Natural Insect Research Articles

Genetically engineered eucalyptus expressing pesticidal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis for insect resistance: a risk assessment evaluation perspective.

Eucalyptus covers approximately 7.5million hectares in Brazil and serves as the primary woody species cultivated for commercial purposes. However, native insects and invasive pests pose a significant threat to eucalyptus trees, resulting in substantial economic losses and reduced forest productivity. One of the primary lepidopteran pests affecting eucalyptus is Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), commonly referred to as the brown looper caterpillar. To address this issue, FuturaGene, the biotech division of Suzano S.A., has developed an insect-resistant (IR) eucalyptus variety, which expresses Cry pesticidal proteins (Cry1Ab, Cry1Bb, and Cry2Aa), derived from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Following extensive safety assessments, including field trials across various biomes in Brazil, the Brazilian National Technical Commission of Biosafety (CTNBio) recently approved the commercialization of IR eucalyptus. The biosafety assessments involved the analysis of molecular genomics, digestibility, thermostability, non-target organism exposure, degradability in the field, and effects on soil microbial communities and arthropod communities. In addition, in silico studies were conducted to evaluate allergenicity and toxicity. Results from both laboratory and field studies indicated that Bt eucalyptus is as safe as the conventional eucalyptus clone for humans, animals, and the environment, ensuring the secure use of this insect-resistant trait in wood production.

No recovery in the biomass of flying insects over the last decade in German nature protected areas.

Five years after a German study on insect biomass described a multi-decade decline in nature protected habitats, the DINA (Diversity of Insects in Nature protected Areas) project has investigated the status of insects in 21 selected nature reserves across Germany in the years 2020 and 2021. We used the same methods and protocols for trapping and measuring the biomass of flying insects as in the earlier study. Across two vegetation periods, we accumulated a comprehensive data set of 1621 data points of two-week emptying intervals to evaluate the insect biomass along gradients from arable land into nature reserves through transects of Malaise traps. On average, we observed an increase in maximum insect biomass per day along the transect from the edge to the centre of the nature reserve. Overall, the measured insect biomass remained at low levels, consistent with previous findings from the years 2007-2016. There were no significant regional differences. The results show that protected habitats have higher insect biomass compared to farmland and are therefore essential for insects but are unlikely to be sufficient to sustain insect biodiversity. Further measures need to be taken for better protection and sustainment of insects, which fulfil key functions in all terrestrial ecosystems.

Native Australian Bronze Orange Stink Bug (Musgraveia sulciventris)–Related Corneal Injury

Abstract: The bronze orange stink bug (Musgraveia sulciventris) is an insect native to Australia that is found in citrus trees and gardens in coastal Queensland and New South Wales. The common name “stink bug” is attributed to the foul spray emitted from these insects when they are threatened. This spray can result in corneal injuries; however, human case reports of stink bug bodily fluid exposure to the eye are rare and have not been previously reported for this species. This report describes a case of the native Australian insect bronze orange stink bug causing irritant contact keratitis in the eye, which is the only reported case in the literature. Patients who garden in Queensland and New South Wales should be advised to handle these insects with care, by wearing protective eyewear and gloves when handling citrus trees or when removing them from their gardens, to minimize their risk of corneal damage if sprayed.

Lepidoptera species richness and community composition in urban street trees

The triple threats of climate change, habitat loss, and environmental pollution have stimulated discussion on how urban areas can be modified to both mitigate heat increases and provide habitat for wildlife such as insects. The strategy of using trees to reduce temperatures has been adopted by numerous cities. However, the majority of street trees planted around the world are non-native. Studies conducted in non-urban areas have demonstrated in comparison to native plants, non-native plants are less likely to support native insect diversity. Here we use a database approach to quantify the number of native Lepidoptera species associated with 76 of the most common street tree species planted in Vancouver, Canada. We tested the prediction that compared to non-native trees, native street trees will support a higher diversity and unique community of native Lepidoptera. As predicted, native street trees were associated with five times as many native Lepidoptera species, and the Lepidoptera communities supported by native vs. non-native street trees were distinct. There was no difference in native Lepidoptera associations between broadleaf vs. coniferous street trees. These results are consistent with studies that have used active sampling techniques to investigate insect richness on a smaller subset of native and non-native tree species. Collectively, these data provide good evidence that the planting native instead of non-native trees will help stem the loss of insect diversity in urban areas

High-quality genome of the zoophytophagous stink bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis, informs their food habit adaptation.

