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The invasive whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) feeds on phloem sap and distributes harmful viruses, causing considerable crop losses. These insects pose a severe danger to global food security and agriculture. Whitefly management is challenging, and standard methods of control have several drawbacks. RNA interference (RNAi) appears to be a fantastic tool for pest control. This method provides a direct mode of action on specific genes, allowing altering physiological systems that affect insect growth, development or feeding behavior. The cysteine protease genes were used to create four dsRNA fragments. A simpler insect bioassay approach was established for the oral administration of dsRNA. The oral bioassay was performed by feeding 200 adult whiteflies on dsRNA mixed with an artificial solution. The dsRNA fragments were employed at three concentrations (5, 15, and 30µg/mL). Every day for four days, the mortality of adult whiteflies was reported. After 96 hours of feeding on cysteine proteases dsRNAs conc 30 µg/mL, the average mortality percentage was 73.875% for treated insects compared to 11% for the control. Quantitative PCR analysis of the treated insects revealed a substantial decrease in cysteine protease transcript levels, with mRNA levels dropping by 35, 2.11, 5.24, and 6.779 times because of cathepsin L cysteine protease genes fragments A, B, C, and D dsRNA, respectively. The expression of cysteine protease dsRNAs in transgenic plants for whitefly protection might be an intriguing use of this technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transgenic plants expressing proteins that target the eggs of the ubiquitous plant pest Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) could be an effective insecticide strategy. Two approaches for protein delivery are assessed using the mCherry reporter gene in transgenic tomato plants, while accommodating autofluorescence in both the plant, phloem-feeding whitefly and pedicle-attached eggs. Results: Both transgenic strategies were segregated to homozygous genotype using digital PCR. The first strategy uses a glycotransferase secretion signal peptide. Despite bright apoplastic accumulation, mCherry is not evident in the eggs. The second strategy targets in vivo whitefly eggs, where the mCherry transgene was fused to a protein transduction domain (PTD) to facilitate uptake into the whitefly hemolymph as well as a synthetic vitellogenin ovary-targeting sequence. Phloem-specific expression of the mCherry fusion is achieved from a Commelina viral promoter. Accumulation was not sufficient to be observed in females feeding on these ovary-targeting plants nor in their eggs subsequently laid on non-transgenic plants. Egg protection may be mediated by protease activity which is observed in macerated eggs. Conclusions: mCherry proved an effective reporter for the desired tissue-specific expression in tomato, but insufficiently sensitive to allow for localization in feeding whiteflies or their eggs. Segregated homozygous transgenic tomato lines were important for drawing these conclusions. The implications of these observations to possible pest-control strategies including preliminary expression of analogous chitinase constructs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation on population dynamics of sucking pests, their natural enemies, and the per cent disease incidence (PDI) of mung bean yellow mosaic disease (YMD) on Vigna radiata was conducted. During the harvest of the crop, the population of Aphis craccivora, Empoasca kerri, ladybird beetle, and the PDI of YMD was the highest on the 17th Standard meteorolo gical week (SMW). In contrast, the population of Bemisia tabaci was at its peak on the 15th SMW. The minimum temperature had highly significant positive correlation with the population of A. craccivora, E. kerri, B. tabaci, ladybird beetle, and the PDI of YMD. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between wind velocity and the population of ladybird beetles. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between the PDI of YMD and the population of B. tabaci. © 2024 Association for Advancement of Entomology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solanum whitefly, Aleurotrachelus trachoides (Back) and woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) have invaded India. They are feeding on plants belonging to the Solanaceae, Apocynaceae, and Convolvulaceae families and on guava, respectively. As a result of their invasion, regular field surveys have been conducted to identify potential biological control agents and develop effective biocontrol strategies. During these surveys, an exotic parasitoid called Encarsia cubensis Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was found to emerge on fourth instar nymphs of both A. trachoides and A. floccosus. The nymphs were collected from Duranta erecta L. and Solanum nigram L. in Karnataka, India and Psidium guajava L. in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, India. Identity of species was confirmed through their morphological and molecular characteristics. Partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene sequences (PQ397536; PQ456730; PQ456728; PQ456729) demonstrated 98.41- 99.14% similarity with E. cubensis sequence (ON881119) submitted from India. This study confirms the first occurrence and establishment of E. cubensis on A. trachoides and A. floccosus in India. E. cubensis is a tiny, solitary endoparasitoid that primarily develops within the nymphal stages of these whiteflies, ultimately leading to its death. Across the surveyed locations, natural parasitism of 24.75–48.60% on A. trachoides and 04.14–15.67% on A. floccosus were recorded. Present study paved the way for natural pest regulation of A. floccosus and A. trachoides through augmentation and conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a major pest worldwide, primarily due to plant viruses (>100) it vectors. It is regularly introduced on plants imported into the UK and is, therefore, a plant health risk. Controlling this pest is challenging due to restrictions on use and resistance to available pesticides, so alternative management options are required to mitigate its risk. Available products with different modes of action were tested against adult and larval life stages of B. tabaci with high variability in their effectiveness. Two biopesticides, PREV-AM and FLiPPER, were highly effective against larval stages but less effective against adults. When PREV-AM was used in combination with the biopesticide Tracer against whitefly larvae, the efficacy of Tracer could be enhanced, and synergy between the two products, which were used at less than field-rate amounts, was measured. Hence, the combined application of Tracer and PREV-AM can potentially provide effective control of B. tabaci larvae and contribute towards reducing pesticide use. Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a major pest worldwide, causing damage to a vast range of plants through its feeding on phloem sap and its vectoring of >100 plant viruses. Although not established in the UK, it is regularly introduced on planting material, which poses a significant plant health risk. Restrictions on pesticide use and increasing resistance to available active ingredients limit options for effective control of potential outbreaks. Alternative management options are required to mitigate this risk. There was high variability in the efficacy of the different modes of action products tested against two life stages (adults and larvae) as well as the Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species of B. tabaci. For both adults and larvae, MEAM1 were more susceptible than MED insects, possibly due to differences in resistance developed against some active ingredients. All products tested were effective to varying degrees against MEAM1 adults with Tracer (spinosad), PREV-AM (orange oil), Sequoia (sulfoxaflor), and FLiPPER (fatty acids) having similar efficacies (59–78% mortality). In contrast, PREV-AM and FLiPPER were most effective against MED adults (74% and 65% mortalities, respectively). Both MED and MEAM1 larvae were highly susceptible to FLiPPER and PREV-AM (>95% mortality), and the efficacy of Tracer and FLiPPER can be enhanced by using in combination with PREV-AM, and this can be achieved by using low doses of each product. Synergy was measured between PREV-AM and Tracer against MEAM1 larvae, which has the potential to provide effective control with a reduced pesticide application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The whitefly pest, Bemisia tabaci, is an economically important pest given its role in the transmission of plant virus diseases such as cassava mosaic disease (CMD), which continues to devastate cassava productivity in Nigeria. Previous studies have shown that the ability of whiteflies to transmit plant viruses is dependent on several factors, chief of which is its biotype. Given that whiteflies are often morphologically indistinguishable, it is therefore important to explore the genetic diversity of whiteflies towards developing adequate management strategies for CMD in Nigeria. This study therefore investigated the genetic diversity and distribution of B. tabaci genotypes present in cassava farms surveyed across South West and North Central, Nigeria, while also assessing the presence of cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs). The obtained whitefly samples were genotyped using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) marker. This study identified four genetic groups of B. tabaci, with the Sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1) group being the most predominant. This research also detected African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV) in specific subgroups, providing insights for developing improved management strategies to mitigate cassava mosaic disease (CMD) in Nigeria. Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadium, Hemiptera) causes severe damage to cassava plants through excessive feeding on leaves and transmitting viruses, such as African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), East African cassava mosaic virus (EACMV), and ipomoviruses that cause cassava brown streak disease. Currently, little is known about the molecular diversity and distribution of whitefly species in the major cassava-growing zones of Nigeria. This study aimed to address the knowledge gap by assessing the genetic diversity, distribution, and associated cassava mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) in whiteflies across South West and North Central, Nigeria. Whitefly samples were systematically collected from cassava plants during georeferenced epidemiological surveys in 2017, 2020, and 2022. The samples were genotyped using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) marker, and CMBs were detected by PCR with virus-specific primers. Phylogenetic analyses revealed four distinct genetic groups of B. tabaci: Sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1; 84.8%), SSA2 (1.4%), SSA3 (13.1%), and Mediterranean (MED) (0.7%). The SSA1 group was the predominant and most widely distributed genotype across the surveyed zones, with three subgroups identified: SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG3, and SSA1-SG5. The second most frequently identified genotype, SSA3, was restricted to the North Central zone, along with the SSA2 group, which was only identified in two North Central states (Niger and Plateau). African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) was detected in SSA1-SG1, SSA1-SG5, and SSA3, whereas EACMV was found in only the SSA1-SG3. The findings of this study will aid in developing better whitefly management strategies to reduce the impact of CMD on cassava production in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important crop to the economy of Brazil, and the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the limiting factors responsible for reducing its yields. These insects are part of a cryptic species group present across almost the entire globe. The most relevant cryptic species in the world are B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED due to their capability to adapt and cause damage to vegetables, grain, and ornamental crops. The arrival of MED in Brazil through the state of São Paulo represents risks to farmers in the region due to the difficulty in managing these insects. This study assessed the occurrence of both species in tomato crops in the southeastern region of Brazil in 2020 and 2021. An amount of 79 samples containing 767 insects were collected throughout the study period, and in the cities of Sumaré (SP) and Monte Mor (SP), several samples were collected from the same location throughout the year. The insects were stored and sent for molecular analysis. The results showed an increase in MED compared to MEAM1. The presence of MED in the Minas Gerais samples was not recorded. However, a higher percentage of MED was observed in the state of São Paulo, which was detected in the municipalities of Sumaré and Monte Mor. These results possibly indicate that MED could be starting to stabilize in open tomato fields in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Losses incurred by introduction of efficient vectors and phytoviruses into non-endemic areas and climate change are threatening food and nutritional security globally. Insect vectors transmit numerous viruses that affect high value vegetable crops. These viruses are diverse, and their transmission modes vary. Often, more than one virus is transmitted by the same vector, and many viruses can infect the same host. Even under conventional agriculture, it is challenging to reduce losses and maintain sustainability. The challenge becomes even more grave in organic production. However, it is critical to address this issue, as organic production is gaining traction for desirable reasons. Typically, organic farms are smaller and vulnerable to landscape effects. The threshold for vectors that transmit plant viruses is zero, it is impossible to achieve such stringent control, especially when super vectors such as thrips and whiteflies reach explosive populations. Nevertheless, significant progress could be achieved by integrating multiple management options. There is no 'silverbullet' option, but host resistance comes close to it. Host resistance governed by single dominant genes could be highly valuable. Unfortunately, that is often not the case and there are drawbacks. Partial resistance conferred by semi-dominant and multiple genes also is available. Cultivars with complete or partial