Pest Management Tool Research Articles

Unlocking precision: Advancing rapid field molecular identification of Tuta absoluta across its life cycle using locked nucleic acid strategies

Rapid and accurate insect identification is crucial for effective plant quarantine procedures. This study introduced a reverse transcription recombinase-assisted amplification-lateral flow strip (RT RAA-LFS), specifically designed for on-site detection of the globally quarantined pest, Tuta absoluta, within a 25-minute timeframe. A pivotal strategy involved integrating three locked nucleic acid (LNA) modifications into a species-specific probe, enabling RT RAA to selectively and efficiently amplify the unique haplotype of T. absoluta's mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. After determining the amplification product dilution factor and the volumes of primers, magnesium acetate, and nucleic acid lysate in the amplification system, the finalized RT RAA-LFS system is capable of direct visual detection, complemented by handheld fluorescence detection for quantum dots (QDs) fluorescence on the lateral flow strip. This technique successfully identifies various developmental stages of T. absoluta in crude nucleic acid lysates without the need for genomic DNA extraction. Moreover, it detected the target gene in the genomic solution, reaching concentrations as low as 1.6 pg or 51 copies per 50-µL reaction system, aligning with qPCR results. Field validation with 50 insect samples supports the correlation between RT RAA-LFS quantum dots' fluorescence intensity and LFS color intensity, affirming the system's reliability in estimating the target gene copy number (R=0.584, p < 0.01). This validation emphasizes the practical efficacy of the RT RAA-LFS system for T. absoluta detection, highlighting its potential as a rapid on-site tool in agricultural pest management.

Role of CYP9E2 and a long non-coding RNA gene in resistance to a spinosad insecticide in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata.

Spinosads are insecticides used to control insect pests, especially in organic farming where limited tools for pest management exist. However, resistance has developed to spinosads in economically important pests, including Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata. In this study, we used bioassays to determine spinosad sensitivity of two field populations of CPB, one from an organic farm exposed exclusively to spinosad and one from a conventional farm exposed to a variety of insecticides, and a reference insecticide naïve population. We found the field populations exhibited significant levels of resistance compared with the sensitive population. Then, we compared transcriptome profiles between the two field populations to identify genes associated primarily with spinosad resistance and found a cytochrome P450, CYP9E2, and a long non-coding RNA gene, lncRNA-2, were upregulated in the exclusively spinosad-exposed population. Knock-down of these two genes simultaneously in beetles of the spinosad-exposed population using RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in a significant increase in mortality when gene knock-down was followed by spinosad exposure, whereas single knock-downs of each gene produced smaller effects. In addition, knock-down of the lncRNA-2 gene individually resulted in significant reduction in CYP9E2 transcripts. Finally, in silico analysis using an RNA-RNA interaction tool revealed that CYP9E2 mRNA contains multiple binding sites for the lncRNA-2 transcript. Our results imply that CYP9E2 and lncRNA-2 jointly contribute to spinosad resistance in CPB, and lncRNA-2 is involved in regulation of CYP9E2 expression. These results provide evidence that metabolic resistance, driven by overexpression of CYP and lncRNA genes, contributes to spinosad resistance in CPB.

Application of green synthesized Ag and Cu nanoparticles for the control of bruchids and their impact on seed quality and yield in greengram

