Pest Control Research Articles (Page 1)

Bi-directional pH-responsive cellulose nanocrystals-based pesticide microcapsules for sustainable agriculture.

Integrated pest management programs often use pesticides alongside behavioral tactics, such as mating disruption, to manage pests. Pest management using biotremology, the study of vibrations produced by organisms, is gaining attention but requires substantial knowledge of pests and their environment. Here, we built on previous characterizations of vibrational mating signals in pear psylla to assess if pear psylla (Cacopsylla pyricola Förster) communication behavior can be exploited for pest management. Specifically, we conducted greenhouse experiments to test the efficacy of 3 vibrational playback treatments for mating disruption: (i) control, (ii) white noise, and (iii) male mating signals, using 2 delivery methods: (i) plant substrate and (ii) trellis wire; these 2 methods assessed whether devices attached directly to pear saplings or trellis wire supporting saplings provided similar results. We also conducted experiments in pear orchards to assess effectiveness of vibrational playbacks as trap supplements. In the greenhouse, white noise and male mating signals delivered through plant substrates reduced pear psylla offspring in 1 of 3 experiments, but never when delivered through trellis wires. Sticky traps in orchards supplemented with vibrational signals trapped more adults and females than sticky traps alone. The results of this study suggest that pear psylla vibrational communication may be exploited for pest control and pest monitoring, but variable efficacy among experiments suggests a need for further examination into delivery methods.

Nanotechnology is emerging as a transformative tool in modern agriculture, providing innovative and sustainable solutions for pest management. Traditional chemical pesticides, while effective, often result in environmental contamination, pest resistance, and health risks to humans and beneficial organisms. Nanotechnology-based strategies such as nano formulated pesticides, nano sensors, and nanocarriers offer improved efficiency, controlled release, and precise delivery of active ingredients. These technologies enhance pesticide solubility, reduce application frequency, and limit adverse effects on non-target organisms. Metallic nanoparticles like silver, copper, and zinc oxide possess strong antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, whereas plant-based and biopolymer nanoparticles provide eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives. In parallel, nano sensors support early pest detection and real-time field monitoring, enabling precision farming and informed decision-making. Despite their advantages, several challenges hinder large-scale adoption. Concerns include potential toxicity to non-target species, environmental accumulation, absence of standardized safety guidelines, and inadequate regulatory frameworks. Economic barriers such as high production costs, limited infrastructure, and low farmer awareness further restrict implementation. Future advancements should focus on smart nanocarriers with stimuli-responsive capabilities, integration of nanotechnology with gene-editing tools like CRISPR for developing pest-resistant crops, and comprehensive lifecycle assessments to evaluate long-term ecological impacts. Global policy harmonization, enhanced funding for translational research, and improved stakeholder training are essential to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application. With advancements in scientific understanding and regulatory clarity, nanotechnology has the potential to revolutionize pest management by offering safer, more efficient, and environmentally resilient crop protection systems. This review emphasizes current advancements, practical applications, limitations, and future prospects of nanotechnology in pest control.

Post-harvest losses (PHL) continue to threaten food security and nutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, where estimates suggest that 20–40% of cereals are lost before consumption. These losses diminish household income, reduce food availability, and worsen nutritional outcomes. Semi-arid regions such as Kitui County, Kenya, face even greater risks due to climatic variability, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and the widespread use of traditional storage methods. This study sought to determine the main causes of PHL, document strategies used by smallholder farmers, and assess their perceived effectiveness. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in Kitui County, targeting 150 smallholder farmers selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and observational checklists, then analysed with SPSS Version 23.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, summarized the findings. Results revealed pest infestation as the leading cause of losses (62.7%), followed by poor storage facilities (54.7%) and inadequate drying practices (49.3%). Additional contributors included mold and rot from moisture (42.0%), delayed harvesting (38.7%), and poor transport or handling (30.7%). These findings mirror regional evidence highlighting similar structural and technical challenges. Farmers reported practicing proper drying (68.0%), sorting and grading (58.0%), and pest control (50.7%). Improved storage was less common: 43.3% used hermetic bags, while 34.0% used metal or plastic silos. Among all strategies, proper drying and silos were rated as the most effective. This aligns with broader research that underscores the importance of integrated post-harvest management for reducing cereal losses. Despite awareness of modern technologies, adoption remains low due to high costs, limited extension services, and weak rural infrastructure. Addressing these barriers will require scaling up affordable hermetic storage through subsidies or credit schemes, investing in drying infrastructure such as solar dryers and raised platforms, and strengthening farmer training on integrated PHL management. Reducing losses would not only safeguard household food stocks but also enhance food safety, improve rural incomes, and contribute to Kenya’s broader goal of resilience against food insecurity. Effective interventions in Kitui and similar semi-arid regions could provide scalable lessons for improving food systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Key words: post-harvest losses, smallholder farmers, Kitui County, hermetic storage, food security

