Sustainable Pest Management Research Articles

Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Greenhouse Pest Management: Integrating Advanced Diagnostics and Preventive Strategies for Optimal Crop Health

Sustainable greenhouse pest management is critical for achieving good crop yields while reducing environmental impact. This paper investigates novel ways that incorporate improved diagnostic tools and preventive tactics into the framework of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in greenhouse ecosystem. Understanding pest life cycles and utilizing cutting-edge tools such as DNA barcoding and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) might help greenhouse managers achieve precise pest diagnosis and early responses. Preventive measures, such as tight cleanliness protocols, quarantine techniques, and the use of physical barriers, are critical in lowering pest incidence. Furthermore, biological controls, cultural methods such as crop rotation and intercropping, and the selective use of insecticides and biopesticides collectively help to ensure long-term pest management. This complete approach not only reduces insect damage but also creates a healthier, more resilient agricultural ecology. Furthermore, traditional diagnostic and preventive measures were also discussed in the article. The and recommendations are validated by recent studies and data, demonstrating the success of these integrated tactics in modern greenhouse operations.

Bio-fumigants as grain protectants in storage-A review

Agriculture is a global lifeline, especially in developing nations like India, where over 70% of the population relies on it. Protecting food grains from insect pests during post-harvest storage is crucial, particularly in regions lacking advanced storage technologies, leading to significant losses. Fumigation is still a key strategy for safeguarding stored grains. Methyl bromide (MBr) and aluminium phosphide (AlP) are the widely used chemical fumigants. Phosphine is used to a greater extent today, but there are frequent reports that several storage pests have developed resistance to this fumigant. The United Nations World Meteorological Organization declared methyl bromide as an ozone-depleting chemical in 1995, and hence, most of the developed countries have phased out its use. Therefore, there is an urgent requirement to develop alternatives having a possible replacement for these fumigants. Biofumigants are organic compounds derived from various plant sources, including essential oils, botanical powders, and plant residues or from microbial volatiles. They release volatile compounds toxic to pests but safe for humans and the environment, offering a sustainable pest management approach. Plants such as mustard and radish produce glucosinolates that release isothiocyanates, known for their pesticidal properties. Essential oils from eucalyptus, clove, and mint and volatiles from certain fungi and bacteria also exhibit fumigant properties. Biofumigants disrupt insect physiological and biochemical processes, leading to mortality or reduced reproduction. Studies showed their efficacy against pests like red flour beetle, lesser grain borer, and rice weevil. Unlike chemical fumigants, biofumigants do not leave harmful residues, preserving grain quality and aligning with organic farming practices. Shifting to biofumigants offers a promising, eco-friendly, and effective alternative for post-harvest pest management, ensuring food safety and sustainability

Response of the tomato leaf miner Phthorimaea absoluta to wild and domesticated tomato genotypes.

Phthorimaea absoluta, a highly destructive invasive pest, poses a significant threat to tomato production globally. Exploring alternative control methods, such as host plant resistance can contribute to diminish reliance on insecticides and promote sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Thus, the identification of new P. absoluta-resistant tomato cultivars and potential wild sources for breeding programmes remains imperative. We evaluated the effect of 19 tomato genotypes, comprising 16 domesticated varieties and three wild tomato species, on oviposition output of female P. absoluta, as well as on larval performance under no-choice conditions using detached leaves. We also characterized and quantified glandular and nonglandular trichomes, exploring their potential correlation with the response of P. absoluta to the tomato plants. Generally, fewer eggs were oviposited on domesticated plants, whereas the wild tomatoes Solanum arcanum and S. neorickii and the domesticated tomato Corona F1 impaired larval development. The pest larvae consumed a limited area of leaflets from S. arcanum and S. neorickii compared to other genotypes, leading to the lowest weights in both male and female pupae. All tomato plants exhibited a prevalence of nonglandular over glandular trichomes, except for S. arcanum, which exhibited a higher abundance of glandular trichomes. Although higher trichome density correlated with longer larval settlement on the leaflets, it did not influence female oviposition. Our findings demonstrate that the wild tomatoes S. arcanum and S. neorickii could be considered as potential sources for breeding programmes, and the domesticated Corona F1 could offer IPM options against P. absoluta. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Green guardians: Harnessing biopesticides for sustainable vegetable pest management

