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Search Results (336)

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Keywords = integrated pest management (IPM)

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12 pages, 8881 KiB  
Article
Impact of Different Temperatures on Activity of the Pest Monolepta hieroglyphica Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
by Rongrong Shi, Jianyu Hao, Yue Zhang, Qinglei Wang, Chunqin Liu and Qing Yang
Insects 2025, 16(2), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020222 - 18 Feb 2025
Viewed by 270
Abstract
Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is widely distributed in China and is polyphorous, being a major pest to cash crops, such as corn, cotton, and millet. Given the increasing severity of the greenhouse effect in recent years, we aimed to investigate the adaptability [...] Read more.
Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is widely distributed in China and is polyphorous, being a major pest to cash crops, such as corn, cotton, and millet. Given the increasing severity of the greenhouse effect in recent years, we aimed to investigate the adaptability of M. hieroglyphica adults to varying temperatures. In this study, we assessed the survival, longevity, fecundity, feeding capacity, and antioxidant capacity of leaf beetle adults under laboratory conditions at 25–34 °C. Elevated temperatures (i.e., 31 and 34 °C) had (negative) impacts on M. hieroglyphica adults’ survival and reproduction. Similarly, the temperature negatively affected the feeding capacity of M. hieroglyphica adults, with the impact becoming more pronounced as the temperature increased. Under the same treatment time, the SOD and CAT activity levels increased with the increase in treatment temperature. The GST activity levels showed a decreasing trend. The POD activity showed a biphasic response to increasing temperatures, first decreasing and then increasing. The above indicates that different antioxidant enzymes of M. hieroglyphica adults have different levels of sensitivity to high temperatures. In the laboratory, our work analyzes the response of M. hieroglyphica adults to temperature from ecological and physiological research perspectives and provides strategies for strengthening its subsequent integrated pest management (IPM) under conditions of global warming or extreme weather events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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14 pages, 1960 KiB  
Article
Lobesia botrana Infestation in Petit Verdot and Sangiovese: A Comparative Study
by Lorenzo Corsi, Giorgio Sperandio, Sara Ruschioni, Fabio Ramilli, Tania Lattanzi, Oriana Silvestroni and Paola Riolo
Insects 2025, 16(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020213 - 15 Feb 2025
Viewed by 334
Abstract
The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), a significant pest in viticulture, impacts grape quality and yield through larval feeding and secondary infections. This study examined the impact of L. botrana on two grape varieties, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese, while also investigating [...] Read more.
The European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), a significant pest in viticulture, impacts grape quality and yield through larval feeding and secondary infections. This study examined the impact of L. botrana on two grape varieties, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese, while also investigating cultivar-specific traits. Field trials were conducted in central Italy to assess infestation levels, female population abundance, and cultivar-specific morphological traits. The results revealed significantly lower larval infestation levels, but higher female abundance in Petit Verdot compared to Sangiovese. Bunch density and bunch compactness were also significantly lower in Petit Verdot than in Sangiovese. Morphological traits, such as a greater canopy thickness and higher leaf layer number in Petit Verdot, did not correspond to increased infestation levels, challenging existing findings regarding the impact of sun exposure on female oviposition and larval settlement. The seasonal dynamics of L. botrana indicated three major adult flight peaks and a partial fourth peak, potentially influenced by local weather patterns. These findings highlight the critical role of cultivar-specific traits in shaping pest infestation dynamics and provide essential insights for optimizing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, particularly in cultivar selection and monitoring protocols for sustainable viticulture. Full article
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17 pages, 16790 KiB  
Article
A YOLO-Based Model for Detecting Stored-Grain Insects on Surface of Grain Bulks
by Xueyan Zhu, Dandan Li, Yancheng Zheng, Yiming Ma, Xiaoping Yan, Qing Zhou, Qin Wang and Yili Zheng
Insects 2025, 16(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020210 - 14 Feb 2025
Viewed by 307
Abstract
Accurate, rapid, and intelligent stored-grain insect detection and counting are important for integrated pest management (IPM). Existing stored-grain insect pest detection models are often not suitable for detecting tiny insects on the surface of grain bulks and often require high computing resources and [...] Read more.