Storage pests, particularly bruchids, are major biotic constraints causing significant storage losses in pulses. Conventional control methods relying on insecticides and fumigants often lead to food contamination due to toxic pesticide residues and a rapid decline in seed germination. In this investigation, through green nano-technological application, a promising and sustainable alternative for pest management is developed. Silver and copper nanoparticles were synthesized through ocimum leaf extract. The characterization of silver and copper nanoparticles was carried out by UV-spectroscopy, particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared. Both the nanoparticles were spherical and crystalline in nature. Greengram seeds were primed with standardized silver and copper nanoparticles at different concentrations (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) and compared with castor-treated, deltamethrin-treated, and untreated control seeds for seed quality, growth, and yield. After one month of storage, all the pulse beetles released in different treatments exhibited 100 % mortality, whereas in control, the insects multiplied. At the end of nine months, the control seeds had shown 72 % damage and 39.67 % germination. In contrast, silver nanoparticles at 1000 ppm showed no seed damage and achieved 81.67 % germination, which was on par with copper nanoparticles at 1000 ppm with 79.33 % germination. Seed priming of silver and copper nanoparticles at 1000 ppm also demonstrated superior performance in all the seed quality and biochemical parameters (alpha amylase and catalase) throughout the storage period. Whereas, in the greenhouse experiment, enhanced growth (35.96 cm, 46.48 cm, and 53.00 cm at 30, 60 DAS, and at harvest, respectively) and yield per plant (3.75 g) were significantly higher in plants that were given foliar application with silver nanoparticles at 1000 ppm. Furthermore, foliar application of these nanoparticles at all concentrations (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) did not exhibit any adverse effects on soil microbial organisms, as assessed by dehydrogenase enzyme activity. Hence, this research highlights the potential use of silver and copper nanoparticles at 1000 ppm as effective tools for storage pest management and contributing to improved agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Vibrations as a new tool for pest management – a review

AbstractSensory stimuli are essential for arthropod survival and reproduction. Given the widespread use of vibrational communication among diverse taxa, exploiting vibrational senses has great potential for successful pest management. In this review, we summarize our recent findings on vibration‐based pest management and future perspectives in the context of integrated pest management. We first examine the management of whiteflies – the tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) – in various facilities where tomatoes are cultivated. We then explore the recent application of vibration for the control of fungus gnats of the genus Neoempheria (Diptera: Mycetophilidae) infesting shiitake mushrooms. Finally, we discuss the control of the brown‐winged green stink bug, Plautia stali Scott (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a pest of fruit trees in Japan. Notably, our trials have demonstrated that vibrational treatments are profitable not only for reducing pest populations but also for indirect benefits such as increased crop yields or the enhancement of pest control effectiveness.

Could bacteriophages be used as a novel pest management tool to control gut endosymbionts in Western Flower Thrips?

Several species of Thysanoptera are considered agricultural pests, especially Frankliniella occidentalis (Western Flower Thrips, WFT). The damage WFT causes to plants can either be direct by feeding and oviposition activity or indirect by WFT serving as vectors for several plant viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Properties of WFT like polyphagy, cryptic lifestyle, fast reproduction and the ability to quickly develop insecticide resistance make them difficult to control. Alternative pest management tactics are thus in high demand. Potential targets are the facultative or obligate endosymbionts that affect the life history parameters of WFT. The known endosymbionts of WFT: BFo1/BFo2 (B = bacteria, Fo = Frankliniella occidentalis, number indicate different types) positively influence their fertility and development. Elimination of these endosymbionts could result in a decreased individual reproduction level and decreased population growth. Bacteriophages specific against BFo1/BFo2 were isolated and characterized and were applied in a no-choice feeding assay to female WFT. Antibiotic and sugar solutions served as controls. Phage-treated thrips showed no significant difference in survival, fecundity, oviposition rate or developmental time of the progeny compared to the control, whereas antibiotic treatment caused a decline in survival, fecundity, and oviposition rate, but not in the developmental time of offspring. The results showed a rapid decline of the bacteriophage concentration in the feed solution, which the WFT salivary gland products might cause. The complex relationship between thrips, endosymbionts and bacteriophages, needs further attention before bacteriophages could be used as potential management tools.

Three new strategies for improving biosecurity and invasive species management to build resilience in Pacific Islands

The inaugural Pacific Ecological Security Conference (PESC) was held in October 2022, bringing together over 100 island leaders, policy-makers, natural resource managers and global and regional invasive species experts to prioritise the critical issue of invasive species in the Pacific Islands Region. Participants confirmed that invasive species are a major threat to building and maintaining climate resilience and adaptability of Pacific Island ecosystems, as well as food security, biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods and the protection of cultural resources and way of life. Three region-wide strategic action plans were developed to guide interventions focused on the topics of invasive ants, coconut rhinoceros beetle and the use of biological control as a pest and weed management tool. These plans were the major outcome of the PESC and, when implemented, will result in coordinated activities that take a “whole-of-Pacific” approach to invasive species biosecurity and management. Here, we briefly describe the background, planning and engagement process for the three plans, summarise any country- and territory-level data obtained through the process and detail what is planned to occur over the next few years. In addition to the adoption and implementation of the strategies as a result of this inaugural PESC, we anticipate that the PESC will become the premier regional conference aimed at reducing the entry and impacts of invasive species to improve sustainability of environments and peoples of the Pacific.