Insect pests pose significant challenges to vegetable crops, causing not only economic losses but also compromising the quality of our food. Shockingly, up to 20 % of globally produced goods fall victim to these insidious invaders. While chemical insecticides have historically bolstered food production, they come with notable drawbacks, including handling risks, residue concerns and negative impacts on non-target species and the environment.Though they have not yet completely replaced chemical insecticides, biopesticides are becoming key in reducing pesticide overuse and promoting safer, residue-free food and environments. Derived from plants and microorganisms, biopesticides offer a safer alternative, ranging from plant extracts to microbial agents such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes. Additionally, insect hormones and semiochemicals, along with silica-based mineral products like activated clay and rice husk, contribute to eco-friendly pest control solutions. Cutting-edge nano biopesticides also deliver unparalleled pest control with precision targeting and excellent environmental credentials.In this comprehensive exploration, we delve deep into the myriad forms of biopesticides, their commercial availability, modes of action and the advantages and disadvantages in vegetable pest management. Crucially, we illuminate the path toward integrating biopesticides into holistic pest management strategies, which can lead to healthier crops, increased yields and more sustainable agricultural practices. By emphasizing biopesticides, we can promote environmental safety and support a greener future in agriculture.

Evaluating Insect Abundance and Diversity in Organic Farming using Solar and LED Light Traps for Sustainable Pest Management

Evaluating Insect Abundance and Diversity in Organic Farming using Solar and LED Light Traps for Sustainable Pest Management

Functional Analysis of CPSF30 in Nilaparvata lugens Using RNA Interference Reveals Its Essential Role in Development and Survival

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is a major pest threatening global rice production, significantly reducing yields annually. As N. lugens increasingly develops resistance to conventional control methods, such as chemical pesticides, there is an urgent need for innovative and sustainable pest management strategies. Cleavage and Polyadenylation Specificity Factor 30 (CPSF30) is a key protein involved in mRNA 3′ end processing, yet its function in N. lugens remains poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the role of CPSF30 in the growth and development of N. lugens and evaluate its potential as a target for RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control strategies. We cloned and characterized the cDNA sequence of NlCPSF30, which encodes a protein of 341 amino acids containing five CCCH zinc-finger domains and two CCHC zinc-knuckle domains. Sequence alignment revealed that NlCPSF30 is highly conserved among insect species, particularly in the zinc-finger domains essential for RNA binding and processing. Phylogenetic analysis showed that NlCPSF30 is closely related to CPSF30 proteins from other hemipteran species. Expression analysis indicated that NlCPSF30 is most highly expressed in the fat body and during the adult stage, with significantly higher expression in females than in males. RNAi-mediated silencing of NlCPSF30 in third-instar nymphs resulted in severe phenotypic abnormalities, including disrupted molting and increased mortality following injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting NlCPSF30. Moreover, it influenced the expression of genes associated with hormone regulation, namely NlHry, NlE93, and NlKr-h1. These results suggest that NlCPSF30 is integral to critical physiological processes, with its disruption leading to increased mortality. Our findings identify NlCPSF30 as an essential gene for N. lugens’ survival and a promising target for RNAi-based pest management strategies. This study provides a valuable molecular target and theoretical insights for developing RNAi-based control methods against N. lugens.