Accurate, rapid, and intelligent stored-grain insect detection and counting are important for integrated pest management (IPM). Existing stored-grain insect pest detection models are often not suitable for detecting tiny insects on the surface of grain bulks and often require high computing resources and computational memory. Therefore, this study presents a YOLO-SGInsects model based on YOLOv8s for tiny stored-grain insect detection on the surface of grain bulk by adding a tiny object detection layer (TODL), adjusting the neck network with an asymptotic feature pyramid network (AFPN), and incorporating a hybrid attention transformer (HAT) module into the backbone network. The YOLO-SGInsects model was trained and tested using a GrainInsects dataset with images captured from granaries and laboratory. Experiments on the test set of the GrainInsects dataset showed that the YOLO-SGInsects achieved a stored-grain insect pest detection mean average precision (mAP) of 94.2%, with a counting root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.7913, representing 2.0% and 0.3067 improvement over the YOLOv8s, respectively. Compared to other mainstream approaches, the YOLO-SGInsects model achieves better detection and counting performance and is capable of effectively handling tiny stored-grain insect pest detection in grain bulk surfaces. This study provides a technical basis for detecting and counting common stored-grain insect pests on the surface of grain bulk. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Behaviour, and Monitoring of Stored Product Insects)
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26 pages, 1074 KiB  
Review
A Review of Biological and Sustainable Management Approaches for Alphitobius diaperinus, a Major Pest in Poultry Facilities
by Ozge Tufan-Cetin and Huseyin Cetin
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 158; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12020158 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 533
Abstract
The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is a significant pest in poultry facilities, transmitting pathogens such as Salmonella and causing structural damage in poultry operations. Challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental concerns associated with the widespread use of traditional insecticides underscore [...] Read more.
The lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) is a significant pest in poultry facilities, transmitting pathogens such as Salmonella and causing structural damage in poultry operations. Challenges such as insecticide resistance and environmental concerns associated with the widespread use of traditional insecticides underscore the need for sustainable alternatives. This review examines biological and sustainable management strategies for managing the lesser mealworm, including entomopathogenic fungi, bacteria, nematodes, plant essential oils-extracts, pheromones, and diatomaceous earth. These eco-friendly approaches highlight fungi and nematodes for their effectiveness in larval control and essential oils for their insecticidal and repellent properties. The application of pheromones and diatomaceous earth further complements other methods within integrated pest management (IPM) systems. Integrating these biological tools into IPM offers a sustainable and effective solution for reducing A. diaperinus populations, addressing both health and environmental concerns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology)
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18 pages, 1967 KiB  
Article
Reduced Doses of Diatomaceous Earth and Basil Essential Oil on Stored Grain Against the Wheat-Damaging Sitophilus oryzae: Influence on Bread Quality and Sensory Profile
by Alessandro Bianchi, Priscilla Farina, Francesca Venturi, Francesca Trusendi, Guido Flamini, Roberta Ascrizzi, Sabrina Sarrocco, Sania Ortega-Andrade, Maria Cristina Echeverria, Barbara Conti and Isabella Taglieri
Foods 2025, 14(4), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14040572 - 9 Feb 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Stored grain pests like Sitophilus oryzae pose significant challenges to food security and quality, necessitating eco-friendly pest management strategies. This study investigates the combined efficacy of reduced doses of diatomaceous earth (DE) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil (EO) as an [...] Read more.
Stored grain pests like Sitophilus oryzae pose significant challenges to food security and quality, necessitating eco-friendly pest management strategies. This study investigates the combined efficacy of reduced doses of diatomaceous earth (DE) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) essential oil (EO) as an alternative to conventional pesticides. Laboratory trials evaluated the effectiveness of the treatments—DE, EO, and a mixture of both (at halved doses)—against S. oryzae in wheat, alongside their impact on bread quality and sensory attributes. Results showed that DE and the DE + EO at halved doses combination achieved over 82% pest mortality, comparable to standard DE doses but with reduced mechanical and environmental drawbacks. EO alone demonstrated limited insecticidal activity. Bread made from treated wheat retained high sensory acceptability, with DE enhancing elasticity and crumb aroma. EO-enriched bread exhibited a complex aromatic profile due to methyl chavicol, though with reduced crumb elasticity and a slightly bitter aftertaste. Shelf-life assessments indicated that DE and DE + EO at halved doses extended mold-free storage by one day compared to untreated bread. These findings highlight the potential of combining DE and EO at reduced doses to manage stored grain pests sustainably, aligning with integrated pest management (IPM) and organic farming principles, while preserving the technological and sensory qualities of derived food products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
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31 pages, 1957 KiB  
Article
Overcoming Barriers to the Adoption of Decision Support Systems in Integrated Pest Management in Some European Countries
by Jurij Marinko, Vladimir Kuzmanovski, Mark Ramsden and Marko Debeljak
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020426 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 734
Abstract
Decision support systems (DSSs) can improve decision making in integrated pest management (IPM), but are still underutilised despite proven environmental and economic benefits. To overcome the barriers to DSS adoption, this study analyses survey data from 31 farmers and 94 farm advisors, researchers [...] Read more.
