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Agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and is vulnerable to climate change. Regenerative agriculture, which focuses on increasing soil carbon, has been recognized as a potential climate solution. A recent study found that seven regenerative practices, including planting cover crops and using non-chemical fertilizers, all increased carbon sequestration. However, the study also highlights that regenerative agriculture has other benefits beyond carbon sequestration, and the focus should not solely be on carbon credits. The popularity of regenerative agriculture is growing, but there is a risk of it being co-opted and losing its essence. [Extracted from the article]

Wild pigs have one of the widest global distributions of any invasive species, and damage associated with them has been documented for centuries. Previously, a field trial was performed in 2015 to evaluate the use of paraffin bait formulations containing warfarin to control wild pigs. While the results of this study were satisfactory, prior research suggests that a cracked corn-based alternative could successfully deliver warfarin to wild pigs and the authors indicated caveats associated with their study that should be addressed. For the current study, a field trial was conducted (2017), as a continuation of the prior research, to evaluate the use of a 0.005% warfarin cracked corn bait in reducing feral hogs, utilizing an alternative feeder type. Results indicated warfarin bait could reduce wild pig consumption and presence at feeders by 92-96.4%. The results also indicated that the feeder use during the current trial was superior in keeping non-targets from accessing the bait, yet potentially more difficult for wild pigs to utilize than previously used commercial feeders. Results further indicated that wild pig presence at feeders was noticeably greater during the current field trial. The availability of an alternative warfarin bait formulation could provide an additional tool to managers to control wild pigs in North Texas and the remainder of ever-expanding wild pig habitat in the U.S and potentially globally.

Understanding the impact of farmland size adjustment on net crop carbon emissions (NCEs) is crucial for both effective farmland management and sustainable development, which are essential topics in agri-environmental science. However, studies exploring the relationship between farmland size and NCEs remain limited, particularly in developing countries with scarce farmland, such as China. To fill this gap, this paper discusses farmland size's impact on NCEs using a threshold model combining endogenous switching regression (ESR) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) with survey data from 2600 Chinese farmers. The results show that increasing farmland size curbs the scale and intensity of NCEs. However, their relationship follows a triple threshold effect, where substantial NCEs mitigation occurs only when the per-household farmland size exceeds specific thresholds of 5.1, 15.2, and 46.7 ha. Expanding farmland size can also indirectly reduce NCEs by promoting green agricultural technologies (GAT) adoption. Moreover, lowering farmers' time preferences and enhancing technical training can increase the positive effect of farmland size expansion on GAT adoption and reduce NCEs further. However, the emission reduction effects vary by GAT type. Soil testing and fertilization technology, pest control technology, and water-saving irrigation technology reduce NCEs, while the other GAT have insignificant effects. Overall, our study sheds light on the intricate relationships between farmland size, GAT adoption, and NCEs, and provides valuable insights for low-carbon, sustainable agriculture policies. We suggest that policymakers can reduce NCEs and facilitate agriculture's low-carbon transition by promoting moderate farmland size expansion and locally adapted GAT. Key policy insights Expanding farmland size beyond specific thresholds of 5.1, 15.2, and 46.7 ha significantly reduces NCEs, but this relationship is nonlinear. China should promote appropriate scale management to transition toward low-carbon agriculture. Promoting the widespread dissemination of agricultural carbon mitigation technologies according to local conditions is crucial, especially for large farms to cut carbon emissions. Policymakers should demonstrate the long-term benefits of GAT to raise farmers' valuation of low-carbon agriculture constrained by their time preferences. Governments should provide technology training and learning opportunities to reduce the costs and risks of adopting GAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of artificial sentinel prey in studying predation rates and predator-prey interactions in ecosystems. It highlights the challenges in quantifying predation and the benefits of using artificial sentinels for biological control and ecosystem service assessments. The authors critique a study by Rodriguez-Campbell et al. that found inconsistencies in predation rates measured with artificial sentinel prey compared to real prey, suggesting