Toxicological, biological, and biochemical impacts of the egyptian lavender (Lavandula multifida L.) essential oil on two lepidopteran pests

The use of essential oils as an eco-friendly tool in pest management stems from their natural origin and the presence of bioactive compounds that exhibit pesticidal properties, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. This study explores the toxicity of Lavandula multifida (lavender) essential oil (EO), as a botanical pesticide against two widespread and destructive Noctuidae pests, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) and Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel). GC-MS was employed to characterize 23 compounds in the EO, with 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (eucalyptol) (39.84%), being the primary component. The leaf dipping technique was utilized to assess the toxicity of the EO to both insects. At 96 hours post-treatment, the LC50 of lavender EO to S. littoralis and A. ipsilon larvae were 2.350 and 2.991 mg · ml–1, respectively. Concerning its biological effect, both concentrations of the EO (LC15 and LC50) significantly shortened the duration of the larval (to 15.24 and 14.23 days) and pupal (to 11.19 and 10.55 days) stages of S. littoralis. Biochemical assays revealed that the LC50 of lavender EO significantly inhibited α-esterase activity in S. littoralis at 72- and 96 hours post-treatment (0.031 and 0.063 mmol · min–1 · mg–1), and A. ipsilon at 96 hours post-treatment (0.129 mmol · min–1 · mg–1 protein). Given its significant toxicological, biological, and biochemical effects on S. littoralis, it is suggested that lavender EO could be considered for use in integrated pest management strategies while ensuring its safe application to protect non-target organisms.

Entomophagous insects: Predators and parasitoids that shape insect communities and offer valuable tools for insect pest management

AbstractThis special issue comprises papers presented at the 7th International Entomophagous Insects Conference (IEIC7), in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2023. Entomophagous insects, which prey on or parasitize other insects, play a pivotal role in ecosystems and are widely utilized as biocontrol agents. This special issue includes two review articles and nine research papers covering diverse subjects such as ecology, physiology, behavior, genetics, chemical ecology, and biological control, which reflects the diversity of topics presented and discussed during the conference.

Fragmentation and Connectivity in dehesa Ecosystems Associated with Cerambyx spp. Dispersion and Control: A Graph-Theory Approach

Xylophagous insects play a crucial role in forest ecosystems, contributing to population dynamics. The “Cerambyx complex” (CC) constitutes an emerging pest in Mediterranean oak woodlands. We studied the fragmentation and connectivity of holm and cork oak stands in Andalusia (Spain), and the relationships with the current dispersion of CC, as well as the effect on the connectivity and dispersion patterns with the implementation of nests of a predator bird (Garrulus glandarius) to reduce insect populations in highly connected areas. The Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) was used to assess the spatial distribution of CC. Connectivity was assessed using graphs theory (Graphab 2.6) to characterize the importance of patches and linkages for contributing to dispersal. We selected the Eurasian jay (G. glandarius) as a reference bird species to generate “barriers” to the dispersion of the CC. We used the probability of connectivity (PC) and the flux (F) to compare the effect of the introduction of Eurasian jay nets. Results showed an increasing trend in the distribution and incidence of CC during the period 2001–2016, resulting in 7.3% and 13.1% mortality rates for Q. ilex and Q. suber, respectively. The connectivity model using only Q. ilex and Q. suber forests as reference habitats was not enough to explain the distribution of CC. The value of PC and F metrics decreased by 38.09% and 20.59% by introducing 300 nests of Eurasian jay. Our methodology provides a pest management tool using connectivity metrics, which can be integrated with other variables to control pest outbreaks and pest dispersion.

