Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Protection and Biotic Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2025 | Viewed by 15632

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Consejor Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28006 Madrid, Spain
Interests: plant–insect interactions; agroecology; biological control conservation; pollinator conservation
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The topic of plant–insect interactions includes a broad range of important relationships between plants and insects, such as crop protection, insect pollination, and plant provision of food and shelter to insects. The chemistry and structure of plants provide defense mechanisms against insect herbivores, also attracting parasitoids and predators of insect herbivores. Plant secondary metabolites are also used by specialist insects to locate their host–plants. Entomophilous flowers attract pollinators searching for nectar and pollen, which are also a food source for many other insects. Plants also provide shelter for insects that feed on other plants or on other organisms. Plant–insect interactions are also influenced by the surrounding environment, which affects both plants and insects. The interaction between plants and insects is continuously shaped through coevolution. This Special Issue welcomes articles focusing on any aspect related to plant–insect interactions.

Dr. Francisco Rubén Badenes-Pérez
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  •  entomophily
  •  herbivory
  •  host–plant resistance
  •  host–plant selection
  •  insect pollination
  •  plant chemistry
  •  plant–insect interactions
  •  plant protection
  •  pollination
  •  biological control

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3878 KiB  
Article
Conflicting Dynamics of Galling and Pollination: Arastichus gallicola (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a Specialized Parasitic Galler in Pistillate Flowers of Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Araceae)
by Sergio Jansen-González, Simone P. Teixeira and Rodrigo A. S. Pereira
Plants 2024, 13(24), 3520; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13243520 - 17 Dec 2024
Viewed by 204
Abstract
In the complex dynamics of plant–insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between Arastichus gallicola (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and the inflorescences of Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Araceae). We employed field experiments and [...] Read more.
In the complex dynamics of plant–insect interactions, the specialized galling of reproductive structures presents unique evolutionary adaptations. This study investigates the parasitic relationship between Arastichus gallicola (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), an ovary-galling wasp, and the inflorescences of Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum (Araceae). We employed field experiments and histological analyses to investigate the mechanisms driving this interaction. We reveal that ovule fertilization is not required for gall formation; however, pollination substantially enhances gall retention by reducing inflorescence abscission. Inflorescences exposed solely to galling presented a 64% abscission rate, whereas those with both galling and pollination experienced 33% abscission, underscoring pollination’s role in mitigating inflorescence loss. Detailed observations of A. gallicola oviposition and larval development reveal the intricate gall formation process characterized by progressive tissue hypertrophy surrounding the larva. Galling and seed development were mutually exclusive, with only 9% of fruits containing both. This mutual exclusivity suggests a competitive interaction for developmental resources within the ovary. Our findings underscore the specialized larval biology of galling chalcid wasps, illustrating how interactions between gall formation and host reproductive strategies shape the evolution of gall induction in floral tissues. Our study advances the understanding of ovary-galling adaptations and the selective pressures shaping antagonistic and mutualistic interactions in plant reproductive structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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20 pages, 5174 KiB  
Article
Impact of Cassava Cultivars on Stylet Penetration Behavior and Settling of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
by Sudarat Pimkornburee, Supawadee Pombud, Kumri Buensanteai, Weravart Namanusart, Sukanya Aiamla-or and Jariya Roddee
Plants 2024, 13(22), 3218; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13223218 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 602
Abstract
This study investigates the settling preferences and feeding behavior of the Bemisia tabaci whitefly on six cassava cultivars using electrical penetration graph techniques. Six distinct electrical penetration graph waveforms—non-probing, stylet pathway, phloem salivation, phloem ingestion, intracellular puncture, and xylem feeding—were identified and analyzed. [...] Read more.
