Pest Management Approach Research Articles

Urban Entomology: Navigating the Intersection of Pests and Human Environments

Urban entomology, a distinct discipline within entomology, focuses on pests in human environments, addressing a wide range of species from insects to vertebrates. First coined by A.H. Waters in 1884 and popularized by W. Ebeling's 1975 book, urban entomology gives an idea about arthropods' interactions with humans, pets and structures. As urbanization accelerates, with a projected 68% of the global population living in cities by 2050, understanding pest dynamics becomes increasingly critical. Factors like invasive species, pesticide resistance and public health concerns underscore the need for effective pest management strategies, emphasizing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. This review explores urban entomology's history, key pest groups and modern management challenges, while highlighting the industry's evolution in response to urbanization. It also discusses the roles of various stakeholders, including researchers, pest management professionals and regulatory bodies, in addressing urban pest issues. Ultimately, the review calls for collaborative efforts to enhance pest control practices, leveraging biological control methods and sustainable strategies to mitigate the impacts of urban pests on public health and infrastructure.

Integrated pest management farmer field school of Chinese cabbage for young farmers in Batu City

The Abinaya Milenial Youth Farmers Group in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City, faces significant challenges in cultivating Chinese cabbage due to a high incidence of clubroot disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, with infection rates reaching 50–80 percent, leading to crop failure. The overuse of synthetic pesticides has resulted in pathogen resistance. Therefore, we adopted an integrated pest management (IPM) approach focusing on long-term prevention by integrating ecologically-based control techniques. The principles of IPM include managing healthy plants, preserving natural enemies, monitoring, and enhancing farmers' ecological understanding to become IPM experts. Through the IPM Farmer Field School (IPM-FFS), we aimed to implement ecological IPM, improve agroecosystem health, and support sustainable agriculture through participatory extension methods. Activities were conducted from June to November 2023 in Sumber Brantas Village, Bumiaji District, Batu City. The activities included surveys, planning, socialization, teaching, training, and follow-up. The IPM-FFS successfully developed standard operating procedures for Chinese cabbage management, increasing farmers' knowledge of IPM by 85 percent. The adoption of IPM reduced the incidence of clubroot disease to 20 percent, increased production by 420 kg, and reduced production costs by IDR 403,000 on an area of 400 m2. Farmers independently produce compost, compost tea, botanical pesticides, mycorrhizae, and fungicides through the IPM-FFS, empowering them in sustainable agriculture.

Integrated pest management of soybean emerging pests in Brazil and United States: a review

Soybean cultivation is crucial for meeting global demand for vegetable oil and protein, with Brazil being the largest global producer, followed by the United States. However, intensifying soja production has led to the emergence of new pests, such as whitefly, thrips, and leaf miners, which cause damage to plants and reduce crop productivity. The integrated pest management approach is essential for sustainable pest control, minimizing pesticide use, and maintaining ecological balance. However, further research is needed on emerging pests and their management strategies.

Enhancing yield and economic benefits through sustainable pest management in Okra cultivation.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a prominent vegetable crop in Asia, confronting persistent threats from pests such as leafhoppers, whiteflies, and shoot and fruit borers. Conventional chemical control methods, despite their adverse ecological effects, remain the primary approach for pest management. Indiscriminate chemical use has led to reduced biodiversity among natural predators and the disruption of food webs in ecosystems. To address these challenges, this study assessed the efficacy of integrated (IM) and biointensive (BM) pest management modules in comparison to conventional chemical methods (CM) for mitigating insect damage to okra leaves and fruits, and subsequently, their impact on okra yield. Our result revealed that the BM exhibited the least effectiveness but outperformed untreated control plots significantly. In contrast, both IM and CM significantly reduced damage from sap-sucking insects and borer pests. Notably, plots treated with the chemical module found decreased populations of natural enemies. The IM demonstrated the lowest fruit infestation rate (5.06%), yielding the highest crop production (8.97 t ha-1), along with the maximum net return (Indian Rupees: 44,245) and incremental cost-benefit ratio (3.31). Thus, the study suggested that the implementation of integrated pest management practices can result in higher okra yields and greater economic benefits. These findings shed light on the potential of sustainable agricultural practices as a safer and more economically viable alternative to chemical-intensive pest control in okra cultivation.

Simultaneous Silencing of Gut Nucleases and a Vital Target Gene by Adult dsRNA Feeding Enhances RNAi Efficiency and Mortality in Ceratitis capitata.

