Invasive Pest Research Articles

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

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

Assessing Sirex noctilio Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) Damage in Pine Plantations Using Remote Sensing and Predictive Machine Learning Models

Early detection and monitoring of invasive forest pests are crucial for effective pest management, particularly in preventing large-scale damage, reducing eradication costs, and improving overall control effectiveness. This study investigates the potential of machine learning models and remote sensing at various spatiotemporal scales to assess forest damage caused by the woodwasp Sirex noctilio in pine plantations. A Random Forest (RF) model was applied to analyze Planetscope satellite images of Sirex-affected areas in Neuquén, Argentina. The model’s results were validated through accuracy analysis and the Kappa method to ensure robustness. Our findings demonstrate that the RF model accurately classified Sirex damage levels, with classification accuracy improving progressively over time (overall accuracy of 87% for five severity categories and 98% for two severity categories). This allowed for a clearer distinction between healthy and Sirex-infested trees, as well as a more refined categorization of damage severity. This study highlights the potential of machine learning models to accurately assess tree health and quantify pest damage in plantation forests, offering valuable tools for large-scale pest monitoring.

Identification and optimization of volatile organic compounds to enhance bait attractiveness for red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta Buren).

The red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta), a highly destructive invasive pest, has rapidly spread through human trade, posing significant threats to agricultural and forest ecosystems. Due to its preference for high-fat and high-protein foods, ham sausage is commonly used as bait to monitor RIFA populations in invaded areas. However, the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in such baits may affect their effectiveness because VOCs can act as either attractants or repellents. Identifying VOCs that specifically attract RIFA is essential to improve bait efficacy. This study aimed to identify attractant compounds within bait VOCs for RIFA, leveraging the highly-expressed antennal odorant-binding protein 1 (OBP1) and reverse chemical ecology approach. Additionally, we examined the effects of mixtures of these attractants on RIFA behavior. Our findings revealed that anethole, 1S-(-)-β-pinene, and β-caryophyllene individually attracted RIFA at 0.1 μg/μL. Notably, a combination of anethole and 1S-(-)-β-pinene enhanced behavioral activity more than individual compounds, suggesting synergistic effects. Conversely, the addition of β-caryophyllene to anethole significantly reduced RIFA activity. These results provide a theoretical basis for developing behavioral regulators targeting RIFA. This study demonstrates that the integration of OBP-based in vitro assays with computational simulations can effectively identify behaviorally active compounds for RIFA. Additionally, it clarifies the optimal ratios of active VOCs in baits, offering valuable theoretical guidance for enhancing RIFA population monitoring efforts. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Research progress on climate change adaptation strategies to control invasive crop pest in sub-Saharan Africa: a bibliometric and systematic review

This bibliometric and systematic review assesses research progress and climate change adaptation strategies to control invasive crop pests in sub-Saharan Africa. Scientific publications on crop pest management in sub-Saharan Africa in a context of climate change adaptation were extracted from papers published between 1991 and 2024. A literature search was conducted on Scopus, dimension, and google scholar, followed by screening and data extraction in compliance with ROSES standards. Findings indicated that pests such as armyworms, fruit flies and coffee berry borer cause huge losses. Communities are adopting integrated pest management, water harvesting, drip irrigation, resistant varieties, and improving production efficiency. Agro-ecological practices reduce pest invasions while preserving the environment. Meanwhile, chemical insecticide use remains an emergency solution as its effects on pest control would be more efficient. However, promising approaches emerge around biocontrol, agroforestry integrating pest management, and gender-tailored strategies. Nevertheless, regional disparities persist in scientific output. In conclusion, while invasive pests represent a major plant health crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, this review highlights innovative adaptation strategies. Their development will require coordinated mobilization to catalyze the sustainable agro-ecological transition that sub-Saharan Africa needs to address these multidimensional challenges. Future research should assess farmer’s perception on the effectiveness of the existing pest management practices for invasive crop pests.

Coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), continues to devastate coconut palms around Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

AbstractThe coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) is an invasive pest from South‐East Asia that poses a significant threat to coconut palms in tropical regions. First detected on the mainland of Papua New Guinea in 2009 near Jacksons International Airport, located on the southern coast of the mainland near the city of Port Moresby, coconut rhinoceros beetle spread rapidly throughout Port Moresby and along the coast. This study utilized historical records, satellite imagery, on‐site surveys and stakeholder interviews to assess the impact of coconut rhinoceros beetle in three Port Moresby locations: the Gateway Hotel gardens, the Kilakila settlement and the Pacific Adventist University plantation. Results indicated severe coconut palm losses, over 90%, 80% and 40% at the three sites, respectively, with significant economic repercussions, including a sharp rise in local coconut prices. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive management and mitigation strategies to protect Papua New Guinea's coconut palm ecosystems and dependent livelihoods.

Infestation and damage status assessment of white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis) insect at boloso sore and boloso bombe districts of Wolaita Zone South Ethiopia

This fruit devastating pest of white mango scale (Aulacaspis tubercularis Newstead; Hempitera: Diaspididae) insect is an economically important pest and damages the mango fruit by sucking the sap through its piercing-sucking mouth part from mango leaves and fruits. Since the 2010 outbreak in Ethiopia due to a poor internal quarantine system this insect pest was distributed and invaded the whole mango-producing region in the country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the infestation and severity status of WMS insects to get evidence for upcoming management investigations. The survey was carried out at Boloso Bombe and Boloso Sore districts in South Ethiopia Wolaita Zone in 2023. Among mango-producing farmers by using a semi-structural questionnaire 45 farmers were intervened through random selection. Geographic location and ten samples of mango leaf were collected from four cardinal directions per tree of each stop for examining the infestation and severity status of WMS. The occurrence of this pest at study locations was in 2016 as interviewed farmers respond. Since then, due to a lack of attention by farmers currently, it was distributed and covered the whole study area. As confirmed by this study the infestation ranged from 60 to 100% and damage or severity rated from moderate to very high. Among surveyed locations, 29% of mango farms were very highly, 52% highly and 20% moderately damaged. From the total study area, almost 31% of mango farms reduced 100% yield and the reduction of yield ranged from 50% to 100%. Before the outbreak of this invasive insect pest, the study area farmers were harvesting nearly 272 kg of mango fruit per tree and at normal times yield reduction was almost 43 kg per tree. After the prevalence of WMS insect per tree yield was almost 44 kg and the reduction of yield was alarmingly increased to 228 kg per tree as shown by this study data. Even though this insect pest is a devastating pest of mango fruit, however, it can be controlled through different management practices. Therefore, the management practice of this pest is categorized into three such as cultural, biological and biochemical. Culturally managed by Mango tree pruning, planting resistant materials, using proper spacing, cleaning or sanitation, burying infected residues and fruits, smoking different repellents of dry grass, animal dung, mango leaves and lemon bark or lemon mixed organic materials in one smoking can/pot and hanging inside mango tree. Foliar Spraying of various botanical extracts such as Neem seed extract (Azadirachta indica). Several concoctions made from ash, soap and goat urine were mixed and sprayed on infested mango fruit leaves and twigs. Various predators and parasitoids are used as Biological control. Soil drenching of systemic chemical insecticides also can control this insect pest. The way to control this serious damage and hinder the expansion of this invasive insect pest, integrated experimental investigation using the above-explained mechanisms will be advisable to enhance mango fruit yield. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 28-37, December 2024

Exploiting Trap Type and Color for Monitoring Macadamia Felted Coccid Acanthococcus ironsidei (Williams) and Associated Parasitic Wasps in Macadamia Orchards in Hawai’i

