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The use of pathogens and other natural enemies to suppress pest populations is a key component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. As biocontrol agents may interact synergistically, additively, or antagonistically, it is crucial to assess their interactions for effective pest management. In this study, we investigated the effect of three entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) species—Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. CEP 091, Akanthomyces muscarius (Petch) Spatafora, Kepler & B. Shrestha CEP 182, and Cordyceps fumosorosea (Wize) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora CEP 315 (all Hypocreales)—on the survival, fecundity, and searching behavior of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). All three EPF species were found to be pathogenic to O. insidiosus, resulting in a significant decrease in survival compared with the control group. Fecundity remained unaffected by the fungal treatments. No effect of EPF on searching behavior of the predator was found. In relation to the searching behavior, individuals of 2 days post‐infections remained in the food patch longer than individuals of 7 days post‐infections, regardless of treatment. These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of EPF and O. insidiosus as combined biocontrol agents for managing whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Understanding the interactions between EPF and predatory insects is crucial for developing IPM strategies that maximize pest control efficacy. Further studies should explore the long‐term effects of EPF on O. insidiosus populations and their overall impact on pest management in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most destructive plant pests is the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Spray and soil-drenching applications of the novel insecticides, spirotetramat 10% SC and flonicamid 50% WG were evaluated against the adults and nymphs of the whitefly along two seasons of the cotton crop. Sprays of both insecticides had potent protection against adults for the first 6 days after treatment (DAT), but were shifted from 3 to 6 DAT in soil-drenching. All the applications controlled the nymphs along the 12 DAT. The Beneficial Arthropod Index expressed unfavorable balances for these insecticides between the whitefly and its parasitic wasps. Both insecticide sprays had potent reductions on Eretmocerus mundus (Mercet) over 3-12 DAT. Spirotetramat 10% SC affected Encarsia artenopae (Foerster) over 3-6 DAT, contrary to the unsteady effects of flonicamid 50% WG. Flonicamid's soil-drenching showed unsteady declines on these wasps compared to spirotetramat 10% SC that lasted from 3 to 6 DAT. Based on the International Organization for Biological Control's guidelines, both insecticides were moderately harmful to the overall mean population of soil micro-arthropods along 12 DAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A marine-derived red alga, along with their active constituents, were actively screened for their biocontrol potential against major insect pests. The current study explored the larvicidal activity of crude methanolic extracts of the red alga Halymenia dilatata (Mx-Hd) against Aedes aegypti (Linn.), and their enzyme inhibition, repellent activity, and non-target toxicity was screened against non-target species. The toxicity of Mx-Hd to exposed larvae was dose-dependent, and it was significant at the maximum concentration of 100 ppm (parts per million) across the second, third, and fourth instars of Ae. aegypti. The LC50 and LC90 Mx-Hd concentrations for second-instar larvae were 37 and 93 ppm, respectively. Moreover, the level of major detoxifying enzymes was altered in response to the Mx-Hd treatment. The repellent activity of Mx-Hd showed maximum repellent protection at 100 ppm dosage for up to 210 min. The toxicity against non-target species showed that Mx-Hd was safe or less toxic at the prominent dosage (1000 ppm). The photomicrography results provided a prominent damage rate in fourth-instar midgut cells and tissues treated with Mx-Hd. Overall, the present study delivered an insect toxicological screening study of bioactive red alga extracts against a dengue mosquito vector, as well as a baseline for better commercialization of bioactive insecticides. Also, the bioeconomy of algal-based pesticides in managing mosquito larvae presents an exciting avenue for sustainable and eco-friendly pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traditional dengue control efforts focus on eliminating water containers to prevent mosquito breeding, but often overlook Aedes aegypti eggs that remain adhered to container walls. This study compared the effectiveness of two mechanical ovicidal methods-brushing and scrubbing the interior surfaces of containers-against traditional emptying in reducing Ae. aegypti infestation levels. The impact of these methods on non-target dipterans with similar oviposition behavior to the dengue vector was also evaluated; i.e. Clogmia albipunctata (Psychodidae) and Dasyhelea necrophila (Ceratopogonidae). During April 2024, a field trial was conducted on pre-existing black plastic flower vases in a public cemetery from temperate Argentina., Results: Prior to the intervention, out of the 855 containers involved in the study, 765 (89.5%) held water and 351 of such (45.9%) harbored immatures of one or more dipteran species, including Ae. aegypti (observed in 251 containers), C. albipunctata (104), and D. necrophila (51). Both brushing and scrubbing were more effective in reducing the proportion of containers with remaining viable eggs of Ae. aegypti (up to 48.1% and 43.4%, respectively) than just emptying the containers (up to 18.5%). The ovicidal treatments also led to a reduction in the proportion of containers with viable eggs of the non-target dipteran C. albipunctata, but not of D. necrophila., Conclusions: Mechanical ovicidal methods should be mandatory in container emptying campaigns against Ae. aegypti. These methods should be adapted to the local conditions, aiming to promote more targeted and ecologically safe management strategies. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.)

The large-scale commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton has brought significant economic and environmental benefits. However, GM crops must undergo strict environmental monitoring and long-term observation. An important natural enemy insect in cotton fields, Geocoris pallidipennis, can ingest the Bt protein expressed in GM cotton by feeding on herbivorous insects that feed on the cotton. However, the potential risk of GM cotton to G. pallidipennis is still unclear. We here evaluated the effects of Bt cotton expressing the Cry1Ac/1Ab protein on nymphs and adults G. pallidipennis. Cry1Ac protein was detected in the midgut of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, after it ingested Bt cotton, and in the midgut of G. pallidipennis nymphs and adults preying on Bt-fed H. armigera. However, the survival rate, growth, development, and fecundity of G. pallidipennis were not adversely affected. Furthermore, G. pallidipennis cadherins, and those genes related to detoxification, antioxidant activity, nutrient utilization, and immune function were not differentially expressed in response to Cry1Ac exposure. Finally, we showed that Cry1Ac could not bind to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) proteins in G. pallidipennis nymphs or adults. In summary, these results indicate that the potential negative effect of transgenic Cry1Ac/1Ab cotton on the insect redator G. pallidipennis is negligible.