Ceratitis capitata, known as the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), is a major dipteran pest significantly impacting fruit and vegetable farming. Currently, its control heavily relies mainly on chemical insecticides, which pose health risks and have effects on pollinators. A more sustainable and species-specific alternative strategy may be based on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery through feeding to disrupt essential functions in pest insects, which is poorly reported in dipteran species. Previous reports in Orthoptera and Coleoptera species suggested that dsRNA degradation by specific nucleases in the intestinal lumen is among the major obstacles to feeding-mediated RNAi in insects. In our study, we experimented with three-day adult feeding using a combination of dsRNA molecules that target the expression of the ATPase vital gene and two intestinal dsRNA nucleases. These dsRNA molecules were recently tested separately in two Tephritidae species, showing limited effectiveness. In contrast, by simultaneously feeding dsRNA against the CcVha68-1, CcdsRNase1, and CcdsRNase2 genes, we observed 79% mortality over seven days, which was associated with a decrease in mRNA levels of the three targeted genes. As expected, we also observed a reduction in dsRNA degradation following RNAi against nucleases. This research illustrates the potential of utilizing molecules as pesticides to achieve mortality rates in Medfly adults by targeting crucial genes and intestinal nucleases. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of exploring RNAi-based approaches for pest management.

A chromosome-level genome assembly of the legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Maruca vitrata, a significant pest of legumes, impacts food security in Asia and Africa. This study presents a high-quality genome assembly of M. vitrata, utilizing advanced sequencing technologies including Nanopore long-read, MGI short-read, and Hi-C. The genome, totaling 482.3 Mb with a contig N50 of 2.91 Mb, features 41.58% repetitive sequences and encompasses 13,320 protein-coding genes. We performed comparative genomic analyses to affirm the accuracy and completeness of the protein sequences assembled, ensuring the assembly’s integrity. Additionally, the annotation of 83 Cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes further confirms the comprehensive nature of the genome assembly and its annotations. This genome assembly not only deepens our understanding of M. vitrata biology but also supports the development of sustainable pest management strategies. This research highlights the importance of genomics in advancing sustainable agricultural solutions through innovative pest management approaches.

Weather Influence on Fall Armyworm Infestation in Maize: A Study in Perambalur District, Tamil Nadu, India

Maize, Zea mays L (Family: Poaceae), is a main cereal crop cultivated across diverse agro-climatic regions worldwide. The Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodopterafrugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), migratory insect is notorious for its economic impact, inflicting severe damage on various crops including maize, rice, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetables, and cotton, and has been documented to affect over 80 other plant species. A roving survey was carried out in four major maize growing blocks of Perambalur district viz., Perambalur, Veppanthattai, Alathur and Veppur during Kharif and Rabi season of 2023-2024. The experiment consisted of sixty standard weeks from 3rd July 2023 to 4th August 2024. The results indicated a positive correlation between the number of fall armyworm larvae/plant with Tmax, relative humidity (Evening), and the negative correlation was observed between the number of fall armyworm larvae/plant with Tmin, relative humidity (Morning), Sunshine and rainfall. The data concluded that the maximum temperature significantly influenced the emergence of the fall armyworm and its infestation on maize. The incidence of FAW started in 46th mean standard week MSW (13 larvae/plant) Alathur, (17.25 larvae/plant) Perambalur, (17.25 larvae/plant) Veppanthattai, (18 larvae/plant) Veppur and the population increased gradually and reached the peak in the 47th mean standard week MSW (26 larvae/plant) Alathur, (32.75 larvae/plant) Perambalur, (33 larvae/plant) Veppanthattai, (42 larvae/plant). Correlation analysis revealed that larval population showed a significant positive correlation with the maximum temperature and relative humidity. At the same time, minimum temperature, sunshine, and rainfall exhibited a negative association with larval incidence of S. frugiperda. Propose adaptation strategies for maize farmers in Perambalur to manage fall armyworm infestations in the context of changing weather patterns. This could include adjustments in planting dates, pest monitoring techniques, or integrated pest management approaches.

Molecular characterization and CRISPR/Cas9 validation of the precursor of egg yolk protein gene, vitellogenin of Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Vitellogenin (Vg), a yolk protein precursor, plays an important role in the oocyte development of insects and is an important target of genetic pest management. Vg is synthesized in the fat body, transported through haemolymph and accumulates in developing oocytes. In this regard, the eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is the major pest in South and South East Asia and a serious concern for farmers. Therefore, in the present study, we have cloned and characterized Vg from L. orbonalis (LoVg) for further applications. The cloned Vg consisted of 5,370 base pairs encoding 1,790 amino acid residues long protein. Further, sequence alignment revealed that LoVg has three conserved domains: a Vitellogenin N domain (LPD-N), a domain of unknown function protein families (DUF1943), and a von Willebrand factor type D domain (VWD). Using phylogenetic analysis, it was found that LoVg evolved alongside homologous proteins from different insects. The real-time expression levels of LoVg were significantly greater in female adults followed by the pupal stage. This suggests that Vg production and absorption in L. orbonalis occurs in the later pupal stage. Our studies showed that editing LoVg using CRISPR/Cas9 did not affect the total number of eggs laid but affected egg hatchability. These studies help us to design newer approaches in insect pest management through genetic suppression for sustainable pest management.

