Agricultural Pests and Their Interactions with Pathogenic Microorganisms

A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Zoology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 5085

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Insect & parasite ecology group (IPEG), Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
Interests: insect; symbiotic bacteria; immunology; nutritional ecology; RNAi

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Insect pests of agricultural importance maintain intricate relationships with various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In certain instances, these pathogenic microbes induce diseases within their host insects, prompting an immunological response that can lead to a potential loss of fitness and even death. In other scenarios, insects act as vectors for plant disease-causing microorganisms, ultimately resulting in a reduction in agricultural yield.

Given its immense significance, comprehending these pathogenic interactions is pivotal in enhancing agricultural productivity. It constitutes a positive stride towards achieving the sustainable development goal of eradicating hunger, attaining food security, ensuring improved nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

For this Special Issue, we extend an invitation to researchers to contribute original research or review articles that have the potential to broaden our comprehension of insect–pathogenic relationships. We also welcome investigations into how these relationships could be harnessed to enhance agricultural output.

Dr. Awawing Anjwengwo Andongma
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • insects
  • bacteria
  • viruses
  • fungi
  • pathogenic relationships
  • agricultural pest

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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16 pages, 2960 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Various Inoculation Methods on the Effect of Beauveria bassiana on the Plant Growth of Kiwi and on Halyomorpha halys Infestation: A Two-Year Field Study
by Vasileios Papantzikos, Spiridon Mantzoukas, Panagiotis A. Eliopoulos, Dimitrios Servis, Stergios Bitivanos and George Patakioutas
Biology 2024, 13(7), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13070470 - 26 Jun 2024
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Abstract
In this study, the bioinsecticidal action of a commercial formulation with Beauveria bassiana was evaluated on the new sucking pest in Greece: Halyomorpha halys, of the kiwifruit. Additionally, the biostimulant potential of the same formulation was studied on kiwi growth. The application [...] Read more.
In this study, the bioinsecticidal action of a commercial formulation with Beauveria bassiana was evaluated on the new sucking pest in Greece: Halyomorpha halys, of the kiwifruit. Additionally, the biostimulant potential of the same formulation was studied on kiwi growth. The application was performed in three different ways in a commercial field of kiwi crop A. deliciosa “Hayward” field in Arta, Greece: (i) trunk spray, (ii) root injection, and (iii) trunk inoculation. During the 2 years seasons of the experiment, weekly measurements of the H. halys population were determined. The insect is sucking plants nutrients; therefore, the total chlorophyll content in the leaves of the treatments was recorded weekly. In addition, the percentage of infested kiwifruits was estimated at the end of the experiment. Moreover, to study the biostimulant potential of the formulation, growth measurements on stems and leaves were performed during the experiment. Finally, at the kiwi harvest point, the fruit biomass, dimensions, and weight were obtained, and the leaves’ proline content was evaluated. The results encourage us to further study this EPF formulation as the bioinsecticidal effect was noted by the reduction in H. halys population, and biostimulant action was perceived by the higher plant biomass. Full article
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11 pages, 1520 KiB  
Case Report
Case Report: Emerging Losses of Managed Honey Bee Colonies
by Zachary S. Lamas, Yanping Chen and Jay D. Evans
Biology 2024, 13(2), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13020117 - 13 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3604
Abstract
United States commercial beekeepers prepare honey bee colonies for almond pollination in California each year in late January to early February. This represents the largest managed pollination event in the world and involves more than half of all U.S. honey bee colonies. In [...] Read more.
United States commercial beekeepers prepare honey bee colonies for almond pollination in California each year in late January to early February. This represents the largest managed pollination event in the world and involves more than half of all U.S. honey bee colonies. In winter 2023, numerous colonies in Florida, which were graded as suitable for almonds (larger than ten frames of bees), dwindled suddenly or altogether died within several weeks, just prior to movement for almonds. The timing of these losses and the resulting morbidity caused severe economic harm to affected operations. This study reports interviews with affected stakeholders, their economic harm, and analyses of pathogens and parasites found in their colonies. Full article
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