The zoophytophagous stink bug, Nesidiocoris tenuis, is a promising natural enemy of micro-pests such as whiteflies and thrips. This bug possesses both phytophagous and entomophagous food habits, enabling it to obtain nutrition from both plants and insects. This trait allows us to maintain its population density in agricultural fields by introducing insectary plants, even when the pest prey density is extremely low. However, if the bugs' population becomes too dense, they can sometimes damage crop plants. This dual character seems to arise from the food preferences and chemosensation of this predator. To understand the genomic landscape of N. tenuis, we examined the whole genome sequence of a commercially available Japanese strain. We used long-read sequencing and Hi-C analysis to assemble the genome at the chromosomal level. We then conducted a comparative analysis of the genome with previously reported genomes of phytophagous and hematophagous stink bugs to focus on the genetic factors contributing to this species' herbivorous and carnivorous tendencies. Our findings suggest that the gustatory gene set plays a pivotal role in adapting to food habits, making it a promising target for selective breeding. Furthermore, we identified the whole genomes of microorganisms symbiotic with this species through genomic analysis. We believe that our results shed light on the food habit adaptations of N. tenuis and will accelerate breeding efforts based on new breeding techniques for natural enemy insects, including genomics and genome editing.

Factors Influencing Copulation Duration in Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae).

The gregarious ectoparasitic beetle Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) is considered a primary biocontrol agent for controlling several cerambycid pests in East Asian countries. A thorough study of reproductive behavior is a prerequisite for the mass production of natural insect predators. Nonetheless, little attention has been given to this ectoparasitic beetle. We performed a series of trials to assess whether the adult copulation duration, a key behavioral trait, is differentially influenced by physiological and ecological factors, including body size, mating history, kinship, sex ratio, mating sequence, feeding status, ambient temperature, photoperiod, and time of day. Additionally, the effect of the copulation duration on the reproductive output of this beetle was also investigated. The results indicated that the copulation duration varied considerably, ranging from 1.12 min to 16.40 min and lasting for an average of 9.11 ± 0.12 min. Females with longer copulations laid more eggs and had a greater proportion of eggs hatched. Medium-sized individuals copulated significantly longer than small- and large-sized individuals. The copulation durations were significantly longer when both sexes experienced an asymmetric mating history than when both sexes experienced a symmetric mating history. Inbred couples copulated significantly longer than outbred couples. In terms of the adult sex ratio, increasing the density of females (polygamous group) or males (polyandrous group) led to significantly longer copulation durations than those in the monogamous group. The copulation durations gradually decreased with increasing the mating sequence and temperature. Food-absence couples copulated significantly longer than food-presence couples. The mean copulation duration of the scotophase was significantly longer than that of the photophase. These results demonstrate that all of the analyzed factors emerge as important factors influencing the copulation duration, ultimately affecting the reproductive outputs in this ectoparasitic beetle.

Pengaruh bentuk morfologi bunga tanaman refugia terhadap ketertarikan serangga polinator dan musuh alami Ordo Hymenoptera

The refugia plant is a flowering plant that functions as a shelter and food source for natural enemy insects and pollinator insects. The number of natural enemy insects and pollinators visiting plants is due to differences in morphological characters, flower color, nectar, flowering time and aroma. insects like small flowers, open petals, easy-to-reach pollen locations and also a longer flowering time. Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 4 replications and 8 treatments of flower types, namely Cosmos caudatus, Zinna elegans, Melampodium divaricatum, Tegestes erecta, Cucumis sativus L., Bassica rapa, Solanum melongena L., Lycopersicum esculentum Mill. The results showed that the percentage of Melampodium divaricatum Produced the percentage of parasitoid insects from the Chalcidade family is 17% and Braconidae 16?. Most of the visitors to C. caudatus flowers are parasitoid insects from the Braconidae family, 18%. In Zinnia sp flowers, parasitoid insect visits from the Pompilidae family were 19%. T. erecta flowers that visit pollinator insects from the family Apidae 23%. In the type of horticultural flower, namely C. sativus , the largest in the predatory insect family Ampulicidae is 25%. , whereas in the flowers of the B. rapa family Barconidae 39%, S. melongena L. Ichenumonidae and Braconidae 33% , L. esculentum Mill. Icneumonidae as much as 38% of these insects as parasitoids. Best treatment for M. divaricatum flowers with open flower types, pollen location outside, crown diameter 23.44 mm, base diameter 11.48 mm, flower tube length 5.22 mm, flowering time 24.25 days.