The purpose of the study was to investigate socio-economic challenges affecting small-scale macadamia producing farmers in the Mpumalanga Lowveld. In South Africa, the macadamia industry has shown substantial growth, especially in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, respectively. However, Mpumalanga is by far the leading province in macadamia nut production. Contrastingly, the growth of the industry has not translated into the accelerated entry and participation of small-scale farmers in the sector. To understand the socio-economic challenges faced by these producers, a survey study was conducted between September and November 2020 within the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM). A total of 26 farmers were purposively sampled, with the assistance of extension officers. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and crisp-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (CsQCA). The study results showed that 76.9% of the respondents were males while only 23.1% were females. Half (50%) of the respondents were between the ages of 51-60. The study found equivalent levels of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the macadamia nut crop amongst the respondents. The reasons for dissatisfaction cited were competition with other crops (100%), high cost of orchard establishment (92.3%), low profit margins (92.3%), lack of capital (69.2%) and lack of production knowledge (46.2%). The results also suggest that older farmers with access to markets, extension services, and SAMAC (South African Macadamia Growers' Association) awareness consistently report higher satisfaction, while farmers who lack SAMAC awareness, extension services, and market access consistently reported lower satisfaction. These findings demonstrate that access to irrigation, extension services, and engagement with institutional structures such as SAMAC were critical factors influencing farmer satisfaction. Dissatisfaction was also linked to limited access to inputs like fertilizers and pest control technologies, as well as exclusion from more profitable segments of the value chain. While some farmers reported satisfaction and intended to continue with macadamia production, others were discouraged by unmet expectations and poor returns. Notably, youth and women were underrepresented among producers, though this study does not conclusively determine the reasons for their limited participation. The findings suggest that improving access to support services and inputs, alongside inclusive policies tailored to local conditions, could enhance participation and sustainability among small-scale macadamia farmers. Key words: Small-scale farmers, macadamia nuts, socio-economic challenges, agricultural development

Evaluating species diversity in agricultural ecosystems provides insights into the composition and interactions of natural enemies and their pests, which is essential for effective pest management. In this study, we utilize DNA metabarcoding technology to investigate the insect species diversity across different geographic regions of China, focusing on the composition and diversity of natural enemy. The DNA metabarcoding method resulted in 1256 OTUs assigned at genus level and 584 named insect species in 20 localities. Significant differences in OTU richness and beta diversity of insects were observed among different sites and geographic regions, whereas no significant differences in alpha diversity were found among the sampling sites. A total of 185 natural enemy taxa were identified, and the species of natural enemies were different in different areas. Elevation, mean monthly temperature and atmospheric pressure were found as significant factors shaping the community composition of both overall insects and natural enemies. This study revealed species compositions and distribution patterns within agroecosystems by using DNA metabarcoding, providing a comprehensive understanding of the biodiversity in agricultural settings and its implications for ecological balance and pest control. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

In this article, we proposed a comprehensive pest control model that integrated both delay differential equations and stochastic processes to mitigate the spread of whiteflies in coconut plantations. The delay model introduced a time lag in the implementation of awareness programs and investigated its impact on the system’s equilibrium stability. Numerical simulations validated the model's effectiveness in enhancing pest management. A stochastic component, formulated using a Wiener process within a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs), was used to estimate the probability of disease elimination under environmental fluctuations. The study was novel in combining both deterministic delays and stochastic effects in a unified framework, offering deeper insights into timing and control efficiency. Although focused on coconut farming, the modeling approach and techniques had broader applicability in agricultural pest control scenarios. The findings enhanced our understanding of pest dynamics under uncertainty and delay, providing a foundation for more informed and effective control interventions in agricultural ecosystems.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are among the most urgent challenges, with ecosystems rapidly responding to pressures such as rising temperatures and plant invasions. Plant community composition plays a key role in ecosystem carbon and energy flows, water balance, nutrient cycling, and pest control—directly affecting ecosystem services. We synthesize how climate change influences plant invasions across ecological scales. Climate change interacts with invasive species traits—such as high genetic and phenotypic plasticity, rapid reproduction, and generalist interactions—to facilitate invader transport, establishment, and spread, enabling them to outcompete native plants. Using field experiments, we illustrate the impacts at the community level, including effects on native plants, pollinators, seed dispersers, soil microbial communities, pests, and pathogens. Together, climate change and plant invasions destabilize ecological networks, reduce biodiversity, and trigger cascading effects on socio-ecological systems. Addressing these challenges requires inclusive, integrative approaches that prioritize emission reductions, biosecurity, conservation, and ecological restoration.