This study investigates the settling preferences and feeding behavior of the Bemisia tabaci whitefly on six cassava cultivars using electrical penetration graph techniques. Six distinct electrical penetration graph waveforms—non-probing, stylet pathway, phloem salivation, phloem ingestion, intracellular puncture, and xylem feeding—were identified and analyzed. Significant differences in the frequency and duration of these waveforms were observed among the cassava cultivars. The whiteflies spent the majority of their time in the non-probing phase, particularly on the Huaybong 80, Kasetsart 50, Rayong 9, and Rayong 72 cultivars. CMR-89 cultivar exhibited higher total probe durations in the phloem salivation and ingestion waveforms, suggesting a greater potential for transmission of the Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus. The study also examined trichome density and size across the cassava cultivars, revealing that CMR-89 had the highest density and small trichomes, while Huaybong 80 had the lowest density. Trichome characteristics significantly impacted whitefly behavior: larger trichomes were negatively correlated with whitefly settling, whereas higher trichome density was positively correlated with longer settling durations. These findings indicate that trichome-based resistance mechanisms are crucial in whitefly deterrence. Overall, the results suggest that cultivars with lower trichome density and larger trichomes are more resistant to whitefly infestation and subsequent Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus transmission. These insights are valuable for cassava breeding programs focused on enhancing pest resistance, highlighting the importance of trichome characteristics in developing more resilient cassava varieties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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21 pages, 3998 KiB  
Article
From Leaves to Reproductive Organs: Chemodiversity and Chemophenetics of Essential Oils as Important Tools to Evaluate Piper mollicomum Kunth Chemical Ecology Relevance in the Neotropics
by Daniel de Brito Machado, Jéssica Sales Felisberto, George Azevedo de Queiroz, Elsie Franklin Guimarães, Ygor Jessé Ramos and Davyson de Lima Moreira
Plants 2024, 13(17), 2497; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13172497 - 6 Sep 2024
Viewed by 641
Abstract
Piper mollicomum Kunth (Piperaceae) plays a vital role in the preservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest by contributing to the regeneration of deforested areas. Recent scientific investigations have analyzed the chemical constituents and seasonal dynamics of essential oils (EO) from various Piper L. [...] Read more.
Piper mollicomum Kunth (Piperaceae) plays a vital role in the preservation of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest by contributing to the regeneration of deforested areas. Recent scientific investigations have analyzed the chemical constituents and seasonal dynamics of essential oils (EO) from various Piper L. species, highlighting the need to elucidate their chemical–ecological interactions. This study aims to expand the chemical–ecological knowledge of this important taxon in neotropical forests, using P. mollicomum as a model. The methodologies employed include the collection of plant material, EO extraction by hydrodistillation, analysis of EO by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC–FID), recording the frequency of visits by potential pollinators and microclimatic variables, and by conducting calculations of chemodiversity and chemophenetic indices. Chemical analyses indicated that the diversity of EO and environmental factors are linked to the activities of potential pollinators. In the Tijuca Forest, P. mollicomum revealed significant interactions between its volatile constituents and microclimatic variables, showing that the chemodiversity of the leaves and reproductive organs correlates with pollinator visitation. Additionally, a notable difference in chemical evenness was observed between these vegetative structures. The chemophenetic indices by Ramos and Moreira also revealed correlations with chemical diversity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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17 pages, 2356 KiB  
Article
Role of Endophytic Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mediating Host Selection, Biology, Behavior, and Management of Tarnished Plant Bug, Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae)
by Justin George, James P. Glover, Omaththage P. Perera and Gadi V. P. Reddy
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2012; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152012 - 23 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1131
Abstract
Non-insecticidal control strategies using entomopathogens, nematodes, and endophytes provide sustainable and safer alternatives for managing crop pests. This study investigated the potential of different fungal endophytes, specifically Beauveria bassiana strains, in colonizing cotton plants and their efficacy against tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris [...] Read more.
Non-insecticidal control strategies using entomopathogens, nematodes, and endophytes provide sustainable and safer alternatives for managing crop pests. This study investigated the potential of different fungal endophytes, specifically Beauveria bassiana strains, in colonizing cotton plants and their efficacy against tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris. The effect of endophytes on plant growth parameters and cotton yield were measured during different plant growth stages. The entomopathogenicity of these fungi was studied in diet cup bioassays using L. lineolaris adults. The behavior of adult males and females toward endophytic cotton squares was analyzed using olfactometer assays. The experiments showed that the fungal endophytes colonized the plant structures of cotton plants, which resulted in an increase in the number of cotton squares, plant height, and weight compared to control plants. B. bassiana strains/isolates such as GHA, NI-8, and JG-1 caused significant mortality in Lygus adults compared to controls. Also, male and female Lygus adults exhibited repellence behavior towards endophytic cotton squares containing JG-1 isolate of B. bassiana and to other B. bassiana strains such as NI-8, GHA, and SPE-120. No differences were observed in the survival and development of L. lineolaris second-instar nymphs on endophytic cotton, and no yield differences were observed in the field experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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12 pages, 285 KiB  
Article
The Potential of Two Phytoseiid Mites as Predators of the Grape Erineum Mite, Colomerus vitis
by Mahmoud M. Al-Azzazy and Saleh S. Alhewairini
Plants 2024, 13(14), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13141953 - 17 Jul 2024
Viewed by 718
Abstract
Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago) and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Phytoseiidae) are generalist predatory mites important in controlling phytophagous mites on some agricultural crops. The biology of both species as potential biological control agents of the grape erineum mite, Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (Eriophyidae) on [...] Read more.
Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago) and Euseius scutalis (Athias-Henriot) (Phytoseiidae) are generalist predatory mites important in controlling phytophagous mites on some agricultural crops. The biology of both species as potential biological control agents of the grape erineum mite, Colomerus vitis (Pagenstecher) (Eriophyidae) on grape leaf disks was studied in the laboratory at 33 ± 1 °C, 60%RH, 12:12 h L:D. The developmental time, survival, and reproductive parameters of P. plumifer and E. scutalis on C. vitis, date palm pollen as well as C. vitis plus date palm pollen were investigated. Both predators, P. plumifer and E. scutalis, thrived on the mixed diet of C. vitis and date palm pollen resulting in a shorter developmental time (6.16 and 6.69 days, respectively), higher oviposition rate (2.11 and 1.96 eggs/female/day, respectively), and higher intrinsic rate of increase (0.251 and 0.229 per female/day, respectively) than on any other diet. Date palm pollen was an adequate alternative food source for P. plumifer and E. scutalis. The results suggest that both predators have good potential to suppress C. vitis populations and that date palm pollen can support the population establishment of both predators in the absence or scarcity of the main prey in the environment. We discuss the relevance of our results for the biocontrol of C. vitis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
14 pages, 2722 KiB  
Article
Using Age-Stage Two-Sex Life Tables to Assess the Suitability of Three Solanaceous Host Plants for the Invasive Cotton Mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley
by Khaled Abbes, Ahlem Harbi, Emilio Guerrieri and Brahim Chermiti
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101381 - 16 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3584
Abstract
Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), the cotton mealybug, is an invasive polyphagous species that has been extending its geographic range, posing a conspicuous threat to many Mediterranean crops of economic importance. These include three species of Solanaceae, namely Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato), [...] Read more.
Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), the cotton mealybug, is an invasive polyphagous species that has been extending its geographic range, posing a conspicuous threat to many Mediterranean crops of economic importance. These include three species of Solanaceae, namely Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato), Solanum tuberosum L. (potato) and Solanum melongena L. (eggplant) all of which are economically important worldwide. In this study, we used age-stage two-sex life tables to investigate the suitability of these three plant species as hosts for P. solenopsis and to calculate pest fitness, life history parameters and population projection parameters. All tested host plants that were suitable for the pest and eggplant host plant induced a higher fecundity (276.50 ± 10.78 eggs/female), net reproductive rate (R0) (243.32 ± 15.83 offspring/female) and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.18 ± 0.0043 day−1) and more extended adult longevity (males: 6.50 ± 0.34 days and females: 24.15 ± 0.50 days). Population growth predictions over a period of 90 days of infestation, commencing with an initial population of 10 eggs showed that adult population size was 674,551 on tomato, 826,717 on potato and 355,139 on eggplant. Our data on plant host preference of P. solenopsis will aid the development of appropriate management strategies and achieve successful control of this invasive pest in key Mediterranean crop systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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16 pages, 1077 KiB  
Article
Interactions of Opuntia ficus-indica with Dactylopius coccus and D. opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) through the Study of Their Volatile Compounds
by Esteban Rodríguez-Leyva, Esperanza García-Pascual, Marco M. González-Chávez, Santiago de J. Méndez-Gallegos, Juan A. Morales-Rueda, Juan C. Posadas-Hurtado, Ángel Bravo-Vinaja and Avelina Franco-Vega
Plants 2024, 13(7), 963; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13070963 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1473
Abstract
Opuntia ficus-indica has always interacted with many phytophagous insects; two of them are Dactylopius coccus and D. opuntiae. Fine cochineal (D. coccus) is produced to extract carminic acid, and D. opuntiae, or wild cochineal, is an invasive pest of [...] Read more.