MicroRNA response to temperature stress in the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae)

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved noncoding small RNAs that play essential regulatory roles in gene function by regulating target genes. Pardosa pseudoannulata is an important natural predatory enemy of insect pests and plays a significant role in controlling pests in rice fields, with temperature having a significant impact on their growth and development. To understand the response of miRNAs to temperature stress in P. pseudoannulata, we performed miRNA identification analyses of adult spiders exposed to 10°C and 40°C for 12 h, as low‐temperature and high‐temperature treatment groups, respectively. We obtained 54.74 M clean reads from 69.84 M raw reads after filtering out low‐quality reads, and 78 miRNAs including 13 novel miRNAs were identified from three small RNA libraries (10°C, 25°C and 40°C). At the low temperature and the high temperature, eight (one upregulated and seven downregulated) and ten (nine upregulated and one downregulated) differentially expressed miRNAs were identified, respectively. These differentially expressed miRNAs negatively regulated 43 and 12 target mRNA (the unigenes in our previous transcriptome sequence data) in response to low‐ and high‐temperature stress, respectively. These target genes are mainly involved in translation, ribosome structure and biotransformation, as well as the generation and conversion of energy. This study represents the first report of miRNA identification related to the Araneae spider species in response to temperature stress. These results will greatly facilitate our understanding of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of spiders in response to temperature stress, which might be beneficial for the conservation and utilization of this species as an important natural insect enemy of pests in rice ecosystems.

First record of Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in hop (Humulus lupulus L.)

We report for the first time Spodoptera cosmioides (Walker, 1858) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae feeding on leaves and causing injuries of up to 50% in hop plants, in the experimental field of the Center for Agroveterinary Sciences, State University of Santa Catarina, municipality of Lages, Santa Catarina, Brazil. This study shows the association of native insects with expanding exotic crops such as hops, and the need for monitoring activity for rational management of these pest insects, which already have several natural enemies in their area of natural occurrence.

Evaluating repellence properties of catnip essential oil against the mosquito species Aedes aegypti using a Y-tube olfactometer

The mosquito species Aedes aegypti (L.) is known to act as a vector in the transmission of various diseases, including dengue fever and yellow fever. The use of insect repellents is one of precautionary measures used to mitigate the risk of these diseases in humans by reducing mosquito biting. Nepetalactone, a potent natural insect repellent primarily found in catnip (Nepeta cataria) essential oil, has emerged as a promising candidate for mosquito repellence. Here, we evaluated the potential of catnip essential oil (> 95% nepetalactone) for use as a mosquito repellent. Using a Y-tube olfactometer and human hands as an attractant, we analysed the effectiveness of catnip oil at repelling the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. We tested a range of dilutions of catnip essential oil and found that concentrations as low as 2% were effective at repelling > 70% of mosquitoes for between one and four hours after repellent application. These findings suggest that nepetalactone could potentially be used as a natural, effective alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents, thereby offering protection against vector-borne diseases.

Isolation of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 10 from Culicoides tainanus and Associated Infections in Livestock in Yunnan, China.

Two strains of viruses, JC13C644 and JC13C673, were isolated from Culicoides tainanus collected in Jiangcheng County, Yunnan Province, situated along the border area shared by China, Laos, and Vietnam. JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses can cause cytopathic effect (CPE) in mammalian cells BHK21 and Vero cells, and cause morbidity and mortality in suckling mice 48 h after intracerebral inoculation. Whole-genome sequencing was performed, yielding complete sequences for all 10 segments from Seg-1 (3942nt) to Seg-10 (810nt). Phylogenetic analysis of the sub-core-shell (T2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses clustered with the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) isolated from Japan and Australia, with nucleotide and amino acid homology of 93.1% to 98.3% and 99.2% to 99.6%, respectively, suggesting that they were Eastern group EHDV. The phylogenetic analysis of outer capsid protein (OC1) and outer capsid protein (OC2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses were clustered with the EHDV-10 isolated from Japan in 1998, with the nucleotide homology of 98.3% and 98.5%, and the amino acid homology of 99.6% and 99.6-99.8%, respectively, indicating that they belong to the EHDV-10. Seroepidemiological survey results demonstrated that JC13C644 virus-neutralizing antibodies were present in 29.02% (177/610) of locally collected cattle serum and 11.32% (89/786) of goat serum, implying the virus's presence in Jiangcheng, Yunnan Province. This finding suggests that EHDV-10 circulates not only among blood-sucking insects in nature but also infects local domestic animals in China. Notably, this marks the first-ever isolation of the virus in China and its discovery outside of Japan since its initial isolation from Japanese cattle. In light of these results, it is evident that EHDV Serotype 10 exists beyond Japan, notably in the natural vectors of southern Eurasia, with the capacity to infect local cattle and goats. Therefore, it is imperative to intensify the surveillance of EHDV infection in domestic animals, particularly focusing on the detection and monitoring of new virus serotypes that may emerge in the region and pose risks to animal health.