Decision support systems (DSSs) can improve decision making in integrated pest management (IPM), but are still underutilised despite proven environmental and economic benefits. To overcome the barriers to DSS adoption, this study analyses survey data from 31 farmers and 94 farm advisors, researchers and developers across 11 European countries. Using machine learning techniques, respondents were first categorised into clusters based on their responses to the questionnaire. The clusters were then explained using classification trees. For each cluster, customised approaches were proposed to overcome the barriers to DSS adoption. For farmers, these include building trust through co-development, offering free trials, organising practical workshops and providing clear instructions for use. For farm advisors and researchers, involvement in the development of DSS and giving them access to information about the characteristics of the DSS is crucial. IPM DSS developers should focus on 14 key recommendations to improve trust and the ease of use, increase the transparency of DSS descriptions and validation, and extend development to underserved sectors such as viticulture and vegetable farming. These recommendations aim to increase the uptake of DSSs to ultimately improve the implementation of IPM practises and help reduce the risk and use of pesticides across Europe despite the ever-growing challenges in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pest and Disease Management)
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29 pages, 10754 KiB  
Article
IPM-AgriGPT: A Large Language Model for Pest and Disease Management with a G-EA Framework and Agricultural Contextual Reasoning
by Yuqin Zhang, Qijie Fan, Xuan Chen, Min Li, Zeying Zhao, Fuzhong Li and Leifeng Guo
Mathematics 2025, 13(4), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/math13040566 - 8 Feb 2025
Viewed by 582
Abstract
Traditional pest and disease management methods are inefficient, relying on agricultural experts or static resources, making it difficult to respond quickly to large-scale outbreaks and meet local needs. Although deep learning technologies have been applied in pest and disease management, challenges remain, such [...] Read more.
Traditional pest and disease management methods are inefficient, relying on agricultural experts or static resources, making it difficult to respond quickly to large-scale outbreaks and meet local needs. Although deep learning technologies have been applied in pest and disease management, challenges remain, such as the dependence on large amounts of manually labeled data and the limitations of dynamic reasoning. To address these challenges, this study proposes IPM-AgriGPT (Integrated Pest Management—Agricultural Generative Pre-Trained Transformer), a Chinese large language model specifically designed for pest and disease knowledge. The proposed Generation-Evaluation Adversarial (G-EA) framework is used to generate high-quality question–answer corpora and combined with Agricultural Contextual Reasoning Chain-of-Thought Distillation (ACR-CoTD) and low-rank adaptation (LoRA) techniques further optimizes the base model to build IPM-AgriGPT. During the evaluation phase, this study designed a specialized benchmark for the agricultural pest and disease domain, comprehensively assessing the performance of IPM-AgriGPT in pest management tasks. Experimental results show that IPM-AgriGPT achieved excellent evaluation scores in multiple tasks, demonstrating its great potential in agricultural intelligence and pest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Machine Learning Methods and Mathematical Modeling with Applications)
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26 pages, 2833 KiB  
Review
Biological Control Agents in Greenhouse Tomato Production (Solanum lycopersicum L.): Possibilities, Challenges and Policy Insights for Western Balkan Region
by Aleksandar Ivezić, Tamara Popović, Branislav Trudić, Jovan Krndija, Tijana Barošević, Ankica Sarajlić, Isidora Stojačić and Boris Kuzmanović
Horticulturae 2025, 11(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11020155 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 616
Abstract
Greenhouse tomato production holds strong economic importance in the Western Balkan (WB) countries, driven by escalating market demands. To align with global food safety trends, systematic advancements in cultivation practices and pest management strategies are essential for the WB region. Conventional reliance on [...] Read more.