Acanthococcus ironsidei (Williams) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) is an invasive pest of macadamia, Macadamia integrifolia, in Hawai’i, causing death to macadamia trees and decreased nut productivity. Monitoring relies on wrapping double-sided sticky tapes over tree branches to trap dispersing crawlers (i.e., mobile immature stage), but this is tedious for growers, especially in large orchards. From September to November 2022 and December 2022 to February 2023, at two commercial macadamia orchards on Hawai’i Island, the use of colored sticky cards was assessed for improving the monitoring of A. ironsidei and to investigate the Hymenopteran parasitoid complex that inhabits macadamia canopies. At each study site, four different colored sticky cards (yellow, lime green, dark green, and white) were placed on the lower canopy of five trees, and on each tree, a transparent double-sided sticky tape was deployed. At bi-weekly intervals, the sticky cards were replaced and re-randomized on each tree, and the double-sided sticky tapes were replaced. The results showed that the sticky cards captured both A. ironsidei crawlers and (winged) male adults, while the double-sided sticky tapes captured only crawlers. The trap color did not have significant effects on the captures of A. ironsidei male adults at the sites, while the captures of crawlers on sticky cards were lowest on the dark green sticky traps at one site. The captures of A. ironsidei adult males on white sticky traps were generally correlated with the number of crawlers captured on the double-sided sticky tapes. The parasitoid complex captured had disparities in the attraction to color; however, the yellow, lime green and dark green colors were seemingly more effective for monitoring Encarsia lounsburyi (Berlese & Paoli), a reported parasitoid of A. ironsidei. These results have useful practical implications for improved monitoring of A. ironsidei crawlers, male adults and associated natural enemies.

Dissecting the sterility phenotype in gene edited Drosophila suzukii pgSIT males

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest that affects many fresh, soft-skinned fruits such as strawberries and blueberries. To combat this pest, growers use various methods including insecticide sprays, biological control, and sanitation practices. However, these methods are becoming increasingly ineffective against D. suzukii due to increased resistance against insecticides and increasing labor costs. Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) has been used successfully to control many agricultural pests, but the use of irradiation, sex sorting, and the requirement to scale these insects make it costly to implement. pgSIT (precision guided Sterile Insect Technique) is a novel and efficient way to generate sterile males through genetic engineering and overcomes the drawbacks of traditional SIT. pgSIT has been implemented in multiple Dipteran insects, including D. suzukii, and has been shown to suppress wild insect populations. To further characterize sterile pgSIT males, we evaluated their fertility capacity, lack of mature sperm, and ability to induce a mating refractory period in D. suzukii wildtype females. In this study, we found that pgSIT sterile males do not produce mature sperm and can induce a refractory mating period in wildtype females. Furthermore, sperm DNA is not detected in the reproductive tracts of pgSIT-mated female reproductive tracts. These findings further support the penetrance of the pgSIT technology in D. suzukii and provide further supporting data to governing regulatory bodies in their evaluation of this technology.

Chemical Ecology and Management of the Small Hive Beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).

Over the last 28years, the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), a colony pest of wild and managed honey bees (Apis mellifera), and native to sub-Saharan Africa, has been recorded as an invasive and damaging pest of diverse bee species, especially managed honeybee colonies in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. It poses an indirect threat to pollination services and global food security. Efforts to manage the beetle has yielded no permanent solution. However, several studies demonstrate that the small hive beetle uses various sensory cues to locate hosts including chemical and visual cues in the visible wavelength. Here, we review the chemical ecology of the beetle and discuss implications for its future management.

Wolbachia Infection Alters the Microbiota of the Invasive Leaf-Miner Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae)

Microbe–microbe interactions within a host drive shifts in the host’s microbiota composition, profoundly influencing host physiology, ecology, and evolution. Among these microbes, the maternally inherited endosymbiont Wolbachia is widespread in the invasive pest Liriomyza huidorbrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae). However, its influence on the host microbiota remains largely unexplored. In the study presented herein, we investigated the bacterial communities of Wolbachia wLhui-infected (wLhui+) and -uninfected lines (wLhui−) of L. huidorbrensis using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. For both leaf-miner lines, Bacteroidota was the dominant phylum (relative abundance: 59.18%), followed by Pseudomonadota (36.63%), Actinomycetota (2.42%), and Bacillota (0.93%). We found no significant differences in alpha-diversity indices between the wLhui+ and wLhui− lines (p > 0.05). However, principal coordinates analysis revealed significant differences in microbiota composition between the wLhui+ and wLhui− lines (PERMANOVA: p < 0.001), explaining 76.70% of the variance in microbiota composition. Correlation network analysis identified robust negative and positive associations between Wolbachia and several genera, suggesting that Wolbachia shapes microbial composition through competitive or cooperative interactions with specific taxa. Overall, our study suggests that Wolbachia plays a key role in shaping the leaf-miner microbiome, potentially affecting host fitness.

