Search Results (829)

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are one of the prevalent pests infesting wine grapes in the eastern United States. Their close association with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) provides them with protection against natural enemies. Although sugar-based dispensers have been proposed as a strategy to disrupt this trophobiotic interaction, their field performance and indirect effects on mealybug infestation remain poorly understood. This study addresses this gap by identifying mealybug species present in Virginia vineyards, characterizing dominant ant genera associated with mealybugs, and evaluating the impact of sugar dispensers (with and without insecticide) on ant activity, mealybug density, and fruit cluster infestation. Field trials were conducted in two commercial vineyards in Virginia, USA, both with a history of mealybug infestations. Sampling plots with or without sugar dispensers were compared to assess differences in mealybug and ant population densities and fruit cluster infestation levels. Two mealybug species, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) and Ferrisia gilli Gullan, were detected at both sites. Some dominant ant genera, including Tetramorium Mayr, Lasius Fabricius, Solenopsis molesta (Say), Crematogaster Lund, and Pheidole Westwood, were found in close association with mealybugs. Ant activity remained low in untreated plots, whereas insecticide-treated dispensers initially attracted high ant numbers, which declined over time. Fruit cluster infestation was highest in plots lacking dispensers, indicating that dispenser deployment reduced mealybug impact. These findings demonstrate that sugar dispensers, particularly those containing insecticide, can suppress ant activity and reduce mealybug-related fruit damage, offering a practical non-disruptive tool for integrated pest management in small- and medium-sized vineyards. Full article

Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae) is an East-Asian pest of Ulmus spp. that has spread across Europe since the 2000s and, more recently, to North America, causing repeated defoliation of host plants. Laboratory studies have suggested four or five generations per year in Hungary; however, in the field, their number ranges from one to six. In 2012 and 2013, the bionomics of this invasive pest were studied in north-eastern Italy through weekly samplings from April to October, with data related to accumulated degree days (DDs). Although adult captures exhibited five peaks in both years, only in 2012 were eggs of the fifth and last generation of the season. Their apparent absence in 2013 might be due to elm water stress or temperatures much higher than optimal (30 vs. 19.5 °C). From 2013 to today, a progressive decline in A. leucopoda populations has been recorded. The possible reasons for the gradual decline in the sawfly population recorded in the subsequent years are discussed. Several natural enemies were observed. This study can contribute to a better understanding of A. leucopoda population dynamics in newly colonised areas, including the risk to wood production in mixed deciduous plantations if defoliation occurs over many consecutive years. Full article

Field trials were conducted to define several parameters associated with adding LEDs to monitoring traps for codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.), using both a sex pheromone lure (PH1X) and a non-pheromone lure (CM4K). Traps with LEDs emitting at a peak of 395 nm with 1000–2000 mW/m² were the most effective. Lights with greater intensities caught similar numbers of CMs and significantly more non-targets. Adding the UV-A lights did not increase moth catches early in the season with either the PH1X or CM4K lures. However, UV-A LEDs, when used with these two lures, significantly increased total moth catches 7- and 3-fold in July and August, respectively. The addition of the UV-A LEDs allowed CM4K-baited traps to perform significantly better in previously limiting situations, such as in weedy orchards, and in pear relative to apple. Distance from the light source is a key factor affecting light energy. Irradiance dropped >90% at 15 cm, which is the distance from the lure to the entrance of a standard delta trap. A smaller trap (7.5 cm radius) had a 4-fold greater irradiance at its entrance and caught greater numbers of non-targets but not CMs than delta traps without LEDs. Full article