resistance can be effectively integrated with cultural, biological (augmentative), and chemical management options. This review attempts to highlight the seriousness of insecttransmitted viruses in organic vegetable production, provide an update on management options and limitations, and discuss knowledge gaps and future research areas aimed at enhancing sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), is a global pest of cotton crops. The whitefly causes severe damage to plants both directly and indirectly due to its high dispersal ability, small size, and high reproductive potential. Besides all the possible factors regarding the outbreak of whitefly populations, the major one is widespread use of insecticides, which not only cause resistance development in whiteflies but also cause mortality in beneficial insects. This study reports the extraction, purification, and characterization of insecticidal crude proteins through SDS-PAGE and LC-MS/MS that have insecticidal potential against B. tabaci under lab conditions. This study reports that C. colocynthis fruit extract was the most effective (62%) and (54%) followed by C. colocynthis seed extract (48%) and (36%), respectively, against adult and nymphal instar of whitefly mitotype Asia II-1. Insecticidal crude protein extraction from C. colocynthis fruit was the most effective (77%) and (73%), followed by C. colocynthis seed crude protein (80%) and (76%), respectively, against the adult and nymphal instars of whitefly mitotype Asia II-1. Integration of C. colocynthis fruit crude protein + C. colocynthis seed crude protein was the most effective (82%) and (78%), against the adult and nymphal instars of whitefly mitotype Asia II-1. This study represents the inaugural controlled assessment conducted in Pakistan, providing valuable insights into the application of C. colocynthis insecticidal crude proteins. The findings offer potential alternative techniques for future pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major constraint in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)) production is damage caused by insect pests, whitefly and jassids, which results in low yield. Identification of resistant varieties is a convenient and eco-friendly way towards sustainable management of insect pests attacking okra. Therefore, population dynamics of the two major pests were recorded in fifteen hybrid varieties of okra during two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020. Plant varietal resistance and vigor were also evaluated in this study. Meanwhile, morphological parameters were also recorded as well as whitefly and jassid-infested and healthy leaves were collected for biochemical analysis. Significant varietal difference in terms of insect infestation were recorded with Kajari NOH-1684, Japani jhar, Singham and Rohini being comparatively resistant varieties. Correlation studies revealed significant negative correlation of whitefly and jassid population with hair density, hair length and total phenols; positive correlation with total protein and total sugar content. The comparative analysis of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity revealed varieties more susceptible to whitefly and jassid attack resulted in higher enzyme activity in all the growth stages. The genotypes Kajari NOH-1684, Japani jhar, Singham and Rohini exhibit low infestations of whitefly and jassid, suggesting a tolerance based on their antixenotic properties. To enhance tolerance against these sucking pests, it is recommended to introduce the donor parents Kajari NOH-1684, Japani jhar, Singham and Rohini into okra breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiment was carried out to study the effectiveness of various dose of Salicylic acid and insecticides against whitefly, Bemisia tabaci infesting okra at Instructional Farm, J.A.U., Junagadh during Summer, 2022. Out of the different dose of Salicylic acid treatments tested, salicylic acid 200 mg/litre proved most effective against B. tabai after first spray. Among Insecticides treatments diafenthiuron 50 WP 0.06% and pyriproxyfen 10 EC 0.01% were proved next best treatments over untreated control. Among the treatment's combinations, (salicylic acid 200 mg/litre + diafenthurion 50WP 0.06%) was found significantly superior (4.05 whiteflies / leaf) as it has recorded lowest whitefly population. The next best interaction was salicylic acid 150 mg/litre + diafenthiuron 50 WP 0.06% (5.67 whiteflies/leaf) followed by (salicylic acid 100 mg/litre + diafenthiuron 50 WP 0.06%) (7.78). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect vector–virus–plant interactions have important ecological and evolutionary implications. The constant struggle of plants against viruses and insect vectors has driven the evolution of multiple defense strategies in the host as well as counter-defense strategies in the viruses and insect vectors. Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) is a major causal agent of cotton leaf curl disease in Asia and is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. Here, we report that plants infected with CLCuMuV and its betasatellite CLCuMuB enhance the performance of the B. tabaci vector, and βC1 encoded by CLCuMuB plays an important role in begomovirus–whitefly–tobacco tripartite interactions. We showed that CLCuMuB βC1 suppresses the jasmonic acid signaling pathway by interacting with the subtilisin-like protease 1.7 (NtSBT1.7) protein, thereby enhancing whitefly performance on tobacco plants. Further studies revealed that in wild-type plants, NtSBT1.7 could process tobacco preprohydroxyproline-rich systemin B (NtpreproHypSysB). After CLCuMuB infection, CLCuMuB βC1 could interfere with the processing of NtpreproHypSysB by NtSBT1.7, thereby impairing plant defenses against whitefly. These results contribute to our understanding of tripartite interactions among virus, plant, and whitefly, thus offering ecological insights into the spread of vector insect populations and the prevalence of viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are utilized for whitefly biological control, offering potential for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in both greenhouse and field settings. However, the impact of EPF on E. formosa remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the capacity of E. formosa to transmit Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium longisporum for controlling Bemisia tabaci MED nymphs in controlled laboratory conditions. We evaluated whether parasitoid exposure to EPF influences the wasp's biological parameters and its capability to locate whitefly nymphs in a Y-tube olfactometer. Finally, the number of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) infected by EPF in the same enclosure was estimated. Parasitism and host-feeding rates were higher in the control group (uninfected wasps) compared to the B. bassiana-treated parasitoids, while no significant difference was observed with the L. longisporum-treated group. The total number of dead nymphs (parasitized + infected + host feeding) was higher in the L. longisporum-treated group than in the control and B. bassiana-treated groups. Parasitoid development from egg to adult stage was not influenced by EPF treatment, yet the longevity of exposed wasps was reduced in both treatment groups. Olfactometer experiments