The widespread commercialization of genetically modified (GM) cotton makes it important to assess the potential impact of this recombinant crop on non-target organisms. As important natural enemies of cotton field predators, green lacewing Chrysoperla sinica larvae are exposed to Bt insecticidal proteins expressed by GM cotton by feeding on herbivorous pests, and adults are directly exposed to Bt proteins by cotton pollen consumption. However, potential impacts of transgenic Bt cotton on C. sinica remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two transgenic cotton varieties, CCRI41 and CCRI45, which express Cry1Ac (Bt toxin) and CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor), on C. sinica larvae and adults. After being fed with cotton aphids Aphis gossypii reared on transgenic cotton, the survival rate, developmental duration, pupation rate, and emergence rate of larvae were not adversely affected. After being fed two types of transgenic cotton pollen, the 7-day weight of adults and the preoviposition period and the cumulative oviposition of females were not significantly different from control specimen. Taken together, these results indicate that the potential risks of the two tested GM cotton varieties for the predator C. sinica are negligible. Capsule: Our study indicated that GM cotton varieties CCRI41 and CCRI45 have no adverse effects on insect predator C. sinica.

Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are in decline in the western United States and are encountering a range of anthropogenic stressors. Pesticides are among the factors that likely contribute to this decline, although the concentrations of these chemicals in non-crop plants are not well documented, especially in complex landscapes with a diversity of crop types and land uses. In this study, we collected 227 milkweed (Asclepias spp.) leaf samples from 19 sites representing different land use types across the Central Valley of California. We also sampled plants purchased from two stores that sell plants to home gardeners. We found 64 pesticides (25 insecticides, 27 fungicides, and 11 herbicides, as well as 1 adjuvant) out of a possible 262 in our screen. Pesticides were detected in every sample, even at sites with little or no pesticide use based on information from landowners. On average, approximately 9 compounds were detected per plant across all sites, with a range of 1–25 compounds in any one sample. For the vast majority of pesticides detected, we do not know the biological effects on monarch caterpillars that consume these plants; however, we did detect a few compounds for which effects on monarchs have been experimentally investigated. Chlorantraniliprole in particular was identified in 91% of our samples and found to exceed a tested LD50 for monarchs in 58 out of 227 samples. Our primary finding is the ubiquity of pesticides in milkweeds in an early summer window of time that monarch larvae are likely to be present in the area. Thus, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that pesticide exposure could be a contributing factor to monarch declines in the western United States. This highlights the need for a greater understanding of both the lethal and sublethal effects of these compounds (individually, additively, and synergistically) and suggests the urgent need for strategies that reduce pesticide use and movement on the landscape.

Monochamus alternatus is a very important vector of the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) which is the causal agent of pine wilt disease. To reduce population density of M. alternatus, thiacloprid has been sprayed by aircrafts on pine forests. Thus, we examined the effect of aerial spraying as contact toxicity and thiacloprid residues of pine branches as ingestion toxicity on the mortality of M. alternatus in pine forests in Yangsan, Korea. In addition, the effect of aerial spraying on honey bees, Apis mellifera, was tested in the same locality. Thiacloprid was sprayed once a month from June to August in 2016. To test the effect of thiacloprid, eight M. alternatus and ten honey bees were put into each small mesh cage, which were hung on pine trees in each study plot. Thiacloprid appeared to be effective for reducing longevity of M. alternatus, while mortality and abnormal behaviors were not found for honey bees. In addition, longevity of M. alternatus beetles was declined by thiacloprid residues of pine branches compared to the control group. However, we found that dead pine trees infected by pine wood nematodes in the next year similarly occurred in our study area whether thiacloprid‐aerial spraying occurred or not. Consequently, thiacloprid sprayed by aircraft may be an effective control agent for Monochamus beetle adults without negative effect on honey bees, but aerial application to prevent expansion of pine wilt disease should be reassessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-year field studies during Kharif 2015 and 2016 were conducted to assess the abundance and diversity of arthropod communities of Bt cotton carrying Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins and non-Bt cotton under sprayed and unsprayed conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four treatments of BG-II and non-Bt cotton. The treatments were non- transgenic cotton with no insecticide treatment, non-transgenic cotton with insecticide treatment, transgenic cotton with no insecticide treatment and transgenic cotton with an insecticide treatment. Arthropod community categorized as target insect pests, sucking insect pests, natural enemies and non-target insects were recorded at different phases of the cotton crop. The sucking insect pests contributed the highest abundance among the total arthropods recorded during the period of study. The abundance and diversity of bollworms that were recorded from non-Bt cotton only suggested effectiveness of BG II cotton against target insect pests. The abundance, species richness and diversity indices with respect to populations of beneficial predaceous arthropods and non-target insects were similar in BG-II and its non-Bt counterpart under unsprayed conditions. On the contrary, these parameters were significantly on the lower side under sprayed regimes for both genotypes. The spray of insecticides in early season against sucking insect pests significantly reduced their abundance and diversity indices in both BGII and non-Bt cotton. As monocropping of BG-II cotton is common on large parts of India, there is a need to monitor the populations of non-target insect species with special emphasis on sucking insect pests on a continuous basis to understand the long-term impact of Bt crops on insect biodiversity for sustainable integrated pest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to guarantee the safety of genetically modified (GM) soybean crops, it is important to assess the potential toxicity of their expressed insecticidal proteins to non‐target organisms. In the present study, the effects of the GM soybean Insulin‐like Growth Factor (IGF), which is tolerant to the herbicide glufosinate, on plant‐dwelling non‐target insects and arachnids were