Urban forests provide essential ecosystem services, including pest control, biodiversity conservation, and human health benefits. Herbivory is a widespread biotic interaction that shapes ecosystem functions, such as primary productivity and soil fertility, which underpin these services. Urbanization can disrupt plant–herbivore interactions by altering plant traits, such as nutrient content or phenolic compounds (bottom–up factors), or by changing the abundance of herbivore natural enemies (top–down control), potentially threatening pest regulation and the ecosystem services provided by urban forests. Disentangling these drivers of herbivory is crucial for designing and managing urban forests to enhance resilience. To address this, we examined insect leaf herbivory on Quercus robur trees in urban and rural forest stands across 13 European cities (n = 104 trees). To assess top–down effects on herbivory, we excluded vertebrate (e.g. birds, bats), invertebrate (e.g. ants), or both groups of predators from branches on each tree using different exclosure types. We then measured insect damage on both control and predator‐excluded branches. To evaluate bottom–up drivers, we measured leaf traits, specifically nutrients and phenolic compounds, and tested for correlations with leaf damage. Additionally, we recorded temperature within stands, an abiotic factor that may modulate both top–down and bottom–up forcing on herbivory. Herbivory was 24% lower on urban trees compared to rural trees. In turn, excluding vertebrate (but not invertebrate) predators increased herbivory, on average, by 40%, but predator effects were stronger in urban stands. Urban trees also had higher leaf quality, with higher nutrient and lower phenolic concentrations; however, these traits did not correlate with herbivory. Temperature was positively associated with urbanization and correlated positively with predation, but did not correlate with herbivory and did not mediate the bottom–up or top–down effects of urbanization. Overall, we find that urbanization affects herbivory through both bottom–up and top–down processes, independent of temperature‐related local conditions. Despite stronger predator effects and higher leaf quality, urban trees experienced lower herbivory, suggesting that unmeasured factors, such as changes in herbivore behaviour or community structure, may play an important role. Further studies are needed to deepen our understanding and inform urban forest management.

Insects depend on sophisticated olfaction for survival. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a devastating pest with rapid reproduction and insecticide resistance, requires novel control strategies. However, its odor recognition mechanisms, particularly for host-emitted α-Humulene, remain unclear. We investigated two odorant receptor genes, PxOR28 and PxOR31, which are highly expressed in female antennae. Cloning, qPCR, and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout demonstrated their essential role in mediating behavioral attraction to α-Humulene for oviposition. While α-Humulene activated wild-type antennae and attracted moths, mutants lacking both receptors exhibited no response, indicating functional redundancy. These findings elucidate P. xylostella's perception of α-Humulene and highlight chemosensory receptors or key odorants as targets for sustainable pest control.

Traditional pest management practices, deeply rooted in Nepal’s indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage, have played a significant role in the country's agricultural systems for generations. While many of these methods are based on oral traditions and anecdotal evidence, a number have been scientifically validated and align well with the principles of sustainable agriculture. This review critically explores various native pest control techniques, evaluating their effectiveness and relevance in the modern context. It underscores the potential of integrating traditional wisdom with scientific innovation to develop environmentally sound and culturally respectful pest management strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of further research and supportive policies to incorporate proven traditional methods into contemporary agricultural frameworks.

Citral (C10H16O), an acyclic monoterpene compound widely present in the essential oils of plants such as Litsea cubeba and Cymbopogon citratus, exhibits excellent potential as a green pesticide alternative in the field of sustainable crop protection due to its broad-spectrum biological activities (insecticidal, antimicrobial, and herbicidal) and prominent environmental safety (no genotoxicity, low ecological accumulation risk). This review systematically summarizes the plant resource distribution, extraction processes, biosynthetic synthesis pathway, and chemical preparation of citral; elaborates on the innovative findings in agricultural pest control as well as postharvest preservation, and summarizes the mechanisms of action against agricultural pests; and discusses the research progress in overcoming application bottlenecks such as high volatility and instability through structural modification and functional optimization strategies. The purpose of this review is to provide a solid scientific foundation and important reference for the research and development of citral-based green pesticides.