Forecasting Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) Density and Non-Chemical Control of Larvae: A Practical Review

The western corn rootworm (WCR) (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte; Chrysomelidae) is one of the most significant maize pests in Europe, with farmers spending a substantial amount (approximately 140 EUR) on its control. In the context of climate change, WCRs could pose an even greater threat to EU maize production, particularly as the European Union continues to withdraw an increasing number of effective yet environmentally harmful active agents. Biological control methods have now emerged to the forefront in creating sustainable agriculture. In this review, we carried out an extensive literature analysis on methods for forecasting WCRs and evaluated the practical applicability of the latest non-chemical control methods targeting its larvae. Effective forecasting is essential for successful pest management, enabling informed planning and the selection of the most suitable control methods. Several traditional predicting techniques remain in use today, but recent advancements have introduced modern electronic forecasting units combined with sensor-equipped pheromone and colour traps, as well as thermal sum calculations. Research has demonstrated that crop rotation is one of the most effective methods for controlling WCR larvae. Biological agents, such as entomopathogenic fungi (Beauveria bossiana and Mettarrhyzum anasoplia), entomopathogenic nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora), and botanical insecticides such as azadirachtin can significantly reduce larval populations and root damage, thereby maintaining infestation levels below the economic threshold. Genetically modified maize plants that produce specific toxins, along with conventional breeding efforts to increase root system regeneration, are also promising tools for the sustainable management of this pest. This review summarizes the solutions for prediction of western corn rootworm infestations and non-chemical control of its larvae. Accurate forecasting methods provide a clear picture of infestation levels in a given area, enabling precisely targeted control measures. In all cases, the control should be directed primarily against the larvae, thereby reducing root damage and reducing the size of the emerging imago population. This review demonstrates that biological control methods targeting larvae can be as effective as pesticides, supporting sustainable pest management.

The impact of pesticides: Assessing residue persistence, environmental contamination, and human health risks

The intensification of agricultural practices to meet global food demand has led to extensive pesticide use, which poses significant challenges for food safety, environmental health, and human well-being. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the global use of pesticides in agriculture, focusing on the persistence of pesticide residues in food crops, their environmental impacts, and the associated health risks. Historically, pesticides have been integral to agricultural productivity, but their adverse effects have become increasingly clear. Notably, pesticide residues in food can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. This review also discusses regional disparities in pesticide-related health outcomes, with a focus on Brazil. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable pest management practices, including organic farming and improved regulatory measures, to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide use. By integrating these strategies, a more balanced and sustainable agricultural system can be achieved, safeguarding both human health and environmental quality.

Invisible Allies: The Role of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Microbes in Insect Pest Control

Endophytic entomopathogenic microbes, including both bacteria and fungi, hold significant promise as biocontrol agents in sustainable pest management. While the biocontrol potential of entomopathogens are well-established, their role as mutualistic endophytes within plant tissues offers a relatively new avenue for enhancing pest suppression. The ability of these microbes to colonize plant tissues allows them to serve as internal defense agents against insect pests, while simultaneously promoting plant health and resilience to environmental stressors. Here, we explore the growing body of knowledge surrounding the use of endophytic entomopathogenic bacteria and fungi in pest management. These microbes contribute to pest control through direct effects on insect populations, such as mortality and feeding inhibition, as well as indirect plant-mediated mechanisms that enhance plant defenses. Additionally, endophytic entomopathogens provide a range of benefits to their plant hosts, including growth promotion, nutrient acquisition, and protection against pathogens. Despite the clear advantages of using endophytic entomopathogens, there remain key challenges to their widespread implementation. Environmental factors can influence their persistence and efficacy in the field, and their relatively slow mode of action compared to chemical pesticides presents a hurdle for rapid adoption in commercial agriculture. Non-target effects and the development of effective formulations to ensure consistent colonization are also areas that require further investigation. Addressing these challenges through continued research into the complex interactions between endophytes, insects, plants, and their environments will be essential for advancing the integration of endophytic entomopathogenic microbes into sustainable pest management systems.