Opuntia ficus-indica has always interacted with many phytophagous insects; two of them are Dactylopius coccus and D. opuntiae. Fine cochineal (D. coccus) is produced to extract carminic acid, and D. opuntiae, or wild cochineal, is an invasive pest of O. ficus-indica in more than 20 countries around the world. Despite the economic and environmental relevance of this cactus, D. opuntiae, and D. coccus, there are few studies that have explored volatile organic compounds (VOCs) derived from the plant–insect interaction. The aim of this work was to determine the VOCs produced by D. coccus and D. opuntiae and to identify different VOCs in cladodes infested by each Dactylopius species. The VOCs (essential oils) were obtained by hydrodistillation and identified by GC-MS. A total of 66 VOCs from both Dactylopius species were identified, and 125 from the Esmeralda and Rojo Pelón cultivars infested by D. coccus and D. opuntiae, respectively, were determined. Differential VOC production due to infestation by each Dactylopius species was also found. Some changes in methyl salicylate, terpenes such as linalool, or the alcohol p-vinylguaiacol were related to Dactylopius feeding on the cladodes of their respective cultivars. Changes in these VOCs and their probable role in plant defense mechanisms should receive more attention because this knowledge could improve D. coccus rearing or its inclusion in breeding programs for D. opuntiae control in regions where it is a key pest of O. ficus-indica. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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12 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
Ontogenetic Changes in the Feeding Behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera Larvae on Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Flowers and Pods
by Trevor M. Volp, Myron P. Zalucki and Michael J. Furlong
Plants 2024, 13(5), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050696 - 29 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1040
Abstract
Despite substantial research examining caterpillar–plant interactions, changes in the feeding behaviour of lepidopteran larvae as they develop are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated ontogenetic changes in the behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera larvae feeding on reproductive structures of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan [...] Read more.
Despite substantial research examining caterpillar–plant interactions, changes in the feeding behaviour of lepidopteran larvae as they develop are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated ontogenetic changes in the behaviour of Helicoverpa armigera larvae feeding on reproductive structures of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan). Specifically, we examined the preference for and avoidance of pigeonpea flowers and pods of first, second, third, and fourth instar H. armigera larvae. We also conducted a no-choice assay to compare the ability of third and fourth instar larvae to penetrate pigeonpea pod walls, which act as a physical defence against herbivory. When presented with a choice between pigeonpea pods and flowers, different instars behaved differently. First and second instar larvae largely avoided pigeonpea pods, instead feeding on flowers; third instar larvae initially avoided pods, but by 24 h, did not strongly discriminate between the structures; and fourth instars demonstrated a preference for pods. When initially placed on pods, first instars were slower than other instars to leave these structures, despite pods being suboptimal feeding sites for small caterpillars. We identified a clear instar-specific ability to penetrate through the pod wall to reach the seeds. Most third instar larvae were unable to penetrate the pod wall, whereas most fourth instars succeeded. Third instars suffered a physiological cost (measured by relative growth rate) when boring through the pod wall, which was not observed in fourth instars. Our study further illuminates the insect–plant interactions of the H. armigera–pigeonpea system and provides evidence for the significant changes in feeding behaviour that may occur during lepidopteran larval development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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19 pages, 8238 KiB  
Article
Molecular Characterization Analysis and Adaptive Responses of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to Nutritional and Enzymatic Variabilities in Various Maize Cultivars
by Qiangyan Zhang, Yanlei Zhang, Kexin Zhang, Huiping Liu, Yuping Gou, Chunchun Li, Inzamam Ul Haq, Peter Quandahor and Changzhong Liu
Plants 2024, 13(5), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13050597 - 22 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a common agricultural pest known for its extensive migration and wide host ranges, causes considerable harm to maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we utilized two molecular marker genes, COI and Tpi, [...] Read more.
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a common agricultural pest known for its extensive migration and wide host ranges, causes considerable harm to maize (Zea mays L.). In this study, we utilized two molecular marker genes, COI and Tpi, to compare the genetic characteristics of the collected original samples. Additionally, through an interactive study between S. frugiperda larvae and six maize varieties aiming to understand the insect’s adaptability and resistance mechanisms, our analysis revealed that both the COI and Tpi genes identified S. frugiperda as the corn strain. Further examination of the larvae showed significant differences in nutritional indices, digestive, and detoxification enzyme activities. Special maize varieties were found to offer higher efficiency in nutrient conversion and assimilation compared with common varieties. This study revealed adaptations in S. frugiperda’s digestive and detoxification processes in response to the different maize varieties. For instance, larvae reared on common maize exhibited elevated amylase and lipase activities. Interestingly, detoxification enzyme activities exhibited different patterns of variation in different maize varieties. The Pearson correlation analysis between nutritional indices, enzyme activities, and the nutritional content and secondary metabolites of maize leaves provided deeper insights into the pest’s adaptability. The results highlighted significant relationships between specific nutritional components in maize and the physiological responses of S. frugiperda. Overall, our findings contribute substantially to the understanding of S. frugiperda’s host plant adaptability, offering critical insights for the development of sustainable pest management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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26 pages, 4692 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Defense Response of Potato to Phthorimaea operculella Infestation
by Chunyue Zhu, Xiaocui Yi, Miao Yang, Yiyi Liu, Yao Yao, Shengjiang Zi, Bin Chen and Guanli Xiao
Plants 2023, 12(17), 3092; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12173092 - 29 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1537
Abstract
The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the most destructive pests of potato crops worldwide. Although it has been reported how potatoes integrate the early responses to various PTM herbivory stimuli by accumulatively adding the components, the [...] Read more.