indicated that short exposure to B. bassiana had minimal impact on parasitoid choices, whereas prolonged exposure weakened their ability to distinguish B. tabaci nymphs. Similar trends were observed with L. longisporum-treated E. formosa. These results contribute valuable insights to biological control strategies for B. tabaci and shed light on the biological and behavioral dynamics of pathogen-host-parasitoid interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava is an important food crop in western Kenya, yet its production is challenged by pests and diseases that require routine monitoring to guide development and deployment of control strategies. Field surveys were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to determine the prevalence, incidence and severity of cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), whitefly numbers and incidence of cassava green mite (CGM) in six counties of western Kenya. Details of the encountered cassava varieties were carefully recorded to determine the adoption of improved varieties. A total of 29 varieties were recorded, out of which 13 were improved, although the improved varieties were predominant in 60% of fields and the most widely grown variety was MM96/4271. The CMD incidence was higher in 2022 (26.4%) compared to 2023 (10.1%), although the proportion of CMD attributable to whitefly infection was greater (50.6%) in 2023 than in 2022 (18.0%). The CBSD incidence in 2022 was 6.4%, while in 2023 it was 4.1%. The CMD incidence was significantly lower (5.9%) for the improved varieties than it was for the local varieties (35.9%), although the CBSD incidence did not differ significantly between the improved (2.3%) and local varieties (9.7%). Cassava brown streak virus (CBSV) and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus (UCBSV) were both detected. Most infections were single CBSV infections (82.9%), followed by single UCBSV (34.3%) and coinfection with both viruses (16.7%). Whiteflies were more abundant in 2023, in which 28% of the fields had super-abundant populations of >100/plant, compared to 5% in 2022. KASP SNP genotyping designated 92.8% of the specimens as SSA-ECA for 2022, while it was 94.4% for 2023. The cassava green mite incidence was 65.4% in 2022 compared to 79.9% in 2023. This study demonstrates that cassava viruses, whiteflies and cassava green mites continue to be important constraints to cassava production in western Kenya, although the widespread cultivation of improved varieties is reducing the impact of cassava viruses. The more widespread application of high-quality seed delivery mechanisms could further enhance the management of these pests/diseases, coupled with wider application of IPM measures for whiteflies and mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) whitefly (BtWf) is an invasive pest that has already spread worldwide and caused major crop losses. Numerous strategies have been implemented to control their infestation, including the use of insecticides. However, prolonged insecticide exposures have evolved BtWf to resist these chemicals. Such resistance mechanism is known to be regulated at the molecular level and systems biology omics approaches could shed some light on understanding this regulation wholistically. In this review, we discuss the use of various omics techniques (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to unravel the mechanism of insecticide resistance in BtWf. We summarize key genes, enzymes, and metabolic regulation that are associated with the resistance mechanism and review their impact on BtWf resistance. Evidently, key enzymes involved in the detoxification system such as cytochrome P450 (CYP), glutathione S-transferases (GST), carboxylesterases (COE), UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT), and ATP binding cassette transporters (ABC) family played key roles in the resistance. These genes/proteins can then serve as the foundation for other targeted techniques, such as gene silencing techniques using RNA interference and CRISPR. In the future, such techniques will be useful to knock down detoxifying genes and crucial neutralizing enzymes involved in the resistance mechanism, which could lead to solutions for coping against BtWf infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a well known pest of many crops specially vegetables including tomato plant. Mostly tomato plant disorders are directly and indirectly related to the silver leaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) feeding. In this manner, most countries use lots of pesticides which are really threatening to the environment and ecosystem at an alarming position. Thus we aim to use different plant extracts to control whitefly efficiently and minimize the negative impact of pesticides on the environment. This experiment was conducted in a greenhouse and field as well to draw complete conclusion. In this experiment we used five different treatments, T1-NLE (neem leaves extracts), T2-TLE (tobacco leaves extracts), T3- combination (TLE+NLE+ neem kernels), T4-insecticide (Movento) and T5-un-treated. According to our findings in the greenhouse, adult whitefly population's lowest count is (0.66±0.248) in NLE treated tomato plants and highest whitefly numbers found were (5.84±1.04) in un-treated plants. For the nymph, the same result follows (0.23±0.20) in NLE treated plants and (5.62±1.20) in un-treated plants. In field's experiment lowest adult population of whitefly found in NLE (1.74±0.48) and highest numbers found in un-treated (9.64±1.23). This experiment proves that plants extracts are more effective, economical and eco-friendly. This study can be potentially extended to other pests and crops. Consolidated viewpoint of this investigation, we state that plants extricates all the more integral assets to control sucking complex or whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) treatment of plants may affect the survival and feeding preferences of herbivorous pests. However, comprehensive studies on the fitness across their entire life cycle, feeding behavior, and physiological changes in herbivores consuming EPF‐treated plants within the tripartite interactions of EPF, plants, and pests are still limited. In this study, we utilized life tables, electrical penetration graph (EPG), and metabolomics to uncover the biological and physiological characteristics of Bemisia tabaci on tomato plants inoculated with Beauveria bassiana through root irrigation. RESULTS: Our study indicated that Beauveria bassiana Bb252 can penetrate the entire tissue from the point of inoculation, primarily colonizing the intercellular spaces and vascular tissue. However, this colonization is temporary, lasting no more than 35 days. Moreover, the population fitness and feeding behavior of Bemisia tabaci on tomato plants treated with Beauveria bassiana via root irrigation were significantly affected, showing a substantial 41.4% decrease in net reproductive rate (R0), a notable reduction in watery salivation, and shortened phloem ingestion. Lastly, we observed a significant decrease in hormones and amino acids of whiteflies that fed on Beauveria bassiana‐treated tomato plants by root irrigation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that the endophyte, Beauveria bassiana Bb252, reduced demographic fitness of Bemisia tabaci by altering its hormones and amino acids levels. These findings enhance our understanding of multitrophic interactions in integrated pest management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the population dynamics of whitefly Bemisia tabaci and its natural enemies on cotton cultivars. The study examines the population of whitefly adults and maximum parasitization of whitefly nymphs in Desi, American and Bt cotton cultivars, as well as its natural enemies, predators like coccinellids and spiders. It evaluates the influence of weather patterns including maximum and minimum temperature and wind velocity on whitefly buildup.