that artificial sentinel prey may not be suitable for biogeographical studies. The article emphasizes the importance of relative comparisons in ecological research and provides recommendations for improving the use of artificial sentinel prey in experiments. [Extracted from the article]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), identified as an invasive pest worldwide, has severely threatened agricultural production and food security in India. To formulate eco‐friendly integrated pest management strategies for S. frugiperda in its new invasive habitat, the basic knowledge about demographic parameters and damage potential of this pest is crucial. The effects of five host crops viz. maize (Zea mays L.), popcorn (Zea mays everta Sturt), sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) on the development and food consumption of S. frugiperda were examined. Population projection curves based on life table and consumption rates were drawn on different hosts using computer simulation.The pre‐adult development of S. frugiperda was fastest on popcorn (28.02 days), maize (28.04 days) and sweet corn (28.31 days) but slowest on soybean (34.83 days). The highest net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase and finite rate of increase were observed on maize. The feeding potential of S. frugiperda was also highest on maize. The maximum consumption of the sixth larval instar was observed on maize (19470.47 mm2) while lowest on soybean (9033.67 mm2). In the simulation period of 90 days, the fastest growth of S. frugiperda was expected on maize, popcorn and sweet corn while the slowest on soybean.High larval and pupal survival recorded on the non‐maize hosts (sorghum and soybean) reflects that fall armyworm could be an obstacle in their production as well as in the success of maize‐soybean intercropping system. Simulations based on age‐stage, two‐sex life table could be helpful in predicting the most appropriate time for the pesticide application as well as augmentative releases of egg and larval parasitoids for the control of fall armyworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have explored the potential of companion plants to manage pests through top–down or bottom–up effects in agricultural fields. Buckwheat is known as a good candidate for companion planting with various crops to enhance pest management, but rarely in soybeans.We investigated the impact of planting buckwheat as a new companion plant on the population dynamics of major soybean pests and their natural enemies in soybean fields in Andong, Republic of Korea. We recorded numbers of pests and natural enemies at 9–10‐day intervals from 20 soybean plants each in eight small experimental fields throughout the cropping season.Significant reduction in pests, such as Riptortus pedestris (F.) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) adults, and a significant increase in natural enemies, such as Orius species (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and crab spiders (Araneae: Thomisidae), were observed in the buckwheat treatment plots. However, there were significant increases in other pests, such as leafminers and leafhoppers, in the buckwheat treatment plots. While we observed effects on R. pedestris adult density, we did not find significant effects on other developmental stages of this pest or its parasitoids.Although there were some concerns in the buckwheat treatment plots, the positive effects of buckwheat in soybean fields appear to outweigh the drawbacks. Buckwheat is likely a suitable companion plant for use in soybeans to manage pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the loss of effective chemical controls of crop pests, a move towards biological controls is a way to future‐proof our agricultural system. Floral field margins have shown successes in reducing crop pests, though the effect may not be precise enough to control infestations in commercial crops. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) may provide a more species‐ and time‐specific control and combining these methods may have synergy.Three in‐field vegetation margins, divided into four plots each (two floral and two grass), were established in March 2022. Three strips of sprouting broccoli were planted parallel in April, May and June. Each strip had a split‐plot design, with eight replicates of four nematode treatments placed alongside each floral/grass plot: Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and a nematode‐free control.Pest pressure was assessed using adult counts. Assessments of crop yield and crop damage associated specifically with the swede smidge (Contarinia nasturtii) were also made.It was found that utilising a combination of control measures was successful in controlling a wider range of pests, though the success of each control method was highly dependent on the time of crop plantings. Field margins had a significant influence on crop damage associated with the swede midge. The EPN H. bacteriophora was an effective control method for the cabbage stem flea beetle and the swede midge, as well as reducing crop damage and yield loss.Field margins