Apple is one of the most important fruits worldwide; in addition, it constitutes nearly 60% of Hungary’s total fruit production. Presently, the challenge in pest management is not only the decreased range of pesticides, but also the deeper knowledge of natural enemies occurring in fruit plantations, and in their neighborhood. Our objective was to study how season, year, orchard structure, and varieties influence the occurrence of insect pest damage and beneficial insects in apple. We also investigated the strength of correlations between pest damage and natural enemies, as well as among the different natural enemy taxa. The experiment was conducted in three apple orchards, and the damage of insect pests and the number of natural enemies were monitored across ten trees/varieties/sectors/dates. All sites were managed according to integrated pest management (IPM) guidelines, and no unmanaged or untreated control plots were included. Significant differences were observed among orchards and years for all taxa, except Cydia pomonella (L.) among orchards and Orius spp. among years. Pest populations are primarily driven by seasonal and climatic factors, while beneficial insects are shaped more by local habitat features and orchard structure. No effect of the varieties on insect damage could be detected, whereas the abundance of beneficial organisms differed significantly among varieties in more cases. The weak correlations between pests and their natural enemies suggest that the presence and activity of predators depend not only on pest abundance but also on other interrelated ecological factors in intensive apple orchards. The damage caused by C. pomonella could also be kept at a low level in all orchards when appropriate pest management technology is applied. Full article

The predatory bug Arma custos (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) is a natural enemy insect capable of preying on over 40 types of agricultural and forestry pests. Here, we describe the characteristics of the morphology and ultrastructure of its venom apparatus visualized using light and electron microscopy. Light microscopy revealed that the venom apparatus of A. custos consists of a pair of main gland and tubular accessory gland. The main gland consist of two lobes, the anterior main gland (AMG) and posterior main gland (PMG). Between the two lobes of the main gland, there is a strong constriction, characterizing a hilum (Hi) where two separate ducts, the venom duct of the main gland (VD) and the duct connecting the accessory gland to the main gland (AMD), are inserted. The VD extends toward the head and connects to the venom pump (VP), while the AMD extends toward the thorax and connects to the accessory gland (AG). Ultrastructural examination of the venom glands reveals that the AMG and PMG consist of a layer of cubic or spherical glandular cells forming a large circular lumen, while the AG exhibits two narrow lumens. The secretory cytoplasm of AMG, PMG, and AG contains a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, along with mitochondria, nuclei, secretory vesicles, autophagosomes, and secretory granules. However, significant differences exist in the ultrastructural characteristics among the three glands. Unlike glandular secretory cells in the venom glands, the ultrastructure of VD, and AMD reveals only well-developed nuclei, mitochondria, and elaborate plasma membrane folds. These results indicate that venom proteins are synthesized and stored by the AMG, PMG, and AG, while the VD and AMD ducts are responsible for transporting the venom. Full article

Predatory mites are key natural enemies in perennial crops, and their conservation is fundamental to ensure biocontrol of several pests. Yet their susceptibility to insecticides may compromise their role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). In the past, pyrethroids proved to be poorly selective insecticides towards predatory mites, but in various countries their use recently increased in fruit orchards to counteract invasive pests. In this study, we assessed the effects of pyrethroids on the predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni through field experiments in apple orchards and laboratory assays on different strains. Field trials showed that A. andersoni populations remained unaffected by pyrethroid applications. Laboratory assays revealed intraspecific variation in A. andersoni populations: one commercial strain was highly susceptible to deltamethrin, whereas other commercial or field-collected strains were not affected, with no apparent sub-lethal effect on fecundity. These results underscore the contrasting susceptibility among predatory mite strains. From an IPM perspective, the lack of susceptibility to pyrethroids in A. andersoni may sustain biological control where insecticide use is unavoidable. Our findings stress the importance of evaluation procedures in toxicological studies, in particular the need to compare different strains, and of further investigation on predatory mite resistance. The implications for conservation programs in perennial cropping systems are addressed hereafter. Full article

Parasitoids use different signals to locate their hosts, and these signals can modulate their behavioral decisions. Thus, patch selection and foraging in patches with different characteristics depend on their ability to gather and use such information efficiently. In this study, we evaluated whether the parasitoid Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), a natural enemy of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), uses scent cues to select and forage in patches that differ in host density and predation risk. Using choice bioassays in a wind tunnel under a continuous airflow, we recorded selection patch and selection time, as well as foraging parameters, including residence time, oviposition events, and attacks. Our results show that E. eremicus discriminated between sites with and without hosts using scent cues, but discrimination between patches with different host numbers was not detected under our assay conditions. It also distinguished between patches with maximum risk and those without risk, but not between subtle differences in risk. These findings suggest that E. eremicus, responded mainly to contrasting olfactory cues rather than to subtle odor differences. From an applied standpoint, our results motivate deeper investigation into how host- and predator-associated olfactory cues could fine-tune parasitoid deployment in biological control. Full article

