarm cue), we found that sea lamprey located a trap entrance significantly faster than when no odor was present as a result of their redistribution within the stream. The presence of a partial sex pheromone, acting as an attractant within the trap, was not found to further decrease the time to when sea lamprey located a trap entrance relative to when the alarm cue alone was applied. Neither the application of alarm cue singly nor alarm cue and partial sex pheromone in combination was found to improve the numbers of sea lamprey captured in the trap versus when no odor was present — likely because nominal capture rate during control trials was unusually high during the study period. Behavioural guidance using these odors has the potential to both improve control of invasive non-native sea lamprey in the Great Lakes as well as improving the efficiency of fish passage devices used in the restoration of threatened lamprey species elsewhere.

Flupyradifurone: a brief profile of a new butenolide insecticide.

BACKGROUNDThe development and commercialisation of new chemical classes of insecticides for efficient crop protection measures against destructive invertebrate pests is of utmost importance to overcome resistance issues and to secure sustainable crop yields. Flupyradifurone introduced here is the first representative of the novel butenolide class of insecticides active against various sucking pests and showing an excellent safety profile.RESULTSThe discovery of flupyradifurone was inspired by the butenolide scaffold in naturally occurring stemofoline. Flupyradifurone acts reversibly as an agonist on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors but is structurally different from known agonists, as shown by chemical similarity analysis. It shows a fast action on a broad range of sucking pests, as demonstrated in laboratory bioassays, and exhibits excellent field efficacy on a number of crops with different application methods, including foliar, soil, seed treatment and drip irrigation. It is readily taken up by plants and translocated in the xylem, as demonstrated by phosphor imaging analysis. Flupyradifurone is active on resistant pests, including cotton whiteflies, and is not metabolised by recombinantly expressed CYP6CM1, a cytochrome P450 conferring metabolic resistance to neonicotinoids and pymetrozine.CONCLUSIONThe novel butenolide insecticide flupyradifurone shows unique properties and will become a new tool for integrated pest management around the globe, as demonstrated by its insecticidal, ecotoxicological and safety profile. © 2014 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

The next generation of rodent eradications: Innovative technologies and tools to improve species specificity and increase their feasibility on islands

Rodents remain one of the most widespread and damaging invasive alien species on islands globally. The current toolbox for insular rodent eradications is reliant on the application of sufficient anticoagulant toxicant into every potential rodent territory across an island. Despite significant advances in the use of these toxicants over recent decades, numerous situations remain where eradication is challenging or not yet feasible. These include islands with significant human populations, unreceptive stakeholder communities, co-occurrence of livestock and domestic animals, or vulnerability of native species. Developments in diverse branches of science, particularly the medical, pharmaceutical, invertebrate pest control, social science, technology and defense fields offer potential insights into the next generation of tools to eradicate rodents from islands. Horizon scanning is a structured process whereby current problems are assessed against potential future solutions. We undertook such an exercise to identify the most promising technologies, techniques and approaches that might be applied to rodent eradications from islands. We highlight a Rattus-specific toxicant, RNA interference as species-specific toxicants, rodenticide research, crab deterrent in baits, prophylactic treatment for protection of non-target species, transgenic rodents, virus vectored immunocontraception, drones, self-resetting traps and toxicant applicators, detection probability models and improved stakeholder community engagement methods. We present a brief description of each method, and discuss its application to rodent eradication on islands, knowledge gaps, challenges, whether it is incremental or transformative in nature and provide a potential timeline for availability. We outline how a combination of new tools may render previously intractable rodent eradication problems feasible.