Climate change and plant health: impact, implications and the role of research for mitigation and adaptation

Climate change is a pressing issue requiring bold innovations using an integrated and systematic approach. As part of the CGIAR Webinar Series for the International Year of Plant health 2020 a webinar took place in 2021 entitled ‘Climate change and plant health: impact, implications, and the role of research for adaptation and mitigation’. The purpose of this paper is to share the discussions of the webinar and to show how CGIAR, working closely with partners, can contribute to better management of plant health in a climate crisis. The global research community has an enormous opportunity to collaborate on innovations, partnerships, capacity development and policy engagement to scale up solutions for plant health and agricultural resilience in a climate crisis, embedded within social and economic frameworks. Key action points were identified related to surveillance, big data and predictive models; integrated pest management (IPM) tools; a new paradigm for research to deliver end-to-end, sustainable solutions; fostering of an enabling environment; gender research; delivery of research at ecosystem and landscape scale through bundling and digital tools; and leveraging partnerships, including with the private sector. Through leveraging collaboration opportunities embedded within social and economic frameworks, the global research community has to scale up solutions for plant health and agricultural resilience under a changing climate.

Enhancing pest control interventions by linking species distribution model prediction and population density assessment of pine wilt disease vectors in South Korea

Pine wilt disease caused by pinewood nematode is one of the most destructive forest diseases, and still spreading in South Korea despite the various control efforts. Japanese pine sawyer (JPS) and Sakhalin pine sawyer (SPS) are the main vectors of the disease. Understanding the distribution and density of the vectors is crucial since the control period is determined by the different emergence periods of the two vectors and the control method by its density and the expected damage severity. In this study, we predicted the distribution of JPS and SPS using Maxent and investigated the relationship between the resulting suitability value and the density. The population densities of JPS and SPS were obtained through a national survey using pheromone traps between 2020-2022. We converted the density data into presence/absence points to externally validate each species distribution model, then we used quantile regression to check the correlation between the suitability and population density, and finally we used three widely used thresholds to convert the model results into binary maps, and tested if they could distinguish the density by comparing the Rb value of biserial correlation. The quantile regression revealed a positive relationship between the habitat suitability and population density sampled in the field. Moreover, the binary map with threshold criteria that maximizes the sum of the sensitivity and specificity had the best density discrimination capacity with the highest Rb. A quantitative relationship between suitability and vector density measured in the field from our study provides reliability to species distribution model as practical tools for forest pest management.

Mechanism of Plant Resistance to Insects, Weeds and Pathogens

Plants are primary producers and a food source for many heterotrophic phytophagous organisms. They are affected by different biotic and abiotic environmental stress. Insects, fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, and other pests are biotic factors that significantly reduce crop productivity. Naturally, plants protect themselves from pest attacks by developing different morphological, structural, and biochemical defense mechanisms. However, our understanding of these defensive mechanisms is still limited. Hence, the objective of this paper is to review the mechanism of plant resistance to insects, weeds, and pathogens to know the relevant defense or resistance mechanisms of plants against pests. Many morphological characteristics contribute to plant resistance to insect pests. These include trichomes, surface waxes and hardness of plant tissues, thickening of cell walls and cuticles, the rapid proliferation of tissues, anatomical changes in plant organs, and color and shape of plant parts. The chemical composition of the host plant affects the behavior and adaptation of the herbivore and the host plant. These chemicals can be physiological inhibitors or nutritional deficiencies. Secondary metabolites are compounds that decrease the palatability of the plant tissues in which they are produced but have no effect on a plant's regular growth and development. Plants defend themselves against pathogens by a combination of weapons termed host resistance which is a structural and biochemical defense mechanism and they also defend from weeds by producing allelochemicals. Thus, plants have developed multiple resistance mechanisms to protect against pests. These resistance mechanisms could be an important tool for pest management by reducing the dose of chemicals used in pest control, resulting in a minimal effect of the chemicals on the environment. Also, these resistance mechanisms are compatible with other control methods that act as one of the components of integrated pest management methods to reduce the damage caused by pests.

Insecticidal activity against rice pest of oxazosulfyl, a novel sulfyl insecticide.

The development and commercialization of new chemical classes of insecticides are important for efficient crop protection, particularly for combatting insecticide resistance and providing sustainable agricultural production. This study reports on oxazosulfyl, a novel "sulfyl" class of insecticide, against a wide range of insect pests of rice. In the laboratory assay, oxazosulfyl showed insecticidal activity against all developmental stages of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Phosphor imaging assays and soil drench bioassays demonstrated good systemic distribution in rice plants. Oxazosulfyl showed insecticidal activity against imidacloprid- and fipronil-resistant field populations of N. lugens, the white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), and the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén), as well as the respective susceptible strains. No cross-resistance was observed among oxazosulfyl, imidacloprid, and fipronil. Oxazosulfyl with a wide insecticidal spectrum is a potentially useful pest management tool for sustainable rice production.