As an effective biological control agent, Propylea japonica (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) preys on aphids, whiteflies, planthoppers, and small caterpillars, playing a crucial role in pest management within agro-ecological systems. However, the lack of population genomic data has hindered efforts to optimize its use in biological control. We anayzed resequencing data from 166 genomes across 29 populations spanning P. japonica’s distribution in China. This study reconstructed the species’ evolutionary history, assessed population genetic diversity and demographic structure and identified the key environmental factors driving adaptive evolution. Meanwhile, we predicted its suitable habitats across different periods using ecological niche modelling methods. The results indicated that North China (G1, Yellow River Basin) was the likely geographic origin of P. japonica. Northern and southern populations show significant genetic differentiation, with adaptive evolution in the south being the major driver. We identified genomic signatures of selection in adaptive genes associated with increased pesticide resistance and thermal tolerance. Over the past 20,000 years, effective population size of P. japonica experienced an early bottleneck during the Last Glacial Maximum period, and a subsequent rapid expansion. These insights are critical for improving the conservation and application of natural enemies, ultimately enhancing biological control in agricultural systems. Full article

Diapause enables insect survival in unfavorable environments. The parasitic wasp A. japonicus, a natural enemy of several fruit-tree pests, undergoes larval diapause. Previous work has shown that larval diapause in A. japonicus can be induced by medium temperatures in combination with short-day photoperiods; however, the molecular functions associated with this response remain poorly understood. Here, integrated transcriptomic and proteomic approaches were employed to investigate the molecular signatures associated with larval diapause in A. japonicus. The identification of 3399 differentially expressed genes and 3112 differentially expressed proteins was carried out between diapause and non-diapause larvae. Among these, five gene–protein pairs showed consistent differential expression, including farnesol dehydrogenase, crystallin (associated with longevity-related pathways), forkhead-associated (FHA) domain-containing proteins, and the detoxification enzyme cytochrome P450. These findings show that larval diapause in A. japonicus is accompanied by extensive physiological and biochemical remodeling, and juvenile hormone-related signaling is likely involved in this process. In summary, these results provide insights into future gene function research, especially with regard to the mechanism of larval diapause in A. japonicus. Full article

Biological control (biocontrol), the use of living organisms to suppress pest populations, has become a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and a core component of integrated pest management (IPM), offering a vital alternative to over-reliance on chemical pesticides. This review synthesizes recent advancements in the field, covering conceptual frameworks, key influencing factors (landscape structure, plant diversity, climate change), diverse biocontrol agents, and pest-specific case studies. It provides a systematic analysis of critical limitations such as inconsistent efficacy, scalability barriers, regulatory gaps, and pest resistance. To address these gaps, the review places particular emphasis on innovative and integrative strategies as pivotal pathways forward. These include trait-based agent selection, precision landscape design, integrated multi-agent systems, and, prominently, proactive regional management as demonstrated by pre-emptive biological control. The envisioned future directions focus on long-term cross-scale research, optimized production systems, and enhanced stakeholder collaboration aimed at bolstering the practicality and resilience of biocontrol in the face of global climate change. Among these, proactive biological control, which entails the pre-establishment identification and regulatory pre-approval of host-specific natural enemies, stands out as a conceptual model with transformative potential for shortening post-invasion response times and mitigating economic losses, embodying a paradigm shift from reactive to pre-emptive pest management. Full article