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) plays a central role in lipid metabolism, influencing critical physiological processes such as reproduction and diapause in insects. In this study, we investigated the function of FAS in Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), a key egg parasitoid used in biological pest control. Using RNA interference (RNAi), we achieved significant knockdown of FAS expression (>60%), which led to a 28.4% reduction in diapause proportion and a 37.5% decrease in parasitization rates compared to controls. FAS silencing also reduced ovarian egg load by 33.2% and mature egg proportion by 41.7%, demonstrating its essential role in oocyte maturation. Notably, vitellogenin receptor (VgR) expression was dramatically suppressed (84.3%) following FAS knockdown, suggesting a regulatory link between lipid metabolism and yolk precursor uptake, despite the absence of canonical vitellogenin in T. dendrolimi. Intriguingly, while FAS knockdown impaired reproductive output, adult longevity remained unaffected, indicating a decoupling of fecundity and lifespan trade-offs in this species. Additionally, transgenerational effects were observed, with offspring emergence rates declining by 28.4% in the F2 generation. Our findings establish FAS as a master regulator of reproduction in T. dendrolimi, mediating lipid allocation, diapause plasticity, and vitellogenic efficiency. These results provide novel insights into the metabolic adaptations underlying enhanced reproductive fitness in parasitic wasps and have implications for optimizing mass-rearing protocols in biological control programs.

The farming industry faces continuous threats from pest control and farm security issues because rodents cause significant damage to crops and disrupt farm operations. Traditional pest control methods require continuous human interaction which proves both resource-intensive and inefficient. Modern agricultural practices benefit from sustainable solutions through the combination of renewable energy with smart technologies. This research presents an innovative solar-powered motion-sensor system that utilizes OpenCV and YOLOv8 computer vision frameworks to autonomously detect and classify rodent intruders on farmland real-time. The system demonstrates its ability to detect and prevent rodent intruders according to initial testing results. The OpenCV/YOLO system uses motion sensor signals to analyze movement patterns before distinguishing rodents in their various groups. The solar-powered system operates continuously which decreases human intervention needs and enhances farm surveillance capabilities. The model demonstrates its capability to defend crops from rodent damage and enhance farm resistance against land degradation threats, resulting to improved crop yield and management. KPIs have been evaluable to prove the system’s efficiency and reliable to be used in agricultural practices to manage animal pests. The current system encounters problems with detecting wild animals beyond rodents as well as tracking rodent activity beneath ground level. Future developments could include improved pest capture systems alongside enhanced surveillance features for detecting both unauthorized human intruders and large animals. Future research should also invest in real-time implementation in fields with real data. The automated monitoring technology needs to be integrated with reliable sources of energy to create sustainable agricultural operations that are efficient and resilient, hence enhancing food security.

Background: Helicoverpa armigera, a major cob borer pest in corn production, is commonly managed using chemical insecticides. However, intensive use of these chemicals poses serious long-term environmental and health risks. Therefore, there is an urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly pest control alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of entomopathogenic fungal consortia as an environmentally safe biocontrol strategy for managing H. armigera infestations in corn. Methods: Twelve entomopathogenic fungal isolates were obtained from corn rhizosphere soil and tested in vitro against third-instar larvae of H. armigera. The evaluation was based on larval mortality rate, infection speed and behavioral changes. Based on these parameters, the isolates were grouped into three microbial consortia (A, B, and C) and further assessed for synergistic compatibility. Field experiments were then conducted using a randomized block design (RBD). Each consortium was applied at a standardized spore density and compared with both a chemical control (Carbofuran) and an untreated control. Result: All fungal isolates achieved 100% larval mortality. Consortia A and B demonstrated significantly higher pathogenicity and synergistic interaction, effectively reducing pest attack intensity and severity. Field applications of Consortia A and B produced cob damage levels comparable to Carbofuran treatment and significantly improved cob length and weight. These findings confirm that entomopathogenic fungal consortia, particularly Consortia A and B, represent a promising and sustainable biological control approach to safeguard corn production against H. armigera infestations.