evaluated in soybean agroecosystems. For comparison, the non‐GM parental cultivar of soybean Gwangan‐kong was used as a control. Data were collected in 2016 and 2017 via surveying at Ochang and Jeonju, Korea. In total, 13,031 individual insects and arachnids, representing 64 families in 11 orders, were captured during the study. Firstly, the results indicate that the GM soybean IGF did not negatively affect plant‐dwelling non‐target insects and arachnids. However, the numbers of captured individuals on both IGF and Gwangan‐kong were higher at Ochang in 2017. The occurrence of insect pests, natural enemies, and other insects differed significantly according to region, region and survey year, and survey year, respectively. In addition, the dominance, diversity, evenness, and richness indices for the collected insects varied significantly among the regions and survey years regardless of soybean variety. The score from PROXSCAL multidimensional scaling using combined data showed that insects and arachnids in different natural environments were separated by their cultivation regions and years irrespective of soybean cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Drosophila suzukii is one of the main pests of small fruits in the world. An effective monitoring is fundamental to detect the presence of the fly and to predict the infestation of fruits in new areas. We evaluated the food baits Ceratrap®, Torula®, Biofruit®, Suzukii Trap®, apple cider vinegar, and a homemade mixture comprising wine, vinegar and molasses (WVM) for D. suzukii attractiveness, and if reproductive stage affects females attraction and capture in the different baits. Bait selectivity of non-target insects was assessed. The preference of adults between ripe blackberry fruit and the food baits was also evaluated. Adults showed a higher attraction (61.97% of the captured insects) to the WVM mixture than to Ceratrap® (1.32%), Torula® (0.52%), Biofruit® (13.15%), Suzukii Trap® (17.6%), and apple vinegar (5.4%). Considering the attractiveness to D. suzukii, Suzukii Trap® and apple vinegar were the most selective to non-target insects. In general, reproductively immature females showed a preference for Biofruit®, apple vinegar, and WVM, whereas mature females did not show bait preferences. Adults preferred ripe blackberry fruit over the WVM mixture. Understanding the field behavior of D. suzukii is of foremost importance to estimate insect population density and outline pest management strategies.

Effects of large-scale cultivation of transgenic crops on agricultural biodiversity remain unclear, particularly in the context of complex ecological interactions between transgenic crops and other organisms. Here we conducted a comprehensive survey to investigate the number of species, population abundance, community evenness and dominance of insects and weeds as well as leaf damage to weeds in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields at 27 sites across northern China. The role of neighbouring crop diversity around cotton fields in controlling insects and weeds in the cotton fields was also assessed. In addition, we conducted a 3-year field experiment to verify the results of the survey. Weed diversity in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields was similar, but the species number and diversity indices of insects are significantly decreased in Bt fields aligning with reduced leaf damage to broadleaf plant species including cotton as well as crops in neighbouring plots. The leaf damage to Bt and non-Bt cotton negatively associates with the diversity of neighbouring crops in cotton fields. Our study demonstrates the neighbouring crop diversity mediates the effects of Bt crops on agricultural diversity in complex interactions among transgenic crops, in-field weed and insect communities, and neighbouring crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of invasive species is considered one of the major threats to the biodiversity conservation worldwide. In recent years, an Asian invasive species of wasp has set off alarms in Europe and elsewhere in the world, Vespa velutina. The Asian wasp was accidentally introduced in France around 2004 and shortly thereafter it was able to colonise practically all of Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula. The ecological and economic implications of V. velutina invasion and its high colonisation ability have triggered widespread trapping campaigns, usually supported by beekeepers and local governments, with the aim of diminishing its population and its negative impacts. Among the most used control methods are the capture traps, which use a sugary attractant to catch the invasive wasps. However, the species-specific selectivity and efficiency of these traps has been little studied. In this paper, we have analysed the specific identity of the unintentionally trapped insect species from northern Spain (covering one-year period), as well as we have assessed the provided ecosystem services by them. A total of 74 non-target taxa of insects were caught by the V. velutina studied traps, most of them correspond to the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, the dipterans being the most abundant group. Surprisingly, the most abundant trapped species was the invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii that represented the 36.07% of the total catches. Furthermore, we reported the first record of ectoparasitic mites of the genus Varroa on V. velutina, constituting a newly recorded symbiotic association. Hopefully, the provided information helps to develop new protocols and management tools to control this invasive species in the Iberian Peninsula and other temperate areas of western Europe and the Mediterranean basin.

Abstract: We compared the ground-dwelling beetle assemblages under four scenarios in which transgenic Bt (Cry 1Ac) cotton (33B), transgenic Bt (Cry 1Ac)+CpTI cotton (SGK321), conventional cotton (33), conventional cotton (Shiyuan 321) in North China. During the survey in two years (2009–2010), 24 ground beetle species were captured with pitfall traps in 20 plots which included five replicates for each cotton type. No significant difference was observed in the number of ground beetle species captured, activity density, evenness and Shannon-Wiener diversity among the four cotton varieties. Chlaenius posticalis was less abundant in transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton (SGK321) fields than its conventional cotton (Shiyuan 321), but more abundant in transgenic Bt cotton (33B) fields compared with its conventional cotton (33). There was no significant difference for other abundant species between in transgenic cotton and in conventional cotton fields. Based on non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis, ground-dwelling beetle assemblages were similar in transgenic and conventional cotton over the two years, but the ground-dwelling beetle assemblages in transgenic cotton 33B significantly differed from that in the conventional cotton (strain 33) in 2010. No strong evidence that the transgenic cotton effect on ground-dwelling beetle assemblages was found in this study.