First Record and Identification of a Microsporidian Pathogen, Nosema Maddoxi in the Population of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Halyomorpha Halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Türkiye

PurposeThe brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive and a highly polyphagous species with a strong dispersal capacity. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective control method that can prevent or reduce the economic loss caused by this pest. Among natural enemies, microsporidia cause infections in insects so that they can generally shorten life span, reduce fertility and inhibit growth.MethodsCurrent study involved field study, light and electron microscopy and molecular phylogenic analyses of a microsporidian pathogen in the populations of H. halys in Türkiye.ResultsThe microsporidian infection were mostly observed in malpighian tubules and fatty tissue filled with high spore density. Fresh uninucleate spores are oval, measued as 3.73 × 2.01 µm in dimensions. The mature spore wall is relatively thick and measures 75–85 nm and consists of a clear endospore (40–50 nm) and an electron-dense, uniform, thin exospore (25–30 nm). The polar filament is isofilar, 85–110 mm in diameter and has 7–8 coils. It is found to be most closely related to Nosema maddoxi isolate Mn.6 isolated from H. halys in Georgia in phylogenetic tree.ConclusionThe spore morphology and structural features of the isolate from H. halys identify it as Nosema maddoxi. The phylogenetic analyses confirm both light and electron microscopic observations. This is the first microsporidian record from H. halys and also from the order Hemiptera in Türkiye. It is also confirmed that the invasive pest, H. halys carries its natural pathogen, N. maddoxi to new geographical locations during its distribution.

Spawning site selection by invasive Asian toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) in eastern Madagascar.

Invasive species are a major threat to biodiversity on a global scale. Control strategies for these species could be improved by understanding and exploiting life history vulnerabilities. For example, most invasive anurans require waterbodies with specific characteristics for spawning; therefore, modifying these characteristics could influence spawning success. Asian toads (Duttaphrynus melanostictus) were accidentally introduced to the east coast of Madagascar around 2010, and have since established and spread across an area exceeding 850 km2. To determine if Asian toads select spawning sites with specific characteristics within their invaded range, we surveyed habitat characteristics at 30 waterbodies used by toads for spawning, and compared these to characteristics at 30 adjacent, unused waterbodies, in urban and rural areas in eastern Madagascar. Toads selectively oviposited in small waterbodies with gently sloping banks, while the structure of surrounding vegetation, water chemistry (salinity, water temperature), presence of other species, depth of the waterbody, and substrate of the waterbody bank did not appear to influence spawning site selection. Our results provide a pathway to examine modification of potential Asian toad spawning sites as a management strategy for these invasive pests. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Combating Agri-Pests in Jordan: The Role of International Law in Preventing Invasive Spread Through Global Trade to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

Objectives: This paper examines the role of international law in preventing the invasive spread of agricultural pests through global trade in Jordan, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land), which emphasizes halting biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable land use. The research evaluates pest management strategies based on effectiveness, cost-efficiency, ease of implementation, compliance with international regulations, and sustainability. Theoretical Framework: Grounded in international trade and environmental agreements, including the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the research highlights the role of global frameworks in harmonizing pest control practices, addressing regulatory gaps, and fostering international collaboration. Method: A multi-criteria decision-making model using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Method was employed. Five strategic alternatives were assessed against five critical criteria using data collected through expert surveys and literature reviews. The decision matrix was normalized, weighted, and analyzed to identify the most effective strategies. Results and Discussion: Results show that increasing research and development on pest control is the most effective strategy, followed by enhancing inspection and quarantine procedures. Promoting farmer education and training ranks third, highlighting the importance of local capacity building. Strengthening international trade regulations and fostering collaboration ranked lower, revealing regulatory gaps. Research Implications: The study provides actionable insights for integrating international law with sustainable pest management, emphasizing capacity-building, resource allocation, and enhanced inspection systems. Originality/Value: By combining international law with TOPSIS, the research presents a novel framework for addressing invasive pests in Jordan, contributing to biodiversity conservation and global agricultural sustainability.