The potato tuber moth (PTM), Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is one of the most destructive pests of potato crops worldwide. Although it has been reported how potatoes integrate the early responses to various PTM herbivory stimuli by accumulatively adding the components, the broad-scale defense signaling network of potato to single stimuli at multiple time points are unclear. Therefore, we compared three potato transcriptional profiles of undamaged plants, mechanically damaged plants and PTM-feeding plants at 3 h, 48 h, and 96 h, and further analyzed the gene expression patterns of a multitude of insect resistance-related signaling pathways, including phytohormones, reactive oxygen species, secondary metabolites, transcription factors, MAPK cascades, plant–pathogen interactions, protease inhibitors, chitinase, and lectins, etc. in the potato under mechanical damage and PTM infestation. Our results suggested that the potato transcriptome showed significant responses to mechanical damage and potato tuber moth infestation, respectively. The potato transcriptome responses modulated over time and were higher at 96 than at 48 h, so transcriptional changes in later stages of PTM infestation may underlie the potato recovery response. Although the transcriptional profiles of mechanically damaged and PTM-infested plants overlap extensively in multiple signaling pathways, some genes are uniquely induced or repressed. True herbivore feeding induced more and stronger gene expression compared to mechanical damage. In addition, we identified 2976, 1499, and 117 genes that only appeared in M-vs-P comparison groups by comparing the transcriptomes of PTM-damaged and mechanically damaged potatoes at 3 h, 48 h, and 96 h, respectively, and these genes deserve further study in the future. This transcriptomic dataset further enhances the understanding of the interactions between potato and potato tuber moth, enriches the molecular resources in this research area and paves the way for breeding insect-resistant potatoes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 4718 KiB  
Review
Weed Role for Pollinator in the Agroecosystem: Plant–Insect Interactions and Agronomic Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation
by Stefano Benvenuti
Plants 2024, 13(16), 2249; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13162249 - 13 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1308
Abstract
The growing interest in safeguarding agroecosystem biodiversity has led to interest in studying ecological interactions among the various organisms present within the agroecosystem. Indeed, mutualisms between weeds and pollinators are of crucial importance as they influence the respective survival dynamics. In this review, [...] Read more.
The growing interest in safeguarding agroecosystem biodiversity has led to interest in studying ecological interactions among the various organisms present within the agroecosystem. Indeed, mutualisms between weeds and pollinators are of crucial importance as they influence the respective survival dynamics. In this review, the mutualistic role of flower visitors and the possible (often predominant) abiotic alternatives to insect pollination (self- and wind-pollination) are investigated. Mutualistic relations are discussed in terms of reward (pollen and/or nectar) and attractiveness (color, shape, scent, nectar quality and quantity), analyzing whether and to what extent typical weeds are linked to pollinators by rigid (specialization) or flexible (generalization) mutualistic relations. The entomofauna involved is composed mainly of solitary and social bees, bumblebees, Diptera, and Lepidoptera. While some of these pollinators are polylectic, others are oligolectic, depending on the shape of their mouthparts, which can be suited to explore the flower corollas as function of their depths. Consequently, the persistence dynamics of weed species show more successful survival in plants that are basically (occasional insect pollination) or totally (self and/or wind pollination) unspecialized in mutualistic relations. However, even weed species with typical abiotic pollination are at times visited during periods such as late summer, in which plants with more abundant rewards are insufficiently present or completely absent. Many typically insect-pollinated weeds can represent a valid indicator of the ecological sustainability of crop management techniques, as their survival dynamics are closely dependent on the biodiversity of the surrounding entomofauna. In particular, the presence of plant communities of species pollinated above all by butterflies (e.g., several Caryophyllaceae) gives evidence to the ecological compatibility of the previous agronomic management, in the sense that butterflies require certain weed species for oviposition and subsequent larva rearing and, therefore, provide further evidence of plant biodiversity in the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Interactions—2nd edition)
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