The two-spot cotton leafhopper, Amrasca biguttula (Ishida) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), was recently detected in Florida and other southeastern states, USA. This is a quarantine pest of regulatory significance, since it can infest staple crops, such as okra, cotton, eggplant, and tropical hibiscus. While collecting infested okra plants in Homestead, Florida, five female Anagrus (Hymenoptera: Mymaridae) parasitoids emerged from eggs of Am. biguttula. The specimens were identified morphologically and molecularly by sequencing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of nuclear ribosomal RNA. Two Anagrus species were identified: Anagrus vulneratus and Anagrus sp. near vulneratus. These parasitoids are not known to occur in the Old World, the origin of Am. biguttula. Rather, they are native to North America. The available evidence suggests that the collected specimens switched from unknown local hosts in southern Florida to parasitize eggs of the invasive Am. biguttula. Future research to ascertain the identity of A. sp. near vulneratus and evaluate the efficiency of both parasitoids as natural enemies of Am. biguttula is warranted. Full article

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a significant pest of brassica crops that is found across the globe. Due to the development of insecticide resistance, control tactics have shifted focus towards integrating pest management techniques such as biological control. Diadegma insulare (C.), Oomyzus sokolowskii (K.), and Microplites plutellae (M.) are parasitoids of P. xylostella found in the Eastern United States. From 2022 to 2025, we surveyed P. xylostella larvae and pupae in locations across Virginia to assess the current rates of parasitism in brassica fields. Specimens were brought to the laboratory and reared to assess parasitoid emergence rates. Only D. insulare specimens were found during the study. Adult P. xylostella, larvae and pupae, adult D. insulare, D. insulare pupae, unknown parasitoids, and unknown deaths were recorded and used to calculate the rates of parasitism at each location. We concluded that the parasitism rate varied by location and year, which was expected due to regional conditions and seasonality. Rates averaged between 30.1 and 65% by year, with the lowest individual rate being 15% in 2025 and the highest at 100% in 2022. This suggests that D. insulare is actively present in Virginia and could be a successful biological control agent when paired with other integrated pest management techniques to reduce P. xylostella populations. Full article

Innovations in agricultural sciences have created opportunities for a multidisciplinary approach to explain the major reasons for yield reductions under low-cost production conditions. The aim of this review is to synthesize recent advances and explain the relationship between economic injury level (EIL) and economic threshold (ET) in the contexts of food security and agri-food value chain risk management, including pre- and post-harvest stages. Modern integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks show that pest density must never be evaluated in isolation. The presence, abundance, and effectiveness of natural enemies significantly alter the likelihood that a pest population will reach the EIL. Modern food-security strategies increasingly incorporate digital innovations that enhance ET accuracy. Results of cost-benefit analysis evaluated whether the economic value of preventing crop losses outweighs the costs associated with control actions. This information is important in that it involves comparing expected yield savings, derived from preventing pest populations from reaching damaging levels, with management of the expenses of intervention and potential environmental or ecological trade-offs. The study recommends the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models to coordinate climate and economic data to predict biological consequences associated with the main threats to sustainable food systems. Full article

The presence of Silba adipata in countries outside its native range has raised increasing concern among fig (Ficus carica L.) producers due to its growing economic importance. Information on this lonchaeid remains scarce and is frequently fragmented across regional reports, technical documents, and isolated scientific studies. The lack of consolidated and reliable knowledge on S. adipata, together with its sporadic impacts on figs and frequent confusion with closely related species, has hindered the development of effective and sustainable management strategies. Here, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current geographic distribution of S. adipata and its expansion into new areas, addressing diagnostic aspects and potential misidentifications reported in the literature that have the potential to confound distribution records and assessments of its pest status. We critically review current knowledge of the biology, ecology, and behavior of S. adipata, together with existing and emerging management and control approaches, including cultural practices, monitoring tools, mass trapping strategies, and biological- and chemical-based tactics. The strengths and limitations of these approaches are discussed in the context of their applicability to fig production systems. Advancing the management of S. adipata requires not only accurate species identification and evaluation of conventional control methods, but also a deeper understanding of its ecology and sexual behavior. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be essential for the development of innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable management strategies for this emerging pest. Full article