Alternative domestic rodent pest management approaches to address the hazardous use of metal phosphides in low- and middle-income countries

Alternative domestic rodent pest management approaches to address the hazardous use of metal phosphides in low- and middle-income countries

Management Strategies for Early Blight in Potatoes: Assessment of the TOMCAST Model, Including the Aerobiological Risk Level and Critical Phenological Period

The use of pesticides is an efficient approach for pest management. However, their increasing application in recent decades has come under the spotlight of world policies. In this context, this study addresses the usefulness of a forecasting model (TOMCAST) combined with aerobiological information and a plant development model (physiological days, PDays) for the control of early blight in potatoes in Northwest Spain. Control plots were compared to treated plots, according to the original TOMCAST model and the daily Alternaria spp. concentration, meteorological factors, and phenological and epidemiological observations were monitored for better adjustment of the TOMCAST model to the weather conditions of the geographical area during three crop seasons. The results of the linear regression analysis showed a strong relationship between the parameters included in TOMCAST (leaf wetness and temperature) and the Alternaria spp. conidia concentration. In addition, an unbalanced pattern of trapped conidia was detected throughout the growing season, with an increase near the flowering stage. The epidemiological parameters (infection period, r-AUDPC, maximum severity value, and total and commercial yields) showed significant differences between the cultivars in the control and the TOMCAST plots in terms of r-AUDPC and the maximum severity value. Given the study’s results, the original TOMCAST model was improved with aerobiological and phenological information. The improved model recommends a first spray on a day when the following three requirements are met: Ten accumulated disease severity values (DSVs) according to the TOMCAST model, two days with an aerobiological level greater than 10 conidia/m3, and a PDays value greater than 200. This will reduce the number of fungicide treatments used to control early blight in potato crops, promoting the principles of sustainable agriculture.

Prohydrojasmon treatment of Brassica juncea alters the performance and behavioural responses of the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae

AbstractPlants encounter a myriad of biotic and abiotic stresses throughout their life cycle, among which aphids pose a significant challenge as herbivorous insect pests. Aphids cause both direct damage through feeding and indirect damage by transmitting viruses. Given the growing concerns about insecticide resistance and the non‐target effects of synthetic insecticides, there is an urgent need to develop novel pest control strategies that are dependent on plant defence strategies. In this study, we assessed the effects of exogenous prohydrojasmon (PDJ), a derivative of jasmonic acid, at 24 h (PDJ24) and 48 h (PDJ48) post‐treatment on the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on Brassica juncea L. (Brassicaceae). The impact of PDJ treatments was assessed by conducting performance bioassays (survival and fecundity) and behavioural bioassays (settlement and attraction to volatiles in an olfactometer). Our findings reveal that the exogenous application of PDJ did not significantly affect on the performance and behaviour of B. brassicae at 24‐h post‐treatment. However, PDJ treatment significantly reduced the performance of B. brassicae at 48‐h post‐treatment, and affected the behaviour in terms of reduced settlement on and attraction to volatiles of PDJ‐treated plants. These results suggest that PDJ has the potential to effectively induce defences in Brassica against sucking pests. This study provides valuable insights into possibility of employing PDJ as an alternative approach for sustainable pest management in agriculture.

Implementation Outline of Climate-Smart One Health: A System-Thinking Approach

The One Health (OH) concept has evolved significantly in recent decades, emerging as a key framework guiding international research and policy in managing new infectious diseases, chiefly zoonoses. While its initial conception revolved around managing zoonotic diseases as they traverse the interface between animals and humans through the environment, this concept has transformed beyond its origins as a collaboration solely between veterinary and public health stakeholders. Notably, the past decade has ushered in a new era of addressing complex issues in a novel manner. Emerging evidence has led to a fresh theoretical framework, highlighting interconnected terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Understanding these links is crucial in tackling emerging issues and resultant health challenges within these systems under what we call One Health 2.0. The current paper describes Climate-Smart One Health (CS-OH) and Climate-Smart Integrated Pest Management (CS-IPM) approaches, emphasizing holistic perspectives and practical tools. The One Health (OH) 2.0 concept applies to the agricultural sector and more specifically to agrifood systems exposed to climate change impacts. It is meant to address, in a comprehensive manner, soil, water, plant, animal, rural and urban farmers and farming communities, and consumer health issues. The One Health (OH) 2.0 concept is embodied in the Climate-Smart One Health (CS-OH) approach. The latter is designed for applications in agrifood systems. Pathways for the deployment of both CS-OH and CS-IPM interventions are proposed in this paper. A Ghanaian case is discussed.