Greenhouse tomato production holds strong economic importance in the Western Balkan (WB) countries, driven by escalating market demands. To align with global food safety trends, systematic advancements in cultivation practices and pest management strategies are essential for the WB region. Conventional reliance on chemical pesticides as the primary pest control method has led to various adverse outcomes, impacting pest management effectiveness and reducing product quality. The impact of climate change on agricultural productivity further emphasizes the need for environmentally friendly solutions in pest protection. To address these challenges and mitigate the detrimental effects of chemical pesticides, this review explores sustainable, alternative solutions, like biological control agents (BCAs), for tomato pest control in the WB region. With biological control gaining recognition as an effective approach, yet remaining underutilized in the WB, this review provides a thorough analysis of the most effective, commercially available BCAs, critically evaluating their advantages and limitations. Widespread BCA application could support the expansion of the tomato production sector while fostering sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, the review explores the role of BCAs within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) frameworks in tomato production, emphasizing their alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for countries aiming for EU integration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Biological Control of Insect Pests of Horticultural Crops)
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35 pages, 1903 KiB  
Review
Tick Control Strategies: Critical Insights into Chemical, Biological, Physical, and Integrated Approaches for Effective Hard Tick Management
by Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai and Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi
Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(2), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12020114 - 2 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1106
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases significantly impact animal health, public health, and economic productivity globally, particularly in areas where the wildlife–livestock interface complicates management. This review critically examines the current control strategies, focusing on chemical, biological, physical, and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. Chemical [...] Read more.
Ticks and tick-borne diseases significantly impact animal health, public health, and economic productivity globally, particularly in areas where the wildlife–livestock interface complicates management. This review critically examines the current control strategies, focusing on chemical, biological, physical, and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. Chemical acaricides, while effective, are increasingly challenged by resistance development and environmental concerns. Biological approaches, including natural predators and entomopathogenic fungi, and physical interventions, such as habitat modification, provide sustainable alternatives but require further optimization. IPM stands out as the most promising long-term solution, integrating multiple approaches to enhance efficacy while reducing environmental risks. Emerging innovations, such as nanotechnology-enhanced acaricides and next-generation vaccines, offer promising avenues for improved tick control. Addressing the complex challenges of tick management requires tailored strategies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and sustained research investment in both veterinary and public health contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control Strategies of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens)
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11 pages, 603 KiB  
Article
Impact of Direct Contact and Ingestion of Selected Insecticides on the Predator Harmonia axyridis of Citrus Psyllids
by Jing Pan, Gaoqi Cheng, Minjue Liu, Xiangfeng Pan, Zhigang Ouyang, Zhanjun Lu and Yimin Du
Insects 2025, 16(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020126 - 27 Jan 2025
Viewed by 757
Abstract
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, serves as the primary vector for Huanglongbing (HLB) by transmitting Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam are commonly employed for the control of D. citri. The multicolored Asian lady beetle, or harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis [...] Read more.
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, serves as the primary vector for Huanglongbing (HLB) by transmitting Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. Lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam are commonly employed for the control of D. citri. The multicolored Asian lady beetle, or harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, is an important predator of D. citri in both greenhouse and field settings. The effectiveness of integrated pest management (IPM) relies on the judicious use of selective insecticides that minimize harm to natural enemies. However, the effects of these insecticides on H. axyridis’ predation of D. citri remain thoroughly unexplored. In this study, we assessed the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam to H. axyridis and examined their impact on the functional response of this predator to D. citri using direct contact exposure methods. We also evaluated the indirect effects on predator voracity through ingestion exposure. Our results demonstrated that exposure to both insecticides at LC50 concentrations significantly prolonged the developmental durations of H. axyridis larval stages. The type-II functional response model effectively described the prey consumption patterns of H. axyridis, revealing a significant reduction in predation capacity across all life stages, particularly among second instar larvae, which experienced reductions of 85.30% and 88.58% following lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam treatments, respectively. Furthermore, H. axyridis’ predation significantly declined when feeding on D. citri contaminated at LC50 concentrations. These findings indicate that lambda-cyhalothrin and thiamethoxam adversely affect the predation of H. axyridis, both via direct contact and ingestion. Evaluating the potential impacts of these insecticides on H. axyridis is critical for the development of effective IPM strategies targeting D. citri. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetics and Evolution of Ladybird Beetles in Biological Control)
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13 pages, 696 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Fungicide Seed Treatments for Early Foliar Disease Management in Wheat Under Northern Great Plains Conditions
by Collins Bugingo, Shaukat Ali, Dalitso Yabwalo and Emmanuel Byamukama
Agronomy 2025, 15(2), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15020291 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 488
Abstract
Tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) are major foliar diseases of wheat, causing significant yield losses globally. This study evaluated the efficacy of fungicide seed treatments in managing these diseases during early growth [...] Read more.
Tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) are major foliar diseases of wheat, causing significant yield losses globally. This study evaluated the efficacy of fungicide seed treatments in managing these diseases during early growth stages under greenhouse, growth chamber, and field conditions in the Northern Great Plains. Winter and spring wheat cultivars were treated with pyraclostrobin or combinations of thiamethoxam, difenoconazole, mefenoxam, fludioxonil, and sedaxane, among others. Greenhouse and growth chamber plants were inoculated with the respective pathogens, while field trials relied on natural inoculum. Fungicide treatments significantly reduced stripe rust severity (up to 36%) (p ≤ 0.05) and moderately reduced tan spot severity during early growth stages (15–20%). Treated plants demonstrated a 30–40% improvement in plant vigor, and a 25–50% increase in winter survival. Additionally, grain yield in treated plots increased by 25–50% (p ≤ 0.05), with test weight and protein content improving by 10% and 15%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential of fungicide seed treatments as an integrated pest (or pathogen) management (IPM) strategy to enhance early foliar disease control and wheat productivity. Full article
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21 pages, 1791 KiB  
Review
Floral Resource Integration: Enhancing Biocontrol of Tuta absoluta Within Sustainable IPM Frameworks
by Moazam Hyder, Inzamam Ul Haq, Muhammad Younas, Muhammad Adeel Ghafar, Muhammad Rehan Akhtar, Zubair Ahmed, Aslam Bukero and Youming Hou
Plants 2025, 14(3), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14030319 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 670
Abstract
The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, is a pest threatening global tomato production. This pest’s adaptability and resistance to chemical insecticides have necessitated integrated pest management (IPM) strategies prioritizing sustainable alternatives. This review explores the role of biological control agents (BCAs) in [...] Read more.
The tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, is a pest threatening global tomato production. This pest’s adaptability and resistance to chemical insecticides have necessitated integrated pest management (IPM) strategies prioritizing sustainable alternatives. This review explores the role of biological control agents (BCAs) in managing T. absoluta populations, emphasizing the integration of floral resources to enhance their efficacy. Predatory mirids such as Macrolophus pygmaeus and Nesidiocoris tenuis and parasitoids such as N. artynes and Trichogramma spp. are pivotal in pest suppression; however, their performance depends on nutritional and habitat support. Floral resources provide essential sugars and proteins, improving the longevity, fecundity, and predation efficiency of these BCAs. This review synthesizes case studies highlighting the benefits of selected flowering plants, such as Lobularia maritima and Fagopyrum esculentum, in supporting predator and parasitoid populations while minimizing advantages to T. absoluta. Mechanisms such as nectar quality, floral accessibility, and spatial–temporal resource availability are explored in detail. Additionally, the challenges of selective floral attraction, microbial impacts on nectar composition, and the unintended support of non-target organisms are discussed. This review proposes targeted floral management strategies to optimize BCA performance within IPM systems by integrating ecological and chemical insights. This approach offers a pathway toward reducing chemical pesticide reliance, fostering sustainable agriculture, and mitigating the economic impacts of T. absoluta infestations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Pest Management—from Chemicals to Green Management)
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12 pages, 245 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Pheromone Lures and Sticky Pad Color for Capturing Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)
by Muhammad Sadique, Muhammad Ishtiaq, Mirza Abdul Qayyum, Wafa A. H. Alkherb, Asim Abbasi, Muhammad Arshad, Unsar Naeem Ullah, Nazar Faried, Muhammad Irfan Akram and Nazih Y. Rebouh
Insects 2025, 16(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010094 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 890
Abstract
Tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has gained the status of major pest globally. Integrated pest management (IPM) consists of different control methods. This field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different pheromone-based traps to attract the male population [...] Read more.