In agricultural fields where many viruses are prevalent, plants are commonly coinfected with multiple viruses. Whiteflies, vectors of plant viruses, can acquire two viruses by probing on two infected plants sequentially or on a coinfected plant. Although the coingestion of two viruses by a common vector is supposed to influence vector transmission and virus epidemiology, these effects still require more comprehensive research. In this study, we investigated the impact of coingesting two begomoviruses on virus infection in Bemisia tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1). Whiteflies underwent two successive acquisition access periods through feeding on plants infected with tomato leaf curl Taiwan virus (ToLCTV), tomato yellow leaf curl Thailand virus (TYLCTHV), or both. The amounts of virus in the midgut, hemolymph, primary salivary glands (PSGs), and saliva of the whiteflies were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Transmission assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of coingesting ToLCTV and TYLCTHV on the whitefly-mediated transmission of both viruses. Our results revealed that the preingestion of TYLCTHV was antagonistic to the infection of ToLCTV in the whitefly midgut. Regardless of the ingestion sequence, the amounts of TYLCTHV in the midgut, hemolymph, PSGs, and saliva of whitefly, as well as its transmission rate, were higher than those of ToLCTV. This study provides valuable insights into the intricate interactions between two tomato begomoviruses (ToLCTV and TYLCTHV) within B. tabaci and improves our understanding of the complex tripartite interplay involving virus-virus-vector relationships and the implications for plant virus transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly-transmitted viruses have emerged as a major threat to cucurbit production in the United States during the past several decades. Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV), and Cucurbit leaf crumple virus (CuLCrV) are the main arthropod-borne plant viruses in cucurbit crops, including yellow squash (Cucurbita pepo). Symptoms of these viruses include interveinal chlorosis, chlorotic spots, yellowing, and curling of the leaves. The evaluation of specific viruses affecting a plant is challenging because of the prevalence of mixed infections in naturally infected fields. To devise an efficient breeding-based management approach, two PI lines (PI 171625 and PI 171627) were screened in a greenhouse to assess their resistance to individual infections of CCYV and CuLCrV. These lines were compared against a susceptible cultivar Gentry in two separate trials. PI 171627 displayed delayed symptoms, a reduced virus load, and a smaller area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) compared with PI 171625 and susceptible cultivar Gentry when the plants were infected with CCYV. However, the AUDPC for CuLCrV was the same for both genotypes and the commercial line. Accession PI 171627, which displayed delayed and milder symptoms, could potentially provide a source for resistance against CCYV for breeding program. Future research is needed to comprehend the underlaying mechanism to understand this response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) destroys a great proportion of crops in India. Whitefly is the carrier of begomovirus which causes okra yellow vein mosaic viral disease. Preventing the pest infestation without the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is the need of the hour. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) involves strategies that maintain pest population below Economic Injury Level (EIL). In the present study a multiplex insect catching trap was constructed with the aim of controlling pest infestation in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. The multiplex trap was prepared using yellow sticky papers and Methyl Eugenol pheromone as an insect/pest attractant. The traps were placed in field and thereafter plants were tested for the presence of viral DNA using PCR. The fields in which traps were placed showed negligible or few instances of viral infection while the fields in which no traps were placed showed considerable virus infection. Additionally, the fields with the trap showed a higher yield percentage of crop compared to the field with no trap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) population poses significant threat to cotton production in tropical and subtropical countries, and act as a vector for plenty of viruses predominantly begomoviruses and associated satellite molecules. Plant mediated RNAi (PM-RNAi) based approach carrying in silico identified miR166b of Gossypium hirsutum cv. HS6 targeting ESTs (Expressed Sequence Tags) of B. tabaci has been effective against whitefly insect and also providing tolerance from cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) as reported earlier. Current study focuses on stability of transgene in subsequent generations of transgenic cotton lines and its effectiveness in providing protection against CLCuD. Subsequent generations showed reduced diseased symptoms and no phenotypic abnormality from exogenous construct. Overall findings demonstrate effectiveness of RNAi based construct against insect vector whitefly and its stable inheritance across subsequent generations underscore the potential of this approach for sustainable protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1, is one of the most devastating pests of row-crop vegetables worldwide, damaging crops directly through feeding and indirectly through the transmission of many different viruses, including the geminivirus Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV). Y-tube olfactometer tests were conducted at different stages of TYLCV infection in tomatoes to understand how TYLCV affects B. tabaci behavior. We also recorded changes in tomato hosts' color and volatile profiles using color spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that the infection status of B. tabaci and the infection stage of TYLCV influenced host selection, with uninfected whiteflies showing a preference for TYLCV-infected hosts, especially during the late stages of infection. Viruliferous B. tabaci attraction to visual targets significantly differed from non-viruliferous B. tabaci. Late-stage infected hosts had larger surface areas reflecting yellow-green wavelengths and higher emissions of methyl salicylate in their volatile profiles. These findings shed new light on several critical mechanisms involved in the viral manipulation of an insect vector and its economically important host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), is a polyphagous and major pest of cotton worldwide. Both adults and nymphs of B. tabaci affect