Aphids increase their rate of survival on emergent aquatic plants through niche construction.

Flooding or rain is a threat to many insects in nature, including herbivorous invertebrates whose hosts are emergent aquatic plants. They may thus have developed particular adaptations to withstand the flooding that is a feature of emergent plants' environment. The aphid Hyalopterus pruni (Hemiptera: Aphididae) modifies the physical and chemical conditions of its habitat by periodically spreading wax around itself with its hind legs. This behaviour constitutes a form of niche construction. We hypothesized that the aphid decreases its risk of death of own or around other individuals when submerged in water by spreading wax powder secreted from its body onto the leaves of its host plant, Phragmites australis. We compared the hydrophobicity of waxed and normal leaf surfaces. Next, we compared the survival rates of wax-powdering and nonwax-powdering aphids under submerged and rainy conditions in the laboratory and in the field. Finally, we examined whether the aphids' wax-powdering behaviour increased as a result of experiencing brief submergence or rain. The surface of the waxed area was significantly more water-repellent than the surface of unwaxed leaves. The waxed areas held air bubbles when under water. In experiments, aphids without wax around themselves exhibited lower survival rates: 22.9% in laboratory conditions and 15.7% in field conditions after 48 hr underwater. In contrast, aphids that secreted wax had higher survival rates, with 41.5% and 38.2% under laboratory and field conditions, respectively, after the same duration. Aphids exposed to rainfall showed similar results. Moreover, aphids that had experienced rain or submersion for 24 hr engaged in increased wax-powdering behaviour. These results indicate that aphids reduce their risk of drowning by powdering secreted wax onto the surface of leaves around them. Our findings suggest that niche construction by herbivorous invertebrates supports their ability to utilize host plants that grow under stressful conditions, such as emergent plants that are subject to periodic inundation.

Inocellia (Amurinocellia) calida (Raphidioptera, Inocelliidae) was first observed as a predator of Monochamussaltuarius (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) in China, the vector of Bursaphelenchusxylophilus (Aphelenchida, Aphelenchoididae).

Monochamussaltuarius Gebler (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) serves as the primary carrier of Bursaphelenchusxylophilus (Steiner & Buhrer) (Aphelenchida, Aphelenchoididae) in the middle-temperate zone of China. Pine wilt disease caused by B.xylophilus leads to serious losses to pine forestry around the world. It is necessary to study the biological control of M.saltuarius to effectively prevent the further spread of B.xylophilus. To explore the insect resources that act as natural enemies of M.saltuarius, investigations were conducted on natural enemy insects by splitting Pinuskoraiensis Siebold & Zucc (Pinales, Pinaceae) damaged by M.saltuarius and dissecting their trunks in Yingpan Village, Fushun County, Fushun City, Liaoning Province, China, in 2023. A larva of Inocellia (Amurinocellia) calida (H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck) (Raphidioptera, Inocelliidae) was discovered in the trunk of an infested P.koraiensis. Additionally, the feeding habits of I.calida were preliminarily examined under indoor conditions and a description of its morphological characteristics was provided. When placed in an indoor environment, the I.calida larva began pupating after a period of 21 days, during which time it consumed and attacked a total of 23 M.saltuarius larvae. Ultimately, after a pupal period of ten days, the I.calida larva emerged successfully as an adult. This discovery marks the first recorded presence of I.calida in Liaoning Province and the first documentation of I.calida in China, serving as a natural predatory enemy of M.saltuarius.

Association of Onnia subtriquetra with living and dead bishop pine (Pinus muricata) and shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) in California, USA

AbstractWe report observations of Onnia subtriquetra on bishop pine (Pinus muricata) and shore pine (Pinus contorta var. contorta) from north coastal California. Our identification of this fungus is supported by molecular information, morphological characteristics, and and a description of the observed range of the fungus on the West Coast. These observations represent an expansion of the geographic and host ranges of Onnia subtriquetra, which on the observed sites is generally associated with declining tree condition and the presence of other native forest pathogens and insects.