Complementary use of visual and olfactory cues to assess capture of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel): Implementation and field verification via an IoT-based automatic monitoring system.

This study examined the effect of combining visual and olfactory cues to attract oriental fruit flies (OFFs). Six different colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) served as a visual attractant and methyl eugenol served as olfactory bait to lure male flies. An internet of things (IoT)-based pest monitoring system, consisting of sensor nodes, a gateway, and automatic counting traps, was deployed in the field to automatically collect environmental data and pest counts. The results of the calibrated experiments indicated that green, yellow, or red LEDs exhibited better performance in attracting flies than white, purple, or blue LEDs or no LEDs. With an accurate combination of visual and olfactory cues, the proposed IoT-based pest monitoring system may be an effective tool in agricultural pest management, given its advantages for efficiently capturing OFFs in a labor and time saving manner, providing accurate information regarding increases in pest populations, and enabling long-term, real-time data collection.

Systemic resistance induced in tomato plants by Beauveria bassiana-derived proteins against tomato yellow leaf curl virus and aphid Myzus persicae.

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is an economically important vegetable crop around the globe. Tomato yellow leaf curling (TYLC) is the most devastating viral disease posing a serious threat to tomato production throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Induction of microbe-mediated systemic resistance in plants has been of great interest in recent years as a novel microbiological tool in disease and insect pest management. This in-vitro study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different strains (BB252, BB72 and ARSEF-2860) of a hypocreal fungus Beauveria bassiana against TYLCV disease and aphid Myzus persicae. Potted tomato plants exogenously treated with conidial and filtrate suspensions of B. bassiana strains and of their partially purified or purified proteins were exposed to TYLCV inoculum and aphid M. persicae. Results showed a significant suppression of TYLCV disease severity index by the exogenous application of conidial, filtrate and protein treatments of all B. bassiana strains and this response was directly proportional to the treatment concentration. Similarly, mean fecundity rate of M. persicae was also significantly reduced by the highest concentration of ARSEF-2860-derived elicitor protein PeBb1, followed by the highest concentrations of BB252- and BB72-derived partially purified proteins. Moreover, these B. bassiana-derived proteins also caused a significant upregulation of most of the plant immune marker genes associated with plant defense. Overall, the study findings suggest that these B. bassiana strains and their partially purified or purified elicitor proteins could be effective biological tools for the management of TYLCV and aphid infestation on tomato plants. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of Capsicum pepper aqueous extracts against plant pathogens and food spoilage fungi.

Capsicum pepper is a rich source of phytochemical compounds such as capsaicinoids, phenols, flavonoids, and so forth. Due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential all of these compounds have been assessed and used for both human and plant health benefits. Herein, three fresh varieties of Capsicum annuum (Cacho de Cabra, Bell pepper, and Hungarian Wax varieties) and one fresh and ripe variety of C. baccatum (Cristal) were evaluated. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin and the phenolic content of Capsicum spp. extracts were characterised. The antifungal potential of capsaicinoids and antioxidant activities, and the ecotoxicity of each Capsicum spp. extract, using the model Galleria mellonella, were also evaluated. Phytochemical analyses showed that the Cristal and Hungarian Wax varieties presented the highest amount of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin; while Bell Pepper had the highest phenol content and antioxidant activity. Capsaicinoids' standards and Capsicum spp. extracts showed fungistatic activity against the fungal strains assessed. For the fungal strains assessed, the fungistatic activities of capsaicinoids' standards were higher than those observed in Capsicum spp. extracts. The Hungarian Wax extracts inhibited slightly the growth of Aspergillus niger MUM05.11 and Fusarium oxysporum MUM16.143. Similarly, A. niger, F. oxysporum, Rhizopus arrhizus MUM16.05 and Alternaria sp. UFRO17.178 had their growth retarded by the use of Cacho de Cabra and Cristal extracts. Noticeable changes were observed in the fungal strains' morphologies, such as the presence of fragile fungal structures, pigmentation loss, variation in the reproductive structures size and the conidia number. Capsicum extracts weaken the growth of fungi, indicating their fungistatic potential. Considering the fungistatic potential and non-ecotoxicity of these extracts, it is possible to suggest their use as a tool for pest management in the agri-food sector, controlling the growth and reproduction of fungi without posing a risk to non-target biodiversity.