and EPNs combined have an interactive effect on crop yield, highlighting the need for control methods to be tested in combination in future integrated pest management research to accurately understand their effects within an integrated system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants encounter a myriad of biotic and abiotic stresses throughout their life cycle, among which aphids pose a significant challenge as herbivorous insect pests. Aphids cause both direct damage through feeding and indirect damage by transmitting viruses. Given the growing concerns about insecticide resistance and the non‐target effects of synthetic insecticides, there is an urgent need to develop novel pest control strategies that are dependent on plant defence strategies. In this study, we assessed the effects of exogenous prohydrojasmon (PDJ), a derivative of jasmonic acid, at 24 h (PDJ24) and 48 h (PDJ48) post‐treatment on the cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae), feeding on Brassica juncea L. (Brassicaceae). The impact of PDJ treatments was assessed by conducting performance bioassays (survival and fecundity) and behavioural bioassays (settlement and attraction to volatiles in an olfactometer). Our findings reveal that the exogenous application of PDJ did not significantly affect on the performance and behaviour of B. brassicae at 24‐h post‐treatment. However, PDJ treatment significantly reduced the performance of B. brassicae at 48‐h post‐treatment, and affected the behaviour in terms of reduced settlement on and attraction to volatiles of PDJ‐treated plants. These results suggest that PDJ has the potential to effectively induce defences in Brassica against sucking pests. This study provides valuable insights into possibility of employing PDJ as an alternative approach for sustainable pest management in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of dicofol's behavior in soil is crucial for more precise pest control and minimal environmental effect. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess how the physicochemical characteristics of 10 selected soils effects the sorption and degradation of dicofol behavior. The behavior of dicofol, including its adsorption and desorption properties as well as its rates of hydrolysis and photolysis degradation, was thoroughly examined via definitive studies. Standard batch equilibration mode for sorption revealed that it was dependent on the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Exothermic and spontaneous adsorption processes, which were characterized by a negative Gibbs free energy value, were convincingly proven by thermodynamic study. The current investigation's ΔG estimations varied from −18.6 kjmol−1 for soil-6 to −24.25 kjmol−1 for soil-9. The soil-7 with a notable organic matter content (1.81%) showed the maximum adsorption, and subsequently producing a C-type isotherm that was analyzed using a linear and Freundlich model. An analytical process using UV-VIS spectrophotometry to determine the fate of dicofol in soil matrices. Hydrolysis and photolysis studies yielded minimum half-lives of 13.4 and 1.32 days, respectively. It has been demonstrated that dicofol molecules interact strongly with soils, principally via physio-sorption mechanisms. In contrast to its strong soil affinity and permanence, dicofol exhibits a counterintuitive behavior that makes it vulnerable to sunlight-induced deterioration. Future studies will concentrate on enhancing these pathways to assist sustainable pesticide management strategies and creative pollution mitigation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal stem rot disease caused by Ganoderma boninense is a major problem for oil palm cultivation. The research was conducted to obtain biocontrol agents from rhizosphere of oil palm to control the disease as part of sustainable pest management in oil palm plantation. Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from rhizospheres of healthy oil palm trees. Isolation of bacteria was done using serial dilution method. The isolated bacteria were then tested for its antifungal activity against G. boninense in vitro using dual culture assay. The ability of the bacteria to produce antifungal compound was also determined by culturing the bacteria on ISP2 liquid media. Once the bacterial cells were removed, the crude metabolites were then tested against G. boninense using agar well diffusion and toothpick colonization. The result showed that several isolates demonstrated strong antifungal activity against G. boninense. Some isolates were also able to degrade chitin and to solubilize phosphate. Furthermore, the crude metabolites produced by the rhizosphere bacteria demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of G. boninense in the agar diffusion method. Colonization of the G. boninense on toothpick following soaking in the crude metabolites was also inhibited. The isolated rhizosphere bacteria (BARK7 and BARK15 in which identified as Burkholderia sp.) showed promising ability to be developed as biocontrol agent for basal stem rot disease of oil palm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and optimization of more sustainable pest control methods, primarily focusing on preventive strategies and non-chemical tools, is a global priority for scientists and agrochemical companies. This study examines Sicilian farmers' willingness to adopt organic pest management practices for protecting tomatoes and zucchini from two key insect pests, namely Tuta absoluta and Bemisia tabaci. We implemented the Theory of Planned Behavior as a cognitive model to explore individual motivations that influence farmers' readiness to adopt sustainable pest control practices. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling on a sample of 85 farmers emphasize the importance of farmers' behavioral constructs in the decision-making process: Farmers' attitudes are the strongest predictors of intention (ß = 0.454; p < 0.01), followed by social norms (ß = 0.201; p < 0.1) and perceived behavioral control (ß = 0.184; p < 0.01). Intention and perceived behavioral control constructs positively and significantly affect the stated behavior construct (respectively, ß = 0.23; ß = 0.24). Traditional farm/farmer socio-economic characteristics have a notable, yet smaller, influence: Farmers' education positively predicts their willingness to adopt (ß = 0.292; p < 0.01), while farmers' age is negatively correlated (ß = −0.130; p < 0.01). Informational campaigns on the importance of organic pest management on improving soil health and biodiversity should be promoted to strengthen farmers attitudes toward organic pest management. Similarly, policy-makers should enhance farmers perceived behavioral control by providing better information about characteristics and procedures of organic pest management protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study has addressed the management of Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fly) in Ecuador, focused on mitigating the impact on fruit crops under the influence of climate change and variations in agricultural practices. By using neutrosophic statistics, the study has modeled uncertainty in climatic and agricultural variables to improve the prediction and adaptability of management strategies. Integrated strategies have been proposed, which have included biological control, cultural management, and the use of insecticides, highlighting the effectiveness of adapting management practices based on neutrosophic analysis. The results indicated that the adaptations of strategies, provided by neutrosophic statistics, allowed an effective response to environmental variations, to maintain the effectiveness of pest control in the long term. In conclusion, the combination of management strategies with neutrosophic statistics is vital for effective control of Ceratitis capitata, by facilitating a proactive and adaptive approach in the face of changing conditions, to strengthen agricultural resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest management in modern agriculture, particularly in sugarcane cultivation, faces the challenge of balancing efficacy, costs, and environmental sustainability. Among the notable pests, the spittlebug (Mahanarva andigena) emerged as a significant threat that reduced yields of sugar and other derivatives. Traditionally, it was controlled with chemical pesticides, which posed environmental and human health risks. Consequently, the study conducted analyzed alternatives by using neutrosophic statistics and plithogenic analysis. The results included evaluating factors such as product concentration, application frequency, environmental conditions, and pest resistance to determine the efficacy of treatments with entomopathogenic microorganisms. Eficax stood out as the best treatment, showing significant improvements in plant growth and a high mortality rate of spittlebugs. In conclusion, the neutrosophic statistical analysis provided an efficient and economically viable solution for responsible agricultural management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting arthropods in agricultural landscapes can contribute substantially to stop their decline and enhance pest control. Higher soil moisture and the presence of field margins can increase the abundance of arthropods in agricultural landscapes and influence their distribution within crop fields. However, little is known about the influence of soil moisture and distance from field margins on the overwintering of arthropods in arable fields. We investigated the influence of soil moisture and distance from a field margin on the numbers of arthropods, ground beetles and spiders emerging from soil in winter wheat fields. We established transects in winter wheat fields away from two different types of field margins: (i) around small standing water bodies (kettle holes) to capture a wide range of soil moisture values and (ii) other semi-natural landscape elements. At three distances (1 m, 20 m, 50 m), we sampled arthropods with emergence traps and measured soil moisture between March and June. We found that soil moisture had a positive effect on the emergence numbers of arthropods in general and ground beetles and spiders in particular. Distance from field