Pyrethroid insecticides are widely recommended against various defoliating pest species, but usually lack efficacy against sucking pests such as aphids, which are preferred prey of lacewing larvae. Interaction of pyrethroids and lacewings are likely to occur in fields infested by both defoliating and sap-sucking pests and should provide a complementary control. Therefore, our study aimed to estimate dose-mortality curves and behavioral changes by Chrysoperla externa exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin. We tested the susceptibility of two populations from different locations and insecticide history exposure through topical application. Based on the LD50-calculated, the population exhibiting the greater LD50 was exposed to resistance enhancement (Sel) by treating larvae once for seven successive generations. The population with lower LD50 was kept without selection (Nsel). Subsequently, walking, predation and oviposition behavioral after exposure to dried insecticide residues were investigated. After seven generations with insecticide selection, the resistance rations between Sel and Nsel populations were 5.85- and 9.37-fold higher for larvae and 3.38- and 2.75-fold higher for adults, respectively. Selected females caged in partially treated arenas laid similar eggs number on both treated and untreated surfaces, while Nsel females laid fewer eggs on treated surfaces. Insecticide repellency was not observed in either population, although irritability was observed for Nsel larvae. Selected larvae confined on fully and partially treated surfaces walked further, for a longer time, and with greater speeds compared to Nsel larvae. Furthermore, Sel and Nsel larvae had reduced predation rates when confined on treated surfaces, and Nsel larvae consumed less prey than Sel larvae. Results indicate changes in susceptibility, behavior, and predation rate of C. externa following exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread cultivation of transgenic Bt cotton makes assessing the potential effects of this recombinant crop on non-target organisms a priority. However, the effect of Bt cotton on many insects is currently virtually unknown. The plant bug Adelphocoris suturalis is now a major pest of cotton in southern China and the beetle Haptoncus luteolus is one of the most ancient cotton pollinators. We conducted laboratory experiments to evaluate the toxicity of the Bt cotton varieties ZMSJ, which expresses the toxins Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab, and ZMKCKC, which expresses Cry1Ac and EPSPS, on adult A. suturalis and H. luteolus . No significant increase in the mortality of either species was detected after feeding on Bt cotton leaves or pollen for 7 days. Trace amounts of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins could be detected in both species but in vitro binding experiments found no evidence of Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab binding proteins. These results demonstrate that feeding on the leaves or pollen of these two Bt cotton varieties has no toxic effects on adult A. suturalis or H. luteolus . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrethroid insecticides have been used for decades and their worldwide market continues to increase, despite their high toxicity to non-target insects. Recent studies reveal that it is essential to investigate the secondary mechanisms of action of type II pyrethroids to understand their cellular effects on invertebrates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lethality, behaviour and physiological alterations and energetic costs in caddisfly larvae exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of esfenvalerate (ESF). ESF caused both mortality and feeding inhibition of exposed caddisfly larvae: nominal ESF 96 h LC 50 was 2.29 μg/L; feeding activity was impaired at concentrations equal or above 0.25 μg/L. At the cellular level, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was increased on caddisfly larvae exposed to 0.25 and 0.5 μg/L ESF, which might contribute to prevent oxidative damage since levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) were not altered. The energy budget of exposed caddisfly larvae was impaired by exposure to 0.25 μg/L ESF since sugar and protein contents decreased, while a decline of energy consumption was observed. The analysis of feeding, energy reserves and consumption data through structural equation modelling (SEM) allowed to quantify the direct and indirect effects of ESF exposure on bioenergetics of caddisfly larvae. SEM analysis showed a strong negative direct influence of ESF onto feeding activity, sugars content and energy consumption, highlighting a significant positive relationship between sugars and protein contents. These results show that energy expenditure is related to oxidative defense mechanisms induced by ESF stress that may lead to deleterious effects on growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is the most important international pest of citrus because it transmits the bacteria that cause huanglongbing (HLB). HLB limits citrus production globally. We evaluated the toxicity of sulfoxalor against D. citri and its parasitoid, Tamarixia radiata Waterston. Sulfoxaflor was as toxic as imidacloprid to adult D. citri. The LC50 values for sulfoxaflor and imidacloprid were 8.17 and 5.7 µg AI mL−1, respectively. The LC50 of sulfoxaflor for T. radiata adults was 3.3 times greater than for D. citri adults. Treatment with sulfoxaflor resulted in reduced oviposition, development of nymphs, and emergence of adult D. citri on plants, as compared with controls. The lowest concentration that reduced adult emergence was 0.6 µg AI mL−1. There was reduced feeding by D. citri adults on leaves treated with sulfoxaflor. The residual toxicity of sulfoxaflor was equivalent to imidacloprid. Under field conditions, formulated sulfoxaflor reduced populations of D. citri compared with untreated controls. Sulfoxaflor is a novel mode of action and is an effective tool for D. citri management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: The use of insecticides to eliminate mosquito larvae from ground pools may disrupt atural predator-induced control of mosquito larvae. Detrimental effects on predators may be directly from toxicity or by eliminating prey organisms. Identifying the principal predators responsible for mosquito suppression is needed to select non-target indicator species for insecticide studies. In this study, we sought to determine trophic level interactions between predators and immature stages of Anopheles gambiae Giles mosquitoes under experimental conditions in the coastal region of Kenya. Methods: To identify effective predation pattern, a series of prey choice experiments was conducted. The relative abilities of five common species of aquatic insects found in the malaria-endemic coastal region of Kenya were assessed in a series of experiments. Experiments were conducted in semi-field conditions at Jaribuni, near the sites of insect collection. Results: In single predator experiments, notonectids consumed most of the mosquito larvae; hydrometrids consumed about half of the mosquito larvae in treatments. Veliids and gerrids had significant, but small effects on larval survivorship. Dytiscids did not have a significant effect on mosquito larvae survivorship. In a two-predator experiment, notonectids significantly decreased survivorship of dytiscids without a change in suppressive effects on mosquito larvae. Of the five common predators evaluated, notonectids were clearly the most voracious consumers of mosquito larvae. The predation pressure on mosquito larvae was not affected by the addition of additional prey items, consisting of small dytiscid beetles. The importance of this notonectid species in coastal Kenya suggests that it would be a valuable non-target indicator species for insecticide studies. Hydrometrids were also efficient at consuming mosquito larvae. Interpretation & conclusion: Of the five common predators from the Kenyan coast evaluated in this study, notonectids were the most voracious consumers of immature mosquitoes. Their predation pressure on mosquito larvae was not affected by the addition of additional prey items, consisting of small dytiscid beetles.