Isolation and identification of native Chilean entomopathogenic fungi and their potential for the control of Drosophila suzukii

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest of berries and other soft-skinned fruits, was first detected in Chile in 2017, and has since spread over 2,800 km from north to south. Sustainable control of the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) is essential due the negative attitude of the consumers toward the excessive use of insecticides. During a survey in Chile for biological control agents, thirty-two isolates of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) were isolated from mycotized insects and soil samples, identified through sequence analysis, and tested against D. suzukii adults under laboratory conditions. The EPF identified are Akanthomyces muscarius, Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria pseudobassiana, Clonostachys rosea, Metarhizium alvesii, Metarhizium brunneum and Metarhizium robertsii. Six isolates caused 100 % of mortality of D. suzukii adults within ten days after the initial exposition to conidia; these included four B. bassiana isolates (LSB 110, LSB 114, LSB 122 and LSB 125), one M. robertsii isolate (LSB 115) and one M. brunneum isolate (LSB 127). LSB 122 and LSB 125 induced the shortest lethal time (LT50 4 and 4.2 days, respectively), while Akanthomyces and Clonostachys caused ≤36 % cumulative mortality of the adults at 10 days of exposure. These results indicate that isolates of B. bassiana, M. robertsii and M. brunneum have significant potential as microbial control agents against D. suzukii adults. This study marks a critical step forward in identifying and validating native entomopathogenic fungi in Chile for sustainable pest management. Future work will focus on further testing these isolates under laboratory, semi-field and field conditions to optimize their application in real-world agricultural settings.

Molecular interactions of Trichoderma: from microbial competition to soil health promotion

The increasing demand for sustainable solutions to agricultural pest and disease management has positioned Trichoderma fungi as a promising biological control agent. Trichoderma is not only capable of suppressing various plant pathogens but also promotes plant growth and strengthens natural plant defenses. This mini-review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying Trichoderma's ability to function as a biocontrol agent, focusing on nutrient competition, antibiotic production, mycoparasitism, and the induction of plant resistance. Additionally, advances in genomics and transcriptomics have facilitated a deeper understanding of the signaling pathways and genes responsible for Trichoderma's biocontrol effectiveness, including G-protein and MAPK pathways. Beyond pathogen suppression, Trichoderma plays a key role in enhancing soil health and establishing symbiotic relationships with plants, contributing to improved nutrient absorption and growth hormone production. However, challenges remain in translating laboratory success to large-scale field applications. This mini review highlights the need for further research on optimizing Trichoderma formulations, understanding its interaction with other beneficial soil organisms, and exploring genetic engineering to enhance its biocontrol capabilities. The future of Trichoderma lies in its integration into holistic, agroecological systems alongside other sustainable pest management strategies.

Sustainable Pest Management: As an Alternative to Chemical Pesticides

It is critically necessary to make a major transition to a whole system approach for crop protection in order to address the growing environmental and economic effects of managing agricultural pests. The use of chemical pesticides, which can kill non-target species, pollute water supplies, and destroy ecosystems, is lessened through the use of sustainable pest management (SPM). SPM reduces ecological disturbance by utilising biological controls, natural predators, and other eco-friendly techniques. SPM encourages crop diversification, the application of natural enemies, and ecological farming methods that increase biodiversity. As a result, insect outbreaks are decreased and ecosystem resilience is increased.

Production of chitinase in elicited tomato cell suspensions and its application as a biopesticide and fungicide against soil-borne pests and fungi

Soil-borne fungi and pests present significant challenges to crop production, causing diseases and reducing yields. This study explores the potential of producing chitinase from tomato cell suspension cultures and its application in controlling soil-borne fungi and pests. Tomato cell suspension cultures were established from seeds, and different elicitors—including chitin, fungal debris, and fungal metabolites—were used to optimize chitinase production. The enzyme was purified, and its physicochemical properties were characterized. Its antifungal activity was tested against various soil-borne fungi, while termiticidal activity was evaluated using four bioassay methods. Additionally, the nematicidal activity of chitinase was assessed against different stages of root-knot nematodes. Results indicated that chitin media induced the highest chitinase production and cell growth compared to other elicitors. The purified chitinase had a molecular weight of 34 kDa, with a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 0.940 μg NAG/min and a Michaelis constant of 1.236 mg colloidal chitin/mL. The turnover number (Kcat) was 1.598 μg NAG/min/mol chitinase. The enzyme exhibited a broad range of activity and stability across varying pH levels and temperatures, as well as remarkable stability under different storage times and in the presence of metal ions. Tomato-derived chitinase demonstrated superior antifungal, nematicidal, and termiticidal activities compared to common chemical fungicides and pesticides. Chitinase was successfully produced from tomato cell suspension culture in this study, highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable pest and disease management in agriculture.