Mass production of Isaria fumosorosea pfu5 for community approach management of rugose spiraling whitefly in oil palm

The management of an alien Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) on oil palm using a native entomopathogenic fungus, Isaria fumosorosea pfu5 necessitated community approach for pest management. Moreover, coverage of huge leaf biomass warrants massive multiplication of biocontrol agent. In this communication, a two-step strategy, first including pure culture production and the second including ready-to-use culture production of the biocontrol agent is disclosed. The production costs and success of this technology in RSW management of oil palm are also discussed.

Modelling the impact of cabbage stem flea beetle larval feeding on oilseed rape lodging risk.

Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala L.) is a major pest of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) in the UK and low availability of effective chemical control has increased the need for integrated pest management approaches. The risk of OSR to lodging is strongly related to stem strength, however, the impact of CSFB larval tunnelling on stem strength and subsequent risk to stem lodging is unknown. The study investigated this by applying the Generalised Crop Lodging Model to conventionally grown OSR crops scored for varying levels of CSFB larval tunnelling. Lodging risk mitigation strategies including plant growth regulators (PGR) and varying nitrogen regimes were tested under high CSFB larval pressure. Stems of OSR plants were categorised by the proportion of visual damage (< 5%; 5-25%; 26-50%; 51-75%; 75-100%). Stems of 26-50% damage had significantly lower breaking strengths and diameters compared to plants that scored < 5%, with the associated reduction in stem failure windspeed equivalent to an order of magnitude increase in the risk of a lodging event occurring in the UK. PGR use reduced plant height and subsequently lodging risk variably across the sites. Estimating the proportion of stem tunnelling alongside larval pressure may be a useful tool in considering the contribution of CSFB pressure to lodging risk. The research demonstrates that the use of canopy management principles to optimise canopy size through nitrogen management and PGR use may help offset increased lodging risk caused by CSFB tunnelling. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Bio-efficacy of Solanum torvum (Sw.) against agricultural pest Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Recently, Spodoptera litura (Fab.) has emerged as a significant threat to the environment. Because of the pest's ability to spread, pesticides are often applied to agricultural crops. By combining certain plant extracts with other compounds, both a reduction in insect infestation and an increase in production could be achieved. The antifeedant, larvicidal and histological effects of Solanum torvum (Sw.) leaf extracts were investigated against S. litura. The study found that the ethyl acetate leaf extract showed a significant antifeedant effect against S. litura of (86.16%) at 5% concentration. Ethyl acetate extract showed larvicidal activity against S. litura of 88.21% and the LC50 value was 2.05%. Exposure of larvae to ethyl acetate leaf extract resulted in significant histological damage, particularly affecting epithelial, goblet and digestive cells. The results suggest that the inclusion of these plant extracts in integrated pest management approaches can promote sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control methods in agriculture.

Drought stress enhances plastid-mediated RNA interference for efficient the willow leaf beetle management

Plastid-mediated RNA interference has emerged as a promising and effective approach for pest management. By expressing high levels of double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) in plastid that target essential pest genes, it has been demonstrated to effectively control certain herbivorous beetles and spider mites. However, as plants are sessile organisms, they frequently experience a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses. It remains unclear whether abiotic stress, such as drought stress, influences the accumulation of dsRNAs produced in plastids and its effectiveness in controlling pests. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of drought stress on dsACT expression in transplastomic poplar plants and its control efficiency against the willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora). Our findings revealed that drought stress did not significantly affect the dsRNA contents in transplastomic poplar plants, but it did lead to higher mortality of insect larvae. This increased mortality may be attributed to increased levels of jasmonic acid and cysteine proteinase inhibitor induced by water deficit. These results contribute to understanding of the mechanisms linking water deficit in plants to insect performance and provide valuable insights for implementing appropriate pest control strategies under drought stress conditions.

Construction of a beneficial microbes-enriched rhizosphere system assists plants in phytophagous insect defense: current status, challenges and opportunities.