Analysis of gut microbiota of ladybug beetle (Harmonia axyridis) after feeding on different artificial diets

BackgroundHarmonia axyridis is an effective natural enemy insect to a variety of phloem-sucking pests and Lepidopteran larvae, such as aphids, scabies, and phylloxera, while its industrial production is limited due to unmature artificial diet. Insect intestinal microbiota affect host development and reproduction. The aim of this study is to understand intestinal microbiota composition of H. axyridis and screen effective probiotics on artificial diet. Considering the role of the components and composition of the diet on the structure and composition of the intestinal microbiome, four kinds of diets were set up: (1) aphid; (2) basic diet; (3) basic diet + glucose; (4) basic diet + trehalose. The gut microbiota of H. axyridis was detected after feeding on different diets.ResultsResults showed that the gut microbiota between artificial diet group and aphid groups were far apart, while the basic and glucose groups were clearly clustered. Besides, the glucose group and trehalose group had one unique phylum, Cryptophyta and Candidatus Saccharibacteria, respectively. The highest abundance of Proteobacteria was found in the aphid diet. The highest abundance of Firmicutes was found in the basic diet. However, the addition of glucose or trehalose alleviated the change. In addition, the relative abundance of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacteriaceae_unclassified, Enterobacteriales_unclassified and Serratia in the aphid group was higher than other groups. Moreover, the function of gut genes in each group also showed clear differences.ConclusionThese results have offered a strong link between artificial diets and gut microbes, and also have provided a theoretical basis for the screening of synergistic probiotics in artificial diet.

Endemic island plant–herbivore interactions: Kamehameha butterfly (Nymphalidae) and Hawaiian Urticaceae

AbstractInsect–plant interactions are less well studied than other types of herbivory on islands, precluding a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary ecology of these interactions. Declines in native island plants and insects call for urgent attention to characterize these species' interactions for their conservation and to better understand evolution in these unique, insular ecosystems. In Hawai‘i, the Kamehameha butterfly (Vanessa tameamea) is one of only two native butterflies, and larvae are specialists on native urticaceous plants. Using a no‐choice bioassay, we investigated performance of V. tameamea reared from egg hatching through eclosion on four native urticaceous host plants, Boehmeria grandis, Pipturus albidus, Touchardia latifolia, and Touchardia oahuensis, and one exotic urticaceous species, Cecropia obtusifolia. Performance varied significantly among the plant diets, with V. tameamea performing best on P. albidus and T. oahuensis among the performance metrics of survival, pupal and adult body mass, and development time. Larval responses to the exotic host plant C. obtusifolia varied among populations, with O‘ahu caterpillars successfully completing development on it, but Hawai‘i Island caterpillars rejecting it completely, suggesting a geographic mosaic for this novel species interaction. Characterization of a suite of nutritive and defensive plant traits revealed significant variability among plant species, but patterns did not align well with V. tameamea performance rankings, making it difficult to identify key drivers of host plant quality. Future work examining additional plant traits under natural conditions would provide new insights, contributing critical ecological information to conserve this charismatic island species.

Active defense strategies for invasive plants may alter the distribution pattern of pests in the invaded area.

In the invaded areas, it is believed that invasive species reduce their investment in defense due to the absence of natural enemies. By field investigation and a series of laboratory assays, This study explored the defense strategies of invasive plants. Field investigation indicated that invasive plants have a antifeedant effect on herbivorous pests, and the distribution frequency of wormholes of native plants shows a peak at a distance of 2-3 m from the invasive species. The feeding preference experiment conducted with two generalist herbivorous insects (native insect Spodoptera litura and invasive insect Spodoptera frugiperda) showed that the invasive plants have a stronger antifeedant effect than native plants. By analyzing the content of secondary metabolites in the leaves of three invasive plants (Sphagneticola trilobata, Mikania micrantha, Ipomoea cairica) and three native plants (Ipomoea nil, Paederia foetida, Polygonum chinense), the leaves of invasive plants had higher concentrations of substances associated with defenses, including total phenols, flavonoids, jasmonic acid, tannin, H2O2, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and lower soluble protein concentrations than native plants. After leaf damage, compared to native plants, the leaves of invasive plants showed an overall increase in substances associated with defense, except for soluble sugar. These results suggest that invasive plants maintain active defense strategies in invaded areas, leading to changes in the distribution patterns of herbivorous insects in a manner that facilitates invasion.