Dengue vector control programmes are mainly focused on insecticide fogging/space spraying to control adult Aedes mosquito vector populations. Due to the diurnal habit of the vectors, spraying is routinely conducted during the day when many other insect species are also active. This study reports the simultaneous effect of fogging on non-target insects by direct counting of knockdown in the insect population. Eight fogging treatments were conducted in two sites in Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka. Pesguard insecticide was sprayed in each treatment for 8 minutes according to the standard methodology and the ‘knockdown insects’ were collected on randomly spread polyethythene sheets (10 m2). A total of 3884 insects (24.3 insects per treatment per m2) belonging to 12 orders were collected and 12.44% of them recovered during a 24-hr recovery period. Diptera was the most affected insect order (36%) followed by Collembola (30%) and Thysanoptera (17%). Out of the 31 mosquitoes (<1%) collected, only two (<0.1%) belonged to the genus Aedes. Body length of 93% of the affected insects ranged from 0.35 mm to 1.8 mm. Positive controls using the WHO standard cage bioassays with the mosquito Ae. albopictus (n = 417) and the stingless bee Trigona iridipennis (n = 122) showed 100% initial knockdown, and 83.5% mosquito and 93.5% bee mortalities after the recovery period. The study shows that insecticide fogging does have a severe effect on non-target insects such as pollinators; therefore, fogging operations should be done in a controlled manner and indiscriminate fogging should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responses of non-target insects to a blend of plant volatiles used as components in an attract-and-kill formulation for Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were studied in an Australian cotton field. Two experiments, one involving suction sampling during the day and the other at night, were conducted. Rows that had been treated with the volatile blend, with no added insecticide, were sampled with a large suction sampler 18, 42, and 85 h (day experiment) and 6, 30, and 78 h (night experiment) after treatment. Rows located 5, 10, 20, and 300 m away from the treated row were similarly sampled. Of seven generalist predators, only one accumulated on the treated rows compared to the untreated rows. Of the other six, five were found in lower numbers on the treated rows, and for one no significant effects were detected. Compared to pre-spray baseline levels, numbers of several taxa increased across the whole field after spraying, suggesting area-wide attraction, but localized responses to the treated rows were weak, and apparent repellence was more common than attraction. We suggest that attract-and-kill with plant volatiles should have minimal effects on populations of these predators, and is likely to be compatible with integrated pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic plants containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) genes are being cultivated worldwide to express toxic insecticidal proteins. However, the commercial utilisation of Bt crops greatly highlights biosafety issues worldwide. Therefore, assessing the risks caused by genetically modified crops prior to their commercial cultivation is a critical issue to be addressed. In agricultural biotechnology, the goal of safety assessment is not just to identify the safety of a genetically modified ( GM) plant, rather to demonstrate its impact on the ecosystem. Various experimental studies have been made worldwide during the last 20 years to investigate the risks and fears associated with non-target organisms ( NTOs). The NTOs include beneficial insects, natural pest controllers, rhizobacteria, growth promoting microbes, pollinators, soil dwellers, aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates, mammals and humans. To highlight all the possible risks associated with different GM events, information has been gathered from a total of 76 articles, regarding non-target plant and soil inhabiting organisms, and summarised in the form of the current review article. No significant harmful impact has been reported in any case study related to approved GM events, although critical risk assessments are still needed before commercialisation of these crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments to evaluate four different colored sticky cards for trapping non-target insects were conducted in an organic maize field in the Heinigou region of China. Yellow, blue, green, and red sticky cards were used to trap insects in the field. The total number of insects species caught was 54, with 3,862 individuals recorded. Over half of the specimens caught were non-target insects, including phytophagous insects, particularly dipteran species (including many mosquitoes) (50.3%), followed by target pests (37.0%), and beneficial insects (12.7%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in attraction to target pests, non-target pests, and beneficial insects among treatment groups. The results showed that higher numbers of target pests (Myzus persicae Sulzer, Empoasca flavescens Fabricius, Nysius ericaecshinly Schilling) were caught on yellow sticky card traps compared with blue, green, or red sticky card traps, indicating that yellow was the best trap color for target pests, with green and blue being progressively less attractive. For non-target insects, including phytophagous insects, flies, and mosquitoes, higher numbers of were caught on blue sticky card traps compared with yellow, green, or red sticky card traps. Our study indicated that blue was the most attractive color for flies, especially for the housefly, Musca domestica Linnaeus. Our study also showed that most beneficial insects exhibited preferences to particular trap color characteristics: yellow was the most attractive color for parasitic wasps and lady beetles; blue was the most attractive color for hoverflies and honeybees. In contrast, green and red had no significant attraction to beneficial insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bright yellow sticky rectangles made of paper boards were previously identified as the most effective traps for capturing western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens Curran ( Dipt., Tephritidae). However, no data on the effectiveness of commercial sticky yellow plastic traps against R. indifferens have been reported. In tests conducted in sweet cherry trees [ Prunus avium ( L.) L.] in Washington state ( USA) using ammonium carbonate as the chemical lure, commercial plastic ' Yellow Sticky Strips' made of translucent high-impact polystyrene captured ~two or three times more flies than commercial sticky