How do termite baits work? implication of subterranean termite colony demography on the successful implementation of baits.

In 1995, the launch of the first commercial chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait led to the transformation of the subterranean termite control industry around the world. Their slow mode of action, which relies on both their ability to be transferred among nestmates and termite molting biology, has made them cost-effective solutions for subterranean termite colony elimination while minimizing the introduction of pesticides into the soil toward an environmentally sustainable strategy. However, despite successful commercial implementations, the acceptance of their use varies within the pest control industry around the world. Notably, the nuanced complexity of how CSI baits lead to colony elimination upon feeding by termite foragers has, in part, remained elusive for the past 3 decades, allowing for long-lasting misconceptions to persist. A recent series of studies has since provided complementary elements of understanding how CSI baits utilize termites' inherent colony demography, behavior, and physiology to trigger colony elimination after a characteristic succession of events within the colony collapse process. I here provide a synthetic overview of subterranean termite colony characteristics when exposed to CSI baits using Coptotermes (Wasmann) (Blattodea: Heterotermitidae) as a primary model system. The changes in colony demography through the colony collapse reflect how the mode of action of CSI baits makes them a prime solution for sustainable subterranean termite pest management. Following decades of innovation, ongoing interactions among termite researchers, bait product manufacturers, and pest management providers must continue to bring solutions to existing and emerging termite pest problems around the world.

Quantitative and qualitative damage caused by Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on soybean crop at different growth stages

The brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys, an invasive species native to East Asia, is now present and abundant on soybean throughout Europe where it has become a major pest damaging the crop. Because a better understanding of the impact of H. halys is crucial to implement effective and sustainable pest management, the present study aimed to assess the stages at which soybean is most susceptible to H. halys attacks, and the qualitative and quantitative alterations caused by its feeding on soybean seeds. Therefore, soybean plants were exposed to stink bug adults for 2 weeks at different development stages and were examined at harvest for damage. Stay-green syndrome occurred most severely as a result of H. halys attacks at soybean development stages R4-R5. In the same period, the bug feeding activity significantly reduced the number of seeds per pod, thus indicating a higher damage rate at the R4-R5 stage when soybean surveillance should be intensified in order to properly target pest management strategies. The lower number of seeds per pod corresponded to an increase in the seed weight due to plant compensation mechanisms, leading to grain yields that did not differ in relation to the time of attack or the rate of damaged seeds. However, while not causing overall a loss of weight production, H. halys attacks were shown to cause qualitative damage to soybean seeds, especially by altering protein content and mobilizing several primary metabolites from storage macromolecules, which will have to be considered depending on the intended use of the production.

Harnessing inherent immune defenses of crops for sustainable pest management

Harnessing inherent immune defenses of crops for sustainable pest management

Integrative Omics Strategies for Understanding and Combating Brown Planthopper Virulence in Rice Production: A Review