Microbiological and parasitological risk analysis of novel food sources obtained with the use of insects

The problem of food safety being an important component of the country's food security, provides not only for continuous improvement of the methodology of hygienic standardization, but also for the formation of requirements for novel food, in particular, those obtained from non-traditional sources. The accumulated practical and theoretical competence in the food hygiene area, as well as knowledge of current trends of the food base broadening, allow us to analyze the risks associated with novel food obtained of insects. The purpose of the research was to analyze the microbiological and parasitological risk of novel food sources obtained with the use of insects, suggest the effective risk management measures. Material and methods. The analytical part of the work included literature search, collection of information and statistical materials published in domestic and foreign scientific editions. The search was carried out using the Google Academy retrieval system and electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, eLIBRARY), mainly in the last 25 years, using the keywords: Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus, insects, parasite, nematode, pathogen, cysts. Results. Based on the published materials' analysis, a systematization of microbiological and parasitological factors potentially capable of colonizing edible insects has been carried out. There were identified representatives of 24 groups of pathogenic and 18 opportunistic microorganisms and helminths related to microbial and parasitic pathogens, the spread of which is significantly influenced by inappropriate conditions of feeding and keeping insects. As there are currently no veterinary requirements for insect breeding and farming conditions, contamination of end products with infectious and parasitic pathogens can vary over a very wide range. Conclusion. The use of native insect biomass carries certain risks associated with its microbial and parasitic contamination, and the development of measures to prevent them requires significant resources. The possibility of deep processing of such raw materials can be considered as one of the solutions to mitigate these risks. For use in the food industry, insects should be subjected to processing similar to that currently used for soybean seeds, which includes separation of protein (entomoprotein), fat and chitin fractions, each of which would have an independent use. Thus, at present, insects should be considered as a source of novel food ingredients, first of all, complete protein of animal origin.

Efficacy of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract on Earias vittella, Fabricius, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): environment sustainable approach.

Earias vittellaFabricius, 1794 (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is deliberated to be one of the most destructive pests of cotton and okra vegetation in the world including Asia. The pest has established resistance to various synthetic insecticides. The use of bio-pesticide is one of the unconventional approaches to develop a vigorous ecosystem without harming non- target pests and beneficial natural insect fauna. In the present study, the toxicity levels of Citrullus colocynthis seed extract have been evaluated against the populations of E. vittellaunder standardized laboratory conditions. The toxic effects of C. colocynthis on development periods, protein contents and esterase activity of the life stages of E. vittella were also evaluated. The toxicity levels of methanol, ethanol, hexane, water and profenofos were evaluated on the 1st instar larvae of E. vittella. LC30 and LC80 concentrations exhibited the effectiveness of methanol-based C. colocynthis seed extract against 1st instar larvae of E. vitella. The enhanced larval and pupal periods were revealed in treated samples during the comparison with untreated samples. The intrinsic rate of increase, net reproductive rate in the LC30 and LC80 concentrations exposed larvae remained less than the control treatment. Fecundity, the esterase activity and protein contents were declined in LC30 and LC80 treated samples as compared to the control. The present findings suggest that C. colosynthis extracts based botanical insecticides are beneficial, ecosystem sustainable and can be integrated with insect management programs from environment safety perspective.

Puszcza Białowieska – konflikt rządu polskiego z Komisją Europejską

The article describes the natural background, the origin, the course and the outcome of the dispute between Poland and the European Commission which was going on in the years 2016–2018 regarding the forest management performed in the Białowieża Forest. The dispute took place on two interrelated levels: natural and legal. The main axis of the dispute between the Polish government and the European Commission was the difference of views as to what actions would prove effective in the fight against the latest gradation of the bark beetle, which occurred with exceptional intensity in the Białowieża Forest in 2015, and what actions would be most beneficial in the context of preserving rare species of birds and insects that make up the fauna of the Białowieża Forest. The article presents extensively the arguments raised by both parties to the conflict in the proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, which were initiated by a complaint filed by the European Commission. As a commentary on these arguments, the views expressed in the scientific literature as to the proper reaction in response to a recurrent infestation of the bark beetle, usefulness and efficacy of the active forest management operations questioned by the European Commission, as well as an impact of these operations on the conservation of natural habitats, insects and birds are presented. The legal dimension of the dispute boiled down to the question of what actions in the situation were allowed, required or prohibited under Polish and EU law.