yellow-folded Pherocon® AM and Alpha Scents boards. Yellow Sticky Strips also minimized captures of non-target flies and bees per surface area compared with Pherocon® AM and/or Alpha Scents boards. Trap size and adhesive type were not factors for greater catches of R. indifferens. However, more flies were caught on the shade-facing side of Yellow Sticky Strips, which was brightly illuminated, than on the shade-facing side of boards, which was darker, suggesting differential light passage was a factor. The Yellow Sticky Strips could be very useful for monitoring R. indifferens in detection programmes and based on the results of this study can replace yellow boards. They are also useful because they are relatively unattractive to non-target insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five light traps including 2 standard traps (New Jersey light trap and CDC light trap) and 3 new light traps (UV light trap, black light trap, and yellow fluorescent light trap) were evaluated for the collection of mosquitoes and non-target insects in northeast Florida from Sep to Oct 2013. In the evaluation of light traps without a chemical lure, the black light and CDC light traps collected large numbers of mosquitoes, and the ratios of mosquitoes to non-target insects were 1:7.5 and 1:8.9, respectively. In the evaluation of the 5 light traps, each baited either with octenol or with BG-Lure, the black light and CDC light traps collected larger numbers of mosquitoes than the other 3 types of traps. The ratios of mosquitoes to non-target insects were 1:2.8 and 1:6.7 for black light traps baited with octenol and BG-Lure, respectively, and 1:1.5 and 1:5.2 for CDC traps baited with octenol and BG-Lure, respectively. The results indicated that the black light trap was the best of the new traps evaluated based on its mosquito capture capabilities, while collecting the least non-target insects. Use of black light traps will benefit mosquito population surveillance by increasing the capture of insects of medical and veterinary importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decline of monarch butterflies in both the eastern and western United States has garnered widespread public interest. Planting milkweeds, their larval host plants, has been promoted as one action individuals can take, but little is known with respect to potential pesticide contamination of store-bought milkweeds. In this study, we collected leaf samples from 235 milkweed plants purchased at 33 retail nurseries across the US to screen for pesticides. Across all samples, we detected 61 different pesticides with an average of 12.2 (±5.0) compounds per plant. While only 9 of these compounds have been experimentally tested on monarch caterpillars, 38 % of samples contained a pesticide above a concentration shown to have a sub-lethal effect for monarchs. We detected only a modest predictive ability of retailer size and milkweed species; and plants with labels advertising their value for wildlife did not have fewer pesticides at concentrations known to have a negative effect on monarchs. These results demonstrate the extensiveness of pesticide exposure within nursery milkweeds and the potential impacts on monarchs and other insects exposed to store-bought plants. • Milkweeds were collected from stores in the United States and screened for pesticides. • We detected multiple pesticides in every milkweed plant sampled. • Over one third of samples contained a pesticide at a known harmful concentration for monarchs. • Plants labeled as wildlife-friendly did not have fewer potentially harmful compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Simultaneous use of biological and chemical controls is a valued and historic goal of integrated pest management, but has rarely been achieved. One explanation for this failure may be the inadequate documentation of field populations of natural enemies for insecticide tolerance or resistance because natural enemies surviving insecticide application do not create problems like resistant pest species. Therefore, this study investigated 31 populations of lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) regarding their susceptibility to lambda-cyhalothrin, a pyrethroid insecticide that is widely used in cotton and other crops to control lepidopteran and coleopteran pests that are not targeted as prey by lady beetles. The study focused on seven coccinellid species common in cotton fields Coleomegilla maculata De Geer, Cycloneda sanguinea (L.), Eriopis connexa Germar, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant), and Brumoides foudrasi (Mulsant) and one lady beetle species [Curinus coeruleus Mulsant] from a non-cotton ecosystem for comparisons. Dose-mortality curves were estimated after topical treatment of adult lady beetles with lambda-cyhalothrin. Statistically significant variations in lady beetle susceptibility were observed between species and between populations of a given species. Seven and eighteen populations of lady beetles exhibited greater values of LD50 and LD90, respectively, than the highest recommended field rate of lambda-cyhalothrin (20g a.i./hectare≈0.2g a.i./L) for cotton fields in Brazil. Furthermore, based on LD50 values, 29 out of 30 tested populations of lady beetles exhibited ratios of relative tolerance varying from 2- to 215-fold compared to the toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin to the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boh. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Four populations of E. connexa were 10.5–37.7 times more tolerant than the most susceptible population and thus were considered to be resistant to lambda-cyhalothrin, the first record of resistance for this species. These findings demonstrate that field selection for resistance to lambda-cyhalothrin in common lady beetles is occurring, opening up possibilities to effectively integrate biological control where the popular insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin is used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The potential non-target effects of genetically modified crops are some of the more debated topics within applied biotechnologies in agriculture and environmental risk assessment. The objective of the present research was to study the potential Bt-toxin uptake by the non-target herbivore Myzus persicae Sulzer (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding on transgenic oilseed rape plants (Brassica napus cv. ‘Westar’ lines GT 2–4) expressing the Cry1Ac endotoxin. A specific aim was to replicate our previous experiment in controlled laboratory conditions to avoid or minimize the risk of contamination leading to potential false positive results. The toxin levels