the crop by causing direct and indirect damage. A severe whitefly outbreak was experienced during 2015 on cotton in North India and this was followed by a profound infestation during 2022. The present research rigorously examined whether the proliferation in the whitefly population was an outbreak or the result of a multi factor resurgence. During 2015, whitefly counts remained above the economic threshold level (ETL) between 28th and 35th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW). However, during 2022 above ETL population was observed in 27th SMW and it persisted until 36th SMW. The peak incidence of the whitefly was noticed during 31st and 29th SMW in 2015 and 2022, respectively. The early pest build up in 2022 and longer persistence (≥10 weeks) over the cotton season resulted in more damage to cotton crop. Additionally, pest survillence across the zone on the farmers' fields during 2022 revealed 44.4 per cent spots (585 out of 1,317 locations) above ETL while the corresponding locations in 2015 was 57% (620 out of 1,089). Thus, in 2022 infestation was not uniform in the entire zone wherein only few blocks of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan states of India experienced severe infestations of the whitefly. This study reports the complex of factors including weather, delayed sowing, use of tank mixtures/ subleathal doses of insecticides, pest resurgence etc. that might have possibly contributed to these upsurges in whitefly on cotton in north India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In cotton ecosystem, number of insect pests simultaneously occur and cause enormous damage to crop. Hence, investigation on succession of sucking pests in Bt cotton cultivar was carried out during 2022 and 2023 at S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, India. The order of sequential occurrence of pests in Bt cotton was jassid > thrips > whitefly > aphid. Maximum incidence of aphid was observed during 46th standard meteorological week (SMW) (32.30 aphids/3 leaves), while maximum jassids (18.90 jassids/3 leaves) were observed during 42nd SMW. The incidence of whitefly reached to peak level (4.56 whiteflies/3 leaves) during 43rd SMW, however the peak activity of thrips was noticed during 41st SMW (19.72 thrips/3 leaves). The relationship obtained clearly showed that aphid and jassid population exhibited negative and significant correlation with morning and evening relative humidity. The whitefly exhibited negative and significant correlation with morning relative humidity. Highly significant and positive influence on whitefly, thrips and jassid population was noticed with maximum temperature during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability in cotton production is inevitable because producing more cotton means more employment, economic acceleration, and industrial expansion. India, China, the United States, Brazil, and Pakistan contribute 74% of worldwide cotton production. Pakistan is contributing only 5%, despite the high potential of cotton. The average yield of cotton in Pakistan is stagnant at 570.99 kg hm−2, whereas it entails the highest cost of production among all other crops. The yield obtained in Pakistan is less than the potential, profitability is drastically lessening, and farmers are abandoning cotton for alternative kharif crops. Some traditional quantitative studies have unveiled different factors that affect cotton production. However, an in-depth qualitative study has never been conducted in Pakistan to explore the root causes of growing cotton crop failure. Following Moustakas's traditional phenomenological guidelines, this phenomenological study was conducted in the district of Rahim Yar Khan in the core cotton zone of Punjab province. A total of 10 interviews were conducted with purposively selected cotton growers based on a criterion: (i) having more than 10 years of cotton growing experience, (ii) being a cotton grower, and (iii) having at least 10 years of formal schooling. Interviews were conducted face to face on an interview guide. One interview lasted 45–50 min, and responses were recorded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. A total of 6 themes emerged from the collected data, including (i) climate change, (ii) varietal problems, (iii) pesticide usage, (iv) sense of institutional services, (v) attitude of farmers and (vi) soil health and environment. These six merging themes contributed to cotton crop failure and yield decline. The deep exploration further summarized that researchers, extensionists, and farmers need to seriously consider variety, sowing time, and the environment to revive cotton crops. The detailed recommendations and policy guidelines are presented in this paper, highlighting the cotton sector's research, development and investment areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton, a key source of income for Pakistan, has suffered significantly by cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) since 1990. This disease is caused by a complex of phylogenetically-related begomovirus (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae) species and a specific betasatellite (genus Betasatellite, family Tolecusatellitidae), cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite. Additionally, another DNA satellite called alphasatellite (family Alphasatellitidae), is also frequently associated. All these virus components are vectored by a single species of whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). While many factors affect cotton productivity, including cotton variety, sowing time, and environmental cues such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall, CLCuD is a major biotic constraint. Although the understanding of begomoviruses transmission by whiteflies has advanced significantly over the past three decades, however, the in-field seasonal dynamics of the viruses in the insect vector remained an enigma. This study aimed to assess the levels of virus and betasatellite in whiteflies collected from cotton plants throughout the cotton growing season from 2014 to 2016. Notably, begomovirus levels showed no consistent pattern, with minimal variations, ranging from 0.0017 to 0.0074 ng.μg-1 of the genomic DNA in 2014, 0.0356 to 0.113 ng.μg-1 of the genomic DNA in 2015, and 0.0517 to 0.0791 ng.