The construction of a plant rhizosphere system enriched with beneficial microbes (BMs) can efficiently help plants defend against phytophagous insects. However, our comprehensive understanding of this approach is still incomplete. In this review, we methodically analyzed the progress made over the last decade, identifying both challenges and opportunities. The main methods for developing a BMs-enriched rhizosphere system include inoculating exogenous BMs into plants, amending the existing soil microbiomes with amendments, and utilizing plants to shape the soil microbiomes. BMs can assist plants in suppressing phytophagous insects across many orders, including 13 Lepidoptera, seven Homoptera, five Hemiptera, five Coleoptera, four Diptera, and one Thysanoptera species by inducing plant systemic resistance, enhancing plant tolerance, augmenting plant secondary metabolite production, and directly suppressing herbivores. Context-dependent factors such as abiotic and biotic conditions, as well as the response of insect herbivores, can affect the outcomes of BM-assisted plant defense. Several challenges and opportunities have emerged, including the development of synthetic microbial communities for herbivore control, the integration of biosensors for effectiveness assessment, the confirmation of BM targets for phytophagous insect defense, and the regulation of outcomes via smart farming with artificial intelligence. This study offers valuable insights for developing a BM-enriched rhizosphere system within an integrated pest management approach. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cold tolerance and metabolism of red-haired pine bark beetle Hylurgus ligniperda (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) during the overwintering period.

Hylurgus ligniperda invaded Shandong, China, through imported forest timber, posing a threat to China's forest health. Exotic insects with broad environmental tolerance, including low temperatures, may have a better chance of surviving the winters and becoming invasive. Understanding the cold-tolerance strategies of H. ligniperda may help to design sustainable pest management approaches. In this study, we aim to investigate the cold-tolerance ability and relevant physiological indicators in overwintering H. ligniperda adults to determine any possible overwintering strategies. Supercooling points (SCPs) for adults H. ligniperda differed significantly across months and reached the lowest level in the mid- and post-overwintering period, the minimum SCPs -6.45 ± 0.18 °C. As the cold exposure temperature decreased, the survival rate of adults gradually decreased, and no adult survived more than 1 day at -15 °C, and the LLT50 for 1 day was -7.1 °C. Since H. ligniperda adults can survive internal ice formation, they are freeze-tolerant insects. Throughout the overwintering period, the SCPs and the water, protein, sorbitol, and glycerol content in adults decreased initially and then increased. We reported significant correlations between total protein, sorbitol, trehalose, and glycerol content in the beetles and SCPs. Glycogen, lipid, protein, trehalose, and sorbitol content in adult beetles may directly affect their cold-tolerance capacity and survival during winter. This study provides a physiological and biochemical basis for further study of metabolism and cold-tolerance strategies in H. ligniperda adults, which may help predict population dynamics and distribution potential of pests.

Yield Decline and Resistance Development in Sucking Pests of Cotton in the Context of Unwise Spraying Techniques

Over 100 countries are producing cotton, which provides raw materials to the industry and employment opportunities for the people. Limiting the cost of production, conserving the ecosystem, and improving the cotton yield are key ingredients of sustainable cotton production. The inception of transgenic cotton (Bt varieties) improved yields, curtailed pesticide uses and promoted environmental safety. Over the years, Bt varieties of cotton have lost resistance against bollworms, and yield is declining. Unwise application of pesticides is associated with the development of resistance to sucking pests of cotton. The present review was conducted to undertake (i) the background of cotton production in the world, (ii) varietal development in cotton, (iii) problems (increasing susceptibility) in Bt varieties (iv) reliance on pesticides, and (v) myths of pesticides applications followed by pesticides knowledge among farmers. The cotton varieties which are resistant against sucking pests should be introduced. In addition, the promotion of biopesticides and fostering the adoption of Integrated Pest Management Approaches could be effective for the management of sucking pests. Farmers must be trained in site-specific and accurate spraying techniques by agricultural extension and plant protection departments. Accurate spraying techniques will not only improve pest control but also help in curtailing the environmental pollution being caused by the excessive use of pesticides in cotton.

Pink Bollworm management in cotton: Challenges, innovations, and sustainable solutions

Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) poses a significant threat to cotton production worldwide. Despite the initial success of Bt cotton, resistance has emerged, necessitating alternative management strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches, including mating disruption and the sterile insect technique (SIT), offer promising solutions. The SPLAT (Specialized Pheromone and Lure Application Technology) technique utilizes wax-based formulations to disrupt pink bollworm mating behaviour, reducing population growth and damage to cotton crops. Meanwhile, SIT utilizes radiation to induce sterility in pink bollworm populations, reducing reproductive rates and mitigating infestation levels. Embracing these innovative strategies collectively ensures sustainable cotton cultivation, safeguarding farmers' livelihoods and reinforcing resilience against the persistent threat of the pink bollworm. Keywords: Pectinophora gossypiella, Cotton, IPM, SPLAT, STI