in vernalized (V) and not-vernalized (not-V) transgenic oilseed rape plants was also monitored to better clarify the role of physiological processes on Bt-toxin expression. Cry1Ac expression in not-V plants (mean concentration±SE=167.8±5.7 μg kg−1 FW) showed a pattern of large variability, in comparison with V plants whose expression (mean concentration±SE=227.7±1.9 μg kg−1 FW) was significantly more stable. Cry1Ac toxin was detected in three aphid samples reared on V plants with a mean toxin concentration±SE of 4.8±0.6 μg Kg−1 FW and in three out of six samples of aphids reared on not-V plants (mean toxin concentration±SE=7.1±1.2 μg kg−1 FW). The mean Bt-toxin concentration of all the positive aphid samples was 5.9±1.0 μg kg−1 FW. Our results confirmed the findings of our previous experiment and highlighted the potential for Cry1Ac toxin uptake by aphids feeding on transgenic oilseed rape plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional approaches to studying the effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on beneficial insects involve either field assays, comparing insect population levels between control and GM crops or tritrophic bioassays with contaminated insects - usually larvae or eggs of Lepidoptera - as preys. Here, we report the results of a bioassay using an artificial diet, suitable for predatory Coleoptera, to supply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) solubilized Cry1Ab and Cry3Aa as well as trypsin-activated Cry1Ab to Atheta coriaria and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri adults and young larvae of Adalia bipunctata. Water, solubilization buffer and trypsintreated solubilization buffer were used as controls. In total, 1600 insects were assayed. Assays showed a relatively low mortality rate in the controls, ranging from as low as 7% after 15 days (C. montrouzieri) to about 15-20% after five days (A. bipunctata) or 15 days (A. coriaria). For all three predators, there were no statistical differences between the mortality recorded in any of the treatment groups and the corresponding controls. These results indicate a lack of short- (A. bipunctata) and long-term (A. coriaria and C. montrouzieri) mortality associated with oral ingestion of Cry1Ab and Cry3Aa at the high dose tested (50 mgmlx1). We discuss the relevance of these findings for the ecology of beneficial Coleoptera and compatibility with Bt and GM Bt crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The movement of Bacillus thuringiensis (Berliner) (Bt) Cry1Ac endotoxin through high trophic levels was assessed to help elucidate the effects of Bt toxin on non-target insects. The diamondback moth ( Plutella xylostella L., Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), the parasitic wasp ( Cotesia vestalis Haliday, Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and the predatory green lacewing Chrysoperla carnea (Stephen) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) were used as a model system in this laboratory study. Bt-resistant P. xylostella larvae fed Cry1Ac-expressing transgenic oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L., Cruciferae), before and after parasitization by C. vestalis, consumed Cry1Ac with the ingested plant material but only a proportion of Cry1Ac consumed was recovered from the bodies and faeces of P. xylostella larvae. Cry1Ac was not detected in newly emerged parasitoid larvae. In contrast, Cry1Ac was detected in C. carnea larvae fed on resistant P. xylostella larvae reared on Bt OSR. However, no Cry1Ac could be detected in C. carnea larvae when the lacewings were transferred to P. xylostella larvae reared on conventional OSR and tested 24–48 h. The metabolizing ability of Cry1Ac is discussed for the larvae of P. xylostella and C. carnea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field tests were performed on a golf course and in an apple orchard to screen synthetic plant volatiles with respect to their attractiveness for the garden chafer,Phyllopertha horticolaL. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), and to investigate the possible application of plant volatiles for garden chafer control. The chemicals tested were green leaf volatiles (GLV), terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids. Funnel traps baited with the GLV (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-hexanol (Z)-3-hexenal, and hexanal captured moreP. horticolathan unbaited controls. Furthermore, traps baited with all tested floral terpenoids (i.e., geraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellol, linalool, and nerol) and phenylpropanoids (i.e., eugenol, anethol, isoeugenol, eugenyl acetate, and isoeugenyl acetate) captured more garden chafers than controls. Different dispenser types loaded once with a mixture of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol (50%), geraniol (11.5%), eugenol (27%), and 2-phenylethyl propionate (11.5%) attractedP. horticolaover a whole flight season. A commercially available membrane dispenser had the best properties, combining the highest number of captured beetles with a low release rate. A simple modification of the trap design, i.e., a reduction of the funnel outlet diameter, significantly reduced the capture of beneficial non-target insects (Apoidea), without influencing the number of captured garden chafers. A mass trapping experiment in the apple orchard revealed that the use of attractant traps significantly reduced the percentage of apples disfigured by feeding holes of adult garden chafers (control area: 18.9%, test area: 11.6%). The possible application of synthetic plant volatiles in mass trapping and monitoring approaches for garden chafer control is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insect fauna in paddy fields is composed of resident, migratory and aquatic species each corresponding to the continuous cropping of rice in the same field, harvesting rice as an annual crop, and originating from still water habitats in wetlands. Although IPM is becoming popular in the control of rice pests, those ‘minor’ insects and aquatic insects that have no direct economic impact on rice production have received little attention. Consequently, some of them are in danger of extinction requiring conservation. A new concept, ‘Integrated biodiversity management (IBM)’, is proposed under which IPM and conservation are reconciled and made compatible with each other. As an operational concept in agroecology, premises for implementing IBM are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-scale commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) cotton has brought significant economic and environmental benefits. However, GM crops must undergo strict environmental monitoring and