Public attitudes to genetic technology for invasive pest control and preferences for engagement and information: a segmentation analysis.

Advances in genetic technology hold promise in managing the increasing problem of invasive pests. The current study sought to improve our understanding of public perceptions, and potential public engagement pathways and information needs as the technology is researched and potentially developed for deployment. A survey of 1,149 Australians was conducted, and the sample was segmented into 4 groups based on their attitudes: Certain Objectors, Fence Sitters, Cautious Supporters, and Certain Supporters. 'Light touch' engagement activities appeared to satisfy most people; yet more intensive engagements could be appropriate for a small group who hold negative views towards the technology. Across the board, people wanted to know about the potential risks, and the regulation and controls surrounding the gene editing technology. Those who held more positive views also showed an interest in the scientific processes and techniques, while people who held more negative views wanted to know what was being done to deal with social and ethical issues. The results provide insight into 1) the diversity of views, and associated beliefs and feelings, among the public when confronted with a synthetic biology solution to an environmental problem, 2) how public engagement activities can be tailored to align with people's engagement beliefs and stated preferences, and 3) what issues biotechnology developers should address as they endeavour to design genetic technology in a socially responsible way.

Bayesian Optimization of insect trap distribution for pest monitoring efficiency in agroecosystems.

Insect trap networks targeting agricultural pests are commonplace but seldom optimized to improve precision or efficiency. Trap site selection is often driven by user convenience or predetermined trap densities relative to sensitive host crop abundance in the landscape. Monitoring for invasive pests often requires expedient decisions based on dispersal potential and ecology to inform trap placement. Optimization of trap networks using contemporary analytical approaches can help users determine the distribution of traps as information accumulates and priorities change. In this study, a Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm was used to learn more about the optimal distribution of a fine-scale trap network targeting Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), a significant agricultural pest across North America. Four years of pheromone trap monitoring was conducted at the same 21 locations distributed across ~7,000 square kilometers in a five-county area in North Carolina, USA. Three years of data were used to train a BO model with a fourth year designated for testing. For any quantity of trap locations, the approach identified those that provide the most information, allowing optimization of trapping efficiency given either a constraint on the number of locations, or a set precision required for pest density estimation. Results suggest that BO is a powerful approach to enable optimized trap placement decisions by practitioners given finite resources and time.

Cotton production areas are at high risk of invasion by Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Cicadellidae: Hemiptera): potential distribution under climate change.

The cotton jassid, Amrasca biguttula, a dangerous and polyphagous pest, has recently invaded the Middle East, Africa and South America, raising concerns about the future of cotton and other food crops including okra, eggplant and potato. However, its potential distribution remains largely unknown, posing a challenge in developing effective phytosanitary strategies. We used an ensemble model of six machine-learning algorithms including random forest, maxent, support vector machines, classification and regression tree, generalized linear model and boosted regression trees to forecast the potential distribution of A. biguttula in the present and future using presence records of the pest and bioclimatic predictors. The accuracy of these algorithms was assessed based on the area under the curve (AUC), correlation (COR), deviance and true skill statistic (TSS). All algorithms showed good performance in forecasting the distribution of A. biguttula (AUC ≥ 0.91, COR ≥ 0.72, TSS ≥ 0.77 and deviance ≤ 0.65). Mean temperature of wettest quarter, mean temperature of driest quarter and precipitation of the wettest month were the key variables that contributed to predicting A. biguttula occurrence. Projection of the model showed that cotton production areas in Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and South America are at threat of invasion by A. biguttula under the current climatic scenario. Additionally, range expansion for A. biguttula is projected in the future in sub-Saharan Africa, South America and China, indicating a suitable ecological niche for A. biguttula to thrive. Our results provide early warning and decision-making information that can guide efforts to prevent this pest's further spread and invasion into new areas. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Molecular evidence for the role of the ovipositor of the fall armyworm: Where to lay or not to lay?