μg-1 of the genomic DNA in 2016. However, betasatellite levels exhibited a distinct pattern. During 2014 and 2015, it steadily increased throughout the sampling period (May to September). While 2016 showed a similar trend from the start of sampling (July) to September but a decline in October (end of sampling). Such a study has not been conducted previously, and could potentially provide valuable insights about the epidemiology of the virus complex causing CLCuD and possible means of controlling losses due to it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), is an economically important vegetable worldwide. This study evaluated the susceptibilities of yellow squash and zucchini cultivars to MEAM1 across three growing seasons in the southeastern United States: summer 2021, fall 2021, and fall 2022. Commercially available cultivars squash and zucchini were examined for resistance to MEAM1 infestations and yield performance. Weekly MEAM1 adult, egg, and nymph counts were conducted over 5 (fall 2022) or 6 (summer and fall 2021) weeks beginning after the third week of planting in each season. In general, MEAM1 adult populations were high at the first week of sampling but decreased in the subsequent weeks. The Zucchini cultivar 'Black Beauty' had the highest number of MEAM1 adults, and 'Green Eclipse Zucchini' had the lowest adult counts in summer 2021. For yellow squash, 'Early Summer' and 'Amberpic 8455' were identified as the cultivars that harbored the highest populations of adults in 2021, whereas 'Golden Goose Hybrid' harbored the least number of adult infestations in fall 2022. Generally, MEAM1 egg counts trailed adult peak populations. For yield performance, 'Gourmet Gold Hybrid', 'Lioness', 'Fortune', and 'Golden Glory' achieved the highest yields. These results provide valuable information for whitefly management in yellow squash and zucchini based on host plant resistance and yield. The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), causes significant losses to vegetable crops directly by sap-feeding, inducing plant physiological disorders, and elevating the build-up of sooty mold, and indirectly by transmitting plant viruses. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of 20 yellow squash and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) cultivars to MEAM1, across three growing seasons in the southeastern United States. Weekly sampling of the numbers of MEAM1 adults, nymphs, and eggs were conducted from the fourth week after seed sowing and across 6 weeks during the summer and fall of 2021 and five weeks during the fall of 2022. In general, adult whitefly populations were high during the first week of sampling but decreased as the seasons progressed. The zucchini cultivar 'Black Beauty' harbored the most adults, while 'Green Eclipse Zucchini' was the least attractive zucchini cultivar to the adults in fall 2022. For yellow squash, 'Early Summer' (summer 2021) and 'Amberpic 8455' (summer 2021 and fall 2022) were the cultivars with the highest adult populations, while 'Lioness' (summer 2021) and 'Gourmet Gold Hybrid' (fall 2022) harbored the lowest adult counts. The whitefly egg counts across both vegetables trailed those of adults and peaked in the second week of sampling. The counts of nymphs increased as the seasons progressed, but there was a decline after the second week during fall 2021. For the yellow squash cultivars, 'Gourmet Gold Hybrid', (summer 2021 and fall 2022), 'Lioness', and 'Fortune' (summer 2021) recorded the highest yields. For zucchini, 'Golden Glory' (summer 2021) was the top performer. These results provide valuable information for whitefly management in yellow squash and zucchini based on host plant susceptibility and yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passionfruit severe leaf distortion virus (PSLDV) is a begomovirus transmitted by Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), associated with severe disease in passion flowers. This study aimed to evaluate the reaction of plants of different species of Passiflora to infection with PSLDV, expand the known host range of the virus and determine the minimum virus acquisition and inoculation access periods and the time of virus retention by B. tabaci MEAM1. Plants of Passiflora cincinnata, P. mucronata and P. malacophylla were not infected with PSLDV through transmission with B. tabaci MEAM1. When healthy plants of these species were fork grafted onto PSLDV‐infected plants of P. edulis, only plants of P. malacophylla remained uninfected and the virus was not detected by PCR, suggesting immunity to this begomovirus. Plants of Datura stramonium, Nicotiana benthamiana, N. clevelandii, N. tabacum 'Xanthi', Solanum lycopersicum (tomato cv. Compack) and several varieties of Manihot esculenta (cassava cvs IAC 118‐96, IAC 6‐01, Paranavaí, IAC 576, IAC 90 and IAC 14) were susceptible to infection with PSLDV through transmission with B. tabaci MEAM1. Adults of B. tabaci MEAM1 acquired PSLDV after 1 h of feeding on PSLDV‐infected plants of D. stramonium. They transmitted the virus to healthy plants after feeding on these plants for 1 h, although with low transmission rates. The retention time of PSLDV in the vector was 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we investigated the effect of the insect pest whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) on cassava root yield and quality in two cropping seasons 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 on ten cassava varieties in Tanzania. ANOVA (sum of squares or SS) revealed that the time of planting (42.7%) and cassava variety (29.5%) had the largest effect on whitefly population. Not surprisingly, cassava varieties also had the highest effect (SS 39.8 to 70.4%) on both diseases and yield. An increase in whitefly population led to higher disease incidences and severity in 2015–2016 compared to 2014–2015. Some CBSD-resistant and tolerant cassava varieties like Namikonga and Kiroba, respectively, harboured high whitefly populations. The CMD, CBSD and whitefly-susceptible variety, Mreteta, showed highest yield losses of up to 60%, while the resistant variety NDL 2005/1471 had approximately 1% loss. Deployment of varieties resistant to both diseases and whitefly is thus necessary to safeguard cassava production and food security of vulnerable communities in the affected African countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and leafhopper, Amrasca biguttulla biguttulla, Ishida, are the major biotic constraints in cultivation of okra, causing considerable economic damage. The present study aims to evaluate the laboratory and field efficacy of butenolide insecticide, flupyradifurone 200 SL against these key sucking pests, its phytotoxicity, safety to natural enemies as well as pollinators and cost-efficiency in okra. Dose probit mortality assays indicated flupyradifurone to be the most toxic and thiamethoxam least toxic to leafhopper and whitefly. Based on the LC50 values for whitefly and leafhopper, flupyradifurone exhibited 11.07 and 2.98-fold difference, respectively, when compared to thiamethoxam. Laboratory bioassays confirmed that the maximum dose of flupyradifurone (250 g a.i. ha−1) had a high level of toxicity to whitefly adults and leafhopper nymphs. Of the three field rates (150, 200, 250 g a.i. ha−1) of flupyradifurone evaluated under open field conditions, application at 250 g a.i. ha−1 was most effective for the control of whitefly and leafhopper population with a high marketable fruit yield in okra. Flupyradifurone reduced the population of whitefly by 71.80 & 76.68 per cent and leafhopper by 82.19 and 80.21 per cent during first and second season, respectively, as compared to untreated control. Furthermore, it was superior and more economical, giving the highest benefit: cost ratio (2.77) than other test insecticides included for comparison. Flupyradifurone application showed no phytotoxic symptoms on the okra crop. Additionally, it was found to be safer to natural enemies i.e. spiders and rove beetles that are prevalent in the okra ecosystem. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that flupyradifurone was apparently less toxic to honey bees in short-term and long-term exposure assays. These findings will aid in utilizing the flupyradifurone in insecticide window spray schedules and IPM programs for the management of sucking pests in okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV) is a prominent causative agent of cassava mosaic disease in Asia and relies on the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex for its transmission. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in SLCMV transmission by B. tabaci have yet to be understood. In this study, we identified an aminopeptidase N‐like protein (BtAPN) in B. tabaci Asia II 1, an efficient vector of SLCMV, which is involved in the SLCMV transmission process. Through the use of glutathione S‐transferase pull‐down assay and LC‐MS/MS analysis, we demonstrated the interaction between BtAPN and the coat protein (CP) of SLCMV. This interaction was further confirmed in vitro, and we observed an induction of BtAPN gene expression following SLCMV infection. By interfering with the function of BtAPN, the quantities of SLCMV were significantly reduced in various parts of B. tabaci Asia II 1, including the whole body, midgut, hemolymph, and primary salivary gland. Furthermore, we discovered that BtAPN is conserved in B. tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and interacts with the CP of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a begomovirus known to cause severe damage to tomato production. Blocking BtAPN with antibody led to a significant reduction in the quantities of TYLCV in whitefly whole body and organs/tissues. These results demonstrate that BtAPN plays a generic role in interacting with the CP of begomoviruses and positively regulates their acquisition by the whitefly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current research is treatment of cotton seeds with appropriate pesticides and foliar application with plant compounds in a way that be effective in control of first-season sap sucking pests in cotton fields. This experiment was designed to study the effect of several treatments including: 1-seed treatment with Thiamethoxam (Cruiser®), 2-seed treatment with Thiodicarb (Larvin®), 3-seed treatment with Imidacloprid (Gaucho®), 4-foliar application of insecticidal soap containing coconut oil (Palizin®), 5-foliar application of botanical insecticide containing pepper extract (Tondexir®), 6-foliar application of imidacloprid (Confidor®), and 7-control for control of firstseason sap sucking pests in cotton fields. This research was carried out in a randomized complete block design with five replications at Darab Agricultural Research Station during two years (2020 and 2021). Seed treatments with Larvin® and Gaucho® were applied only in the second year of experiment. The results of the first year of the experiment showed that the cotton seed treatment with Cruser® kept the cotton seedlings free from the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii Glover) until one month after the sowing date compared to other treatments that were applied as foliar spraying. The results of statistical analysis 41 days after sowing date showed that the most effective control method of onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) is seed treatment with Cruiser®. The results of the second year of the experiment showed that Cruzer®, Larvin®, and Gaucho®, which were impregnated with cotton seeds, caused a significant decrease in the population density of cotton whitefly nymph [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)] until the end of the sampling period (41 days after sowing date). Foliar spraying of seedlings with herbal compounds (Palizin® and Tondexir®) in both years initially had a significant effect on reducing the population of aphids and whiteflies, but with increase of the time, their effect was less than other treatments. Based on the results of the present research, seed treatment with Cruzer® not only offers more control against cotton seedling sucking pests (onion thrips, cotton aphid and cotton whitefly), but also can be a better option in terms of economy, user's health and environmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of two botanical formulations, an oil-based (OF) and aqueous (AqF), was determined against sucking and lepidopteran pests of groundnut. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replicates for each. The treatments were botanical formulations at 10 and 20 mL/L concentrations, along with a standard chemical (Chlorpyriphos 20EC at the rate of 2.5 mL/L) and a botanical (neem oil at 3 mL/L) and a negative control. The results revealed that the whitefly population reduction was 92.8% in chlorpyriphos treatment, followed by 80.0% in AqF at 20 mL, 74.2% in OF at 20 mL, 71.1% in AqF at 10 mL, and 67.3% in neem oil applications 10 days post spray. In the case of leafhoppers, the highest efficacy of 90.3% population reduction was recorded in chemical control, which was closely followed by AqF at 20 mL (83.1%), neem oil (76.4%), and OF at 20 mL (68.3%). A similar trend in efficacy was observed against thrips, namely chlorpyriphos (84.7%) >AqF at 20 mL and OF at 20 mL (76.9%) >OF at 10 mL (61.5%) > neem oil (53.8%). In the case of red hairy caterpillars, the reduction recorded was chlorpyriphos (82.9%) >AqF at 20 mL (80.8%) >AqF at 10 mL (78.5%) and OF at 20 mL (69.2%) > neem oil (55.1%). Among all the botanicals tested, oil-based (OF) and aqueous (AqF) formulations at 20 mL concentration were superior or at par with neem oil applications. The synergistic effects of diverse plant extracts in the formulations could have contributed to their enhanced efficacy. These botanical formulations stood out for managing sucking and lepidopteran pests without adverse environmental and health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a destructive insect pest of many crops. Rickettsia infection in different cryptic species of B. tabaci has been observed worldwide. Understanding the interactions between these 2 organisms is critical to developing Rickettsia -based strategies to control B. tabaci and thereby reduce the transmission of related vector-borne viruses. In this study, we investigated the effects of Rickettsia infection on the biological characteristics of the Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) strain of B. tabaci through biological analysis of infected and uninfected individuals. The results of this study suggest that Rickettsia may confer fitness benefits. These benefits include increased fertility, improved survival rates, accelerated development, and resulted in female bias. We also investigated the transcriptomics impact of Rickettsia infection on B. tabaci by performing a comparative RNA-seq analysis of nymphs and adult females, both with and without the infection. Our analysis revealed 218 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in infected nymphs compared to uninfected ones and 748 significant DEGs in infected female adults compared to their uninfected whiteflies. Pathway analysis further revealed that Rickettsia can affect many important metabolic pathways in whiteflies. The results suggest that Rickettsia plays an essential role in energy metabolism, and nutrient synthesis in the B. tabaci MEAM1, and depends on metabolites obtained from the host to ensure its survival. Overall, our findings suggest that Rickettsia has beneficial effects on B. tabaci and offered insights into the potential molecular mechanisms governing the interactions between Rickettsia and B. tabaci MEAM1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]