long-term observation. An important natural enemy insect in cotton fields, Geocoris pallidipennis , can ingest the Bt protein expressed in GM cotton by feeding on herbivorous insects that feed on the cotton. However, the potential risk of GM cotton to G. pallidipennis is still unclear. We here evaluated the effects of Bt cotton expressing the Cry1Ac/1Ab protein on nymphs and adults G. pallidipennis. Cry1Ac protein was detected in the midgut of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, after it ingested Bt cotton, and in the midgut of G. pallidipennis nymphs and adults preying on Bt-fed H. armigera. However, the survival rate, growth, development, and fecundity of G. pallidipennis were not adversely affected. Furthermore, G. pallidipennis cadherins, and those genes related to detoxification, antioxidant activity, nutrient utilization, and immune function were not differentially expressed in response to Cry1Ac exposure. Finally, we showed that Cry1Ac could not bind to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) proteins in G. pallidipennis nymphs or adults. In summary, these results indicate that the potential negative effect of transgenic Cry1Ac/1Ab cotton on the insect redator G. pallidipennis is negligible. [Display omitted] • Cry1Ac toxin expressed by Bt cotton can be transmitted to the predator Geocoris pallidipennis. • Cry1Ac-expressing Bt cotton did not affect the survival, growth and reproductive ability of G. pallidipennis. • Cry1Ac-expressing Bt cotton did not affect the expression of genes related to the detoxification and immunity of G. pallidipennis. • No Cry1Ac binding protein was detected in the midgut of G. pallidipennis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The recent spreading of the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) to the Iberian Peninsula has led to the application of management measures to control and mitigate its impact on receiving environments. Among the most used control methods are capture traps, which use a sugary attractant to catch the invasive wasps. However, although the used V. velutina traps are presumably specific, they do not only attract V. velutina specimens, but also a large number of non-target species that are also captured. In the present work, the species of insects that unintentionally fall into the capture traps of V. velutina have been specifically identified, as well as their implications for ecosystem and for human activities. A total of 74 non-target taxa of insects were caught by the V. velutina trapping in northern Spain. Most of them were flies, mosquitoes, wasps and moths, being all highly important groups from the biological, ecological and economical points of view. Surprisingly, the most abundant trapped species was the invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii that represented the 36.07% of the total catches. Furthermore, we reported the first record of ectoparasitic mites of the genus Varroa on V. velutina, constituting a newly recorded symbiotic association. The introduction of invasive species is considered one of the major threats to the biodiversity conservation worldwide. In recent years, an Asian invasive species of wasp has set off alarms in Europe and elsewhere in the world, Vespa velutina. The Asian wasp was accidentally introduced in France around 2004 and shortly thereafter it was able to colonise practically all of Europe, including the Iberian Peninsula. The ecological and economic implications of V. velutina invasion and its high colonisation ability have triggered widespread trapping campaigns, usually supported by beekeepers and local governments, with the aim of diminishing its population and its negative impacts. Among the most used control methods are the capture traps, which use a sugary attractant to catch the invasive wasps. However, the species-specific selectivity and efficiency of these traps has been little studied. In this paper, we have analysed the specific identity of the unintentionally trapped insect species from northern Spain (covering one-year period), as well as we have assessed the provided ecosystem services by them. A total of 74 non-target taxa of insects were caught by the V. velutina studied traps, most of them correspond to the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera, the dipterans being the most abundant group. Surprisingly, the most abundant trapped species was the invasive fly, Drosophila suzukii that represented the 36.07% of the total catches. Furthermore, we reported the first record of ectoparasitic mites of the genus Varroa on V. velutina, constituting a newly recorded symbiotic association. Hopefully, the provided information helps to develop new protocols and management tools to control this invasive species in the Iberian Peninsula and other temperate areas of western Europe and the Mediterranean basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread commercialization of genetically modified (GM) cotton makes it important to assess the potential impact of this recombinant crop on non-target organisms. As important natural enemies of cotton field predators, green lacewing Chrysoperla sinica larvae are exposed to Bt insecticidal proteins expressed by GM cotton by feeding on herbivorous pests, and adults are directly exposed to Bt proteins by cotton pollen consumption. However, potential impacts of transgenic Bt cotton on C. sinica remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two transgenic cotton varieties, CCRI41 and CCRI45, which express Cry1Ac (Bt toxin) and CpTI (Cowpea Trypsin Inhibitor), on C. sinica larvae and adults. After being fed with cotton aphids Aphis gossypii reared on transgenic cotton, the survival rate, developmental duration, pupation rate, and emergence rate of larvae were not adversely affected. After being fed two types of transgenic cotton pollen, the 7-day weight of adults and the preoviposition period and the cumulative oviposition of females were not significantly different from control specimen. Taken together, these results indicate that the potential risks of the two tested GM cotton varieties for the predator C. sinica are negligible. Our study indicated that GM cotton varieties CCRI41 and CCRI45 have no adverse effects on insect predator C. sinica. • A dietary exposure assay for evaluating the effects of GM cotton on green lacewing Chrysoperla sinica. • Cry1Ac/CpTI cotton does not affect the survival, growth, and development of C. sinica larvae though prey cotton aphids. • Cry1Ac/CpTI cotton does not affect the body weight, preoviposition period and cumulative oviposition of C. sinica adults. • Planting Cry1Ac/CpTI-expressing cotton poses minimal risks to C. sinica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]