Oviposition behavior in insects has received considerable attention, but studies have mainly focused on the antennae, neglecting the role of the ovipositor. In this study, we investigated the functional characteristics of the ovipositor in oviposition site selection by the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, a destructive invasive pest of maize and other cereals. In oviposition choice assays females exhibited significant repellency to isothiocyanate (ITC), volatiles specific to non-preferred cruciferous plants. Females retained repellency to ITC or attraction to maize volatiles even after antennae removal. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the presence of olfactory-associated sensilla on the ovipositor. Comparative transcriptome analysis and in vitro functional studies showed that S. frugiperda odorant binding protein 30 (SfruOBP30), exclusively expressed in the ovipositor, displayed a broad sensitivity toward 18 maize volatiles and 10 ITC compounds. Site-directed mutant assay revealed that Ser71 and Ser85 were the key binding sites for SfruOBP30 interacting with ITCs and key maize volatiles, respectively. Silencing the expression of SfruOBP30 resulted in the loss of bias in oviposition of FAW, significantly inhibiting their ability to avoid ITCs and locate the maize substrate. Overall, we propose that the ovipositor does not just seek out advantageous conditions for immature stages but more importantly, avoids potential risks during the oviposition process. Apparently, the involvement of SfruOBP30 plays a critical role in detecting both beneficial and harmful substances during this intricate process.

Differences in gall development by invasive pest Eucalyptus gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa) in susceptible and resistant Eucalyptus clones

Differences in gall development by invasive pest Eucalyptus gall wasp (Leptocybe invasa) in susceptible and resistant Eucalyptus clones

Global Potential Geographic Distribution of Anthonomus eugenii Under Climate Change: A Comprehensive Analysis Based on an Ensemble Modeling Approach.

Climate warming is affecting the ranges and population dynamics of invasive species, including insects, which have become a global problem, causing biodiversity declines and agricultural economic losses. Anthonomus eugenii as an important invasive pest on pepper is now mainly located in the USA and Mexico. However, the global potential geographic distribution (PGD) of A. eugenii with climate change remains unknown, which makes it difficult to monitor and control. In this study, based on the global distribution areas and important environmental variables, we constructed an ensemble model to predict the global PGD of A. eugenii under the current climate and three climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) in the 2030s and 2050s. The mean true skill statistics (TSS) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the EM were 0.825 and 0.988, respectively, indicating that the EM was reliable. The mean temperature of the driest (bio9) and wettest (bio8) quarter and precipitation of the coldest quarter (bio19) were the most important environmental variables affecting the PGD of A. eugenii. Under the current climate, the PGD of A. eugenii was mainly concentrated in southern North America and central South America. The suitable areas of A. eugenii could increase significantly, reaching the maximum under SSP5-8.5 in the 2030s, approximately 1911.7 × 104 km2. Moreover, the distribution centroid would shift to higher latitudes with global warming. It also had the potential invasion risk in Russia, China, the Republic of the Congo, and Romania, which should enhance quarantine control and early warning.

Transcriptome and Neuroendocrinome Responses to Environmental Stress in the Model and Pest Insect Spodoptera frugiperda.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is one of the most notorious pest insects, causing damage to more than 350 plant species, and is feared worldwide as an invasive pest species since it exhibits high adaptivity against environmental stress. Here, we therefore investigated its transcriptome responses to four different types of stresses, namely cold, heat, no water and no food. We used brain samples as our interest was in the neuroendocrine responses, while previous studies used whole bodies of larvae or moths. In general, the responses were complex and encompassed a vast array of neuropeptides (NPs) and biogenic amines (BAs). The NPs were mainly involved in ion homeostasis regulation (ITP and ITPL) and metabolic pathways (AKH, ILP), and this was accompanied by changes in BA (DA, OA) biosynthesis. Cold and no-water stress changed the NP gene expression with the same patterns of expression but clearly separated from each other, and the most divergent pattern of expression was shown after no-food stress. In conclusion, our data provide a foundation in an important model and pest insect with candidate NPs and BAs and other marker candidate genes in response to environmental stress, and also potential new targets to manage pest insects.