The role of farming systems in the adoption of pest management practices: the case of the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis in mango orchards in Senegal

Description of the suject. In Africa, pest pressure has led researchers, policymakers, and international development stakeholders to develop and disseminate innovative pest management strategies. However, farmers reject some pest management strategies due to economic constraints, agronomic problems, or incompatibilities with their strategies, knowledge bases, and visions of desirable change. Objectives. In this paper, we study the pest management practices employed by mango producers from different farming systems against the fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis, as well as the factors determining the level of engagement of these producers in managing this pest. Method. We surveyed 304 Senegalese mango growers affected by the invasive fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis to understand which farming systems’ features could explain the adoption level of fruit fly management tools through multivariate data analysis. Results. Three types of farming systems characterized by a coherent set of varietal choices, orchard management, harvest practices, commercial outlets, and fruit fly management practices are identified: (1) Intensive farming systems supplying the export market with the variety Kent and using a large set of orchard management tools and harvest practices to eliminate fruit flies, (2) Extensive farming systems supplying various varieties of mangoes with a dominance of Kent to both export and domestic markets, with access to fruit fly management tools from public services, (3) Gathering farming systems characterized by zero-input, high varietal diversity, difficult market access, non-selective harvest practices, and fruit fly management rarely practiced. Conclusions. The farming systems form a gradient of increasing use of fruit fly management tools and inputs, access to extension services, and export market orientation. Their coexistence in the same territories significantly contributes to the inefficiency of the control measures against Bactrocera dorsalis. Our results support the premise that in Africa, the adoption of pest management tools is more deeply integrated into the practices of certain producers compared to others, due to internal and external factors influencing the operation.

Behind the scenes: integrated pest management in a public garden

Abstract Integrated pest management in a public garden poses unique challenges and opportunities. Longwood Gardens has 300 acres intensively managed by an integrated pest management team. Within that acreage, collections are managed for their aesthetic display quality, research, and conservation, as well as enjoyment by guests who come to the Gardens for classes, performances, and events or to enjoy a day of beauty and wonder. Each garden space has multiple uses, vast plant palettes, and historical legacies. The integrated pest management team must balance aesthetics, science, and human needs while looking to the future to prepare for potential new pest invaders. Every day is an adventure and lesson in prioritizing, patience, and tolerance. The integrated pest management practitioners are dedicated to finding the right integrated pest management tool, knowing when to use it and when to do nothing, and researching and learning new techniques and approaches to ensure the Garden continues to thrive.

Bio-Pesticides: Essential for Controlling Insect Pests

In the context of India's agricultural landscape, where synthetic chemical pesticides have played a significant role, this exploration underscores the pressing need for sustainable alternatives. Biopesticides, sourced from natural materials, emerge as pivotal tools in eco-friendly pest management. The diverse types of biopesticides, their current utilization in India, and the potential for expanded adoption are discussed. Despite constituting a mere 3% of total pesticides, the intrinsic qualities of biopesticides, exemplified by Neem-based products, present a promising avenue for sustainable pest control. The significance of India's biodiversity and traditional knowledge is highlighted, suggesting their potential in shaping innovative biopesticides. With a growing emphasis on organic farming, there is a foreseeable shift towards increased acceptance and integration of biopesticides in Indian agriculture.

Stationary distribution of a stochastic reaction–diffusion predator–prey model with additional food and fear effect

Providing additional food supplements to predators is one of the crucial and effective tools for biological conservation and pest management, which has been widely recognized and validated by theoretical and experimental scientists. This paper focuses on the existence and uniqueness of stationary distribution of a stochastic reaction–diffusion predator–prey model that incorporates additional food for predator and fear effect for prey. It reveals that spatial diffusion is beneficial for maintaining the steady state of the model, whereas environment white noise has a negative effect.