Dynamic timelines required for development of new insect genetic pest control technologies

ABSTRACT Various mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in host selection by bark beetles. Monoterpenes released by conifer trees may constitute a common attractive habitat cue for coniferous bark beetles, whereas monoterpenes are the principal components of tree resin and are toxic to bark beetles colonizing trees. Therefore, bark beetles infesting stressed and/or dead trees may avoid materials containing high amounts of host volatile compounds, such as host tree essential oils. Bark beetles also exhibit preferences for trunk diameters of host trees. Additionally, some bark beetles create species‐specific shaped galleries, requiring certain lengths of host materials. However, although host selection linked to trunk diameter (horizontal width) is well documented, there is limited understanding of whether bark beetles recognize vertical length of host materials. We conducted field experiments in Hokkaido, Japan, and determined the effects of host essential oils, and log length on host selection by Polygraphus proximus Blandford (Coleoptera: Scolytinae), which prefers trees with small trunk diameter, and creates horizontal egg laying galleries and vertical larval galleries. Host essential oil significantly reduced P. proximus attack density, and the attack density did not differ significantly among logs of various lengths (10 cm–80 cm) of A. sachalinensis (Fr. Schmidt) Masters (Pinaceae). Our study suggests that essential oils of a host tree can perform as repellents against conifer‐infesting bark beetles, and can be useful to reduce P. proximus attacks as a pest control strategy. Our study also suggests that P. proximus does not use vertical log length as a primary cue for host selection and may attack even on the shorter logs, which are insufficient for larval development and uncommon in natural settings.

In recent years, semiochemical-based approaches have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional pesticides, offering sustainable solutions for pest management. Integrating semiochemicals into agricultural practices provides innovative strategies to tackle pest-related challenges. Notable advancements include the “lure and infect” method, which combines pheromones with entomopathogenic fungi to attract pests and enhance pathogen efficacy, and the auto-dissemination approach, which facilitates the spread of microbial pathogens within insect populations, effectively controlling pests such as the fall armyworm. Additionally, the concept of plant defense induction through interactions with phytophagous predators offers a novel avenue to increase crop resistance. The production of insect pheromones in plants further contributes to sustainable pest control by interfering with pest mating behaviors. Tools such as electroantennography have proven valuable for elucidating insect olfactory responses, aiding in the identification of effective semiochemicals. Strategies like push-pull systems manipulate pest behavior using plant-derived compounds, while advanced pheromone dispensers ensure controlled and long-lasting release. Collectively, these developments underscore the potential of semiochemicals to redefine integrated pest management, promoting environmentally friendly and effective pest control solutions. Continued research and innovation are essential to optimize these approaches and fully realize their role in sustainable agriculture.

The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is an environmentally friendly, sustainable pest control approach, which uses large-scale releases of sterile insects to suppress or eradicate target populations through infertile matings. The efficiency of SIT is enhanced by male-only releases requiring genetic sexing strains (GSSs) that are classically based on selectable recessive visible markers or temperature-sensitive lethal (tsl) mutations and a rescue by a wild-type allele translocated to the male-determining chromosome. The transfer of identified or designed temperature-sensitive alleles might allow the generation of neoclassical GSSs in additional SIT target species. By using precise genome-editing tools, such as CRISPR/Cas, the creation of specific mutations in target genes and the integration of a wild-type copy is feasible without the introduction of foreign DNA. This might ease regulation of neoclassical GSSs, since they are not considered transgenic. However, integration and expression of genes at male-determining loci or chromosomes is not reliably established. Therefore, additional strategies to link temperature-sensitive phenotypes to female development are required, which could be achieved by targeting genes involved in dosage compensation or sex determination. To create temperature-sensitive alleles, rational protein design using advanced modeling and prediction tools to evaluate and tailor the effect of mutations on protein stability and temperature sensitivity can be used. In addition, emerging synthetic biology strategies such as temperature-inducible N-degrons or temperature-sensitive inteins provide powerful tools to generate temperature sensitivity. Such approaches should enable conditional control over proteins causing female lethality or sex conversion and therefore promise straightforward generic approaches to generate GSSs for male-only production in SIT target species.

The palm oil industry in Indonesia continues to face serious problems related to environmental degradation and small farmers limited access to information on sustainable cultivation practices. To address these challenges, this study developed EduSawit, an Augmented Reality (AR)-based educational application that supports the implementation of environmentally friendly palm oil cultivation practices. The application was designed using the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method, which consists of six main stages: concept formulation, design, material collection, assembly, testing, and distribution. Its main feature is interactive 3D visualization that displays important processes such as site selection, provision of superior seeds, mixed planting patterns, use of organic fertilizers, water management, biological pest control, and palm oil waste management. Validation was carried out using Black Box testing to ensure that all functions, including AR marker scanning, 3D object display, and information panels, worked as expected. The research results show that EduSawit is a technically reliable and pedagogically relevant learning medium, with the potential to improve farmers understanding of sustainable cultivation practices. The next step is a field trial with smallholder farmers to assess the application's effectiveness in increasing knowledge, confidence, and adoption of environmentally friendly practices.