Tomato leaf miner Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) has gained the status of major pest globally. Integrated pest management (IPM) consists of different control methods. This field study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different pheromone-based traps to attract the male population and the potential of sticky pads of four different colors in capturing the adults in the absence of pheromone lures. The trials were conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021. The Delta trap with rubber septum type lure was significantly more attractive in both years, with mean number of capturing 76.0 and 86.17, as compared to polymer wax (32.83 and 28.2) and polymer vial (10.37 and 11.77), lures. The highest mean number of capturing of T. absoluta adults were noted as 17.93 and 21.73 with black color sticky trap without pheromone, whereas the lowest number of adults, i.e., 1.33 and 1.47, were captured during the first and second year of the study, respectively, with yellow color sticky traps. However, a significant difference was found in pheromone lures and among black, red, green, and yellow color sticky pads. Hence, Delta traps equipped with rubber septum pheromones lures and black colored sticky pads were more useful for the control of T. absoluta than any other colored sticky pads and pheromone lures alone. These findings could be helpful for the integrated management of T. absoluta. Full article
14 pages, 4669 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Control Efficacy of Different Insecticides Mixed with Mineral Oil Against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, Under Varying Climates
by Wei Hu, Kejing Wang, Xiaoyue Zhong, Pei Jiang, Shunchang Zhang, Zhanjun Lu, Zhixiang Zhang, Long Yi and Ning Zhang
Insects 2025, 16(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010028 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is one of the most devastating pests in citrus orchards due to its role in transmitting Huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, chemical control remains the most effective strategy for ACP management. Mineral oils are commonly used as [...] Read more.
Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is one of the most devastating pests in citrus orchards due to its role in transmitting Huanglongbing (HLB). Currently, chemical control remains the most effective strategy for ACP management. Mineral oils are commonly used as insecticides or adjuvants in integrated pest management (IPM) practices. To extend the product life of synthetic pesticides, we evaluated the toxicity of chlorpyrifos (CPF), thiamethoxam (THX), or pyriproxyfen (PPF) mixed with mineral oil Lvying (LY) against ACP nymphs under different weather conditions. Individual application of CPF, THX, and PPF effectively controlled against ACP nymphs under no rain conditions, with mortality rates varying from 20 to 100% during 1–5 d after treatment. The addition of LY at 1.0% or 0.5% rates to CPF, THX, and PPF significantly enhanced their control efficacy, achieving sustained mortality rates from 60 to 100% during the same period. Light rain had less impact on the control efficacy of these insecticide mixtures compared to individual insecticides. However, cumulative rainfall above 20 mm significantly reduced the control efficacy of individual insecticides and their mixtures. The addition of LY decreased both surface tension and contact angle of THX solution on citrus leaves, thereby enhancing the solution’s wetting and increasing THX deposition. Moreover, the rainfastness of THX was improved after adding LY, leading to a greater retention on the leaves. LY at a rate of 1.0% exhibited excellent efficacy against ACP nymphs, and observations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that LY altered ACP mouthpart morphology and blocked spiracles, likely contributing to its insecticidal effects. This study revealed that mineral oils can serve as both insecticides to combine with synthetic pesticides for enhancing toxicity against ACP and as adjuvants to facilitate the deposition and rainfastness of synthetic pesticides on leaves, which could be recommended for sustainable ACP management in citrus orchards. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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17 pages, 1151 KiB  
Article
Fungal Biodiversity of Apple Bark, Leaves, Stems, and Fruit Under Rain Shelters with Reduced Fungicide Schedule
by Claudia Maria Oliveira Longa, Lidia Nicola, Massimo Pindo, Elisa Bozza, Carmela Sicher, Daniel Bondesan, Ilaria Pertot and Michele Perazzolli
Agriculture 2025, 15(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15010017 - 25 Dec 2024
Viewed by 523
Abstract
The use of rain shelters is a promising agronomic practice to protect crops from rainfall, reducing the need for fungicides to control certain pathogens that take advantage of leaf wetness. However, the combined condition of absence of rain and reduced fungicide schedule can [...] Read more.
The use of rain shelters is a promising agronomic practice to protect crops from rainfall, reducing the need for fungicides to control certain pathogens that take advantage of leaf wetness. However, the combined condition of absence of rain and reduced fungicide schedule can affect the fungal populations, possibly favoring biocontrol agents and/or other pathogens. In this study, the effects this practice on epiphytic and endophytic fungal communities associated with barks, leaves, flowers, and fruits of two apple cultivars (Fuji and Golden Delicious) were evaluated across two seasons. Apple plants were grown under two conditions in a commercial-like orchard: (1) covered by rain shelters with reduced fungicide schedule and (2) uncovered with standard integrated pest management (IPM) schedule. The use of rain shelters combined with reduced fungicide applications affects the overall fungal community structure and their abundance of specific taxa. Leaf epiphytes were the most impacted community, and fungal communities also differed between the two apple cultivars. The use of rain shelters helped reduce fungicide input in the orchard, but it increased the abundance of potential pathogens compared to the IPM in open field conditions, such as powdery mildew and apple scab. Understanding how the plant microbiome responds to new practices that help in reducing fungicides can help developing strategies that avoid the build-up of potentially new pathogens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)
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