The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens, BPH) is a serious insect pest responsible for causing immense economic losses to rice growers around the globe. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has significantly improved the research on this pest, and its genome structure, gene expression profiles, and host–plant interactions are being unveiled. The integration of genomic sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has greatly increased our understanding of the biological characteristics of planthoppers, which will benefit the identification of resistant rice varieties and strategies for their control. Strategies like more optimal genome assembly and single-cell RNA-seq help to update our knowledge of gene control structure and cell type-specific usage, shedding light on how planthoppers adjust as well. However, to date, a comprehensive genome-wide investigation of the genetic interactions and population dynamics of BPHs has yet to be exhaustively performed using these next-generation omics technologies. This review summarizes the recent advances and new perspectives regarding the use of omics data for the BPH, with specific emphasis on the integration of both fields to help develop more sustainable pest management strategies. These findings, in combination with those of post-transcriptional and translational modifications involving non-coding RNAs as well as epigenetic variations, further detail intricate host–brown planthopper interaction dynamics, especially regarding resistant rice varieties. Finally, the symbiogenesis of the symbiotic microbial community in a planthopper can be characterized through metagenomic approaches, and its importance in enhancing virulence traits would offer novel opportunities for plant protection by manipulating host–microbe interactions. The concerted diverse omics approaches collectively identified the holistic and complex mechanisms of virulence variation in BPHs, which enables efficient deployment into rice resistance breeding as well as sustainable pest management.

Feeding and Growth Response of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) towards Different Host Plants.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major migratory polyphagous insect pest of various crops. The essential nutrient and mineral profile of the host plants determines the feeding fitness of herbivorous insects. As a result, the growth and development of insects is affected. To determine the effect of the nutrient and mineral profile of different host plants (maize, castor bean, cotton, cabbage, okra, and sugarcane) on the growth and development of S. frugiperda, biological parameters like larval weight, pupal weight (male/female), and feeding and growth indices were calculated. The proximate compositions such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and ash and mineral contents of the tested host plants showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The feeding indices on these host plants also differed significantly (p < 0.05). The maximum relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), and consumption index (CI) were recorded in S. frugiperda larvae that fed on maize and castor bean leaves. The crude protein, dry matter, and ash contents in maize and castor bean were significantly higher and positively correlated with the RGR and RCR of S. frugiperda larvae. The larval, male and female pupal weights were the maximum in the larvae feeding on the castor bean host plant. These findings provide novel information based on nutritional ecology to develop sustainable integrated pest management strategies using selective crop rotation.

Evaluating the Bio-Efficacy of Pesticide Combinations on Natural Enemies in Rice Cultivation

Rice cultivation is frequently threatened by pests, leading to the widespread use of chemical pesticides including organophosphates, carbamates, and synthetic pyrethroids. This study evaluates the bio-efficacy of various pesticide combinations in rice fields and their effects on natural enemies like spiders and coccinellids. Pesticides such as chlorantraniliprole, flubendiamide, Azoxystrobin, Tebuconazole, Difenconazole and cartap hydrochloride used alone or in combination were tested for their compatibility and safety. Results showed that these combinations do not significantly suppress natural enemies, making them suitable for Integrated pest management due to often carefully selected to target pests without affecting beneficial organisms. It supports the development of sustainable pest management strategies that minimize harm to beneficial organisms.

Factors influencing adoption of agro-ecological pest management options for mango fruit fly under information constraints: a two-part fractional regression approach

The catalytic effect of climate change on the emergence and prevalence of invasive alien pests along with weak pesticide regulatory frameworks in developing countries calls for a transition towards sustainable pest management. Agro-ecological pest management (APM) offers a nature-based, cost-effective alternative for addressing systemic pest challenges, such as mango fruit fly invasion. We applied a two-part fractional regression to sequentially model APM adoption and intensity decisions among 423 smallholder mango orchard managers from Makueni County, Kenya. Despite APM’s potential, we observed moderate adoption rates (56.7%), with the average adopter implementing only 25% of the APM practices concurrently. Farmers’ socio-psychological attributes significantly influenced both adoption and intensity decisions. While perceptions of technology attributes and institutional and social factors primarily influenced both the adoption and intensity decisions, information constraints, resource endowment, gender and inter-generational factors significantly influenced only the intensity decision. To support the transition from synthetic insecticides to APM measures, policymakers should create more opportunities for awareness creation, training and knowledge co-creation and co-production, particularly through social networks and gender-disaggregated participatory group approaches.