margins generally had negative effects on the emergence numbers of ground beetles, but positive effects on the emergence numbers of spiders. Emergence numbers and soil moisture content did not differ significantly between the two types of field margins. The high emergence numbers inside the fields indicate that arable fields are important overwintering habitats for beneficial arthropods. Proper management of arable soils to promote soil water holding capacity and soil moisture content may have the added benefit of promoting the production of beneficial natural enemies from local soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No current technology can specifically target grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) for control within aquatic ecosystems. Rotenone and Carbon Dioxide-Carp are currently the only available registered pesticides for grass carp; they are nonselective and typically applied throughout the water, equally exposing target and native species. A more selective control tool or pesticide application could be used by resource managers to support mitigation efforts. Development of delivery systems that exploit carp feeding strategies could increase selectivity of pesticides and minimize effects on native fishes. A pesticide with selective delivery could be less labor intensive and used within an integrative pest management strategy. The present study examined Antimycin A toxicity in juvenile and sub-adult grass carp and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) across two routes of exposure. Water-based toxicity studies were used to calculate the concentration to cause lethality in 50% of treated fish (LC50) at 24-h, while oral gavage toxicity studies were used to calculate the dose to cause lethality in 50% of treated grass carp and rainbow trout (LD50) 24- to 96-h. Although rainbow trout were more sensitive than grass carp to Antimycin A through water-based exposure, oral toxicity was similar between species, even with inherent gastrointestinal morphological differences. Successful delivery of a lethal dose of Antimycin A to grass carp was achieved through an oral route of exposure using the rapeseed bait and shows promise for registration as a control tool and eventual use in pest management plans. Although a lethal dose of Antimycin A could be incorporated into a single bait pellet, more bait was required to achieve desired mortality when fed to fish under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The common vole is an agricultural pest and population outbreaks have caused significant crop damage in the agricultural areas of the west‐central part of the Iberian Peninsula (Spain) during the last few decades. Thus, monitoring is imperative to gain a comprehensive insight on its spatiotemporal habitat colonization dynamics. This work was performed on a long‐term database with the primary objective of establishing an operational framework for understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of the common vole, all of it based on the Getis‐Ord statistics. RESULTS: The temporal evolution of the vole abundance index (VAI) was consistent for the three studied habitats, that is, crops, reservoirs and paths. Furthermore, the majority of common vole abundance peaks coincide with summer periods, especially in annual herbaceous crops. The spatial distribution of vole abundance exhibited a non‐random pattern, characterized by spatial clustering. Particularly, the areas with higher significance of this clustering were located at the so‐called 'Tierra de Campos' county, covering northern Valladolid, southern Palencia and north‐eastern Zamora provinces. Periods of major incidence and concentration were 2013–2014, 2016–2017 and 2019. Common vole temporal occupancy patterns demonstrate that colonization occurred simultaneously in alfalfa reservoirs and dispersion paths, both preceding settlement in annual herbaceous crop plots. CONCLUSION: The geographic information system (GIS)‐hotspots‐based methodology proposed here can be valuable for stakeholders involved in integrated management of the common vole, serving as a detector of pest‐prone areas in both space and time. These hotspots are useful for predicting future surveillance areas that accurately reflect pest colonization patterns. It was found that common vole abundance along dispersal paths acts as a source of dissemination, preceding the risk of colonization in annual herbaceous crop plots. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Evolution of herbicide‐resistant weed populations is a major challenge to world food production. Using different herbicides in rotation and/or using different herbicides together as mixtures are strategies that may delay the selection of resistance. This study used simulation modelling to investigate whether mixtures and rotations can delay the selection of both generalist polygenic and specialist monogenic herbicide resistance, and whether these strategies are more likely to lead to the selection of generalist resistance in weed types with varying biological characteristics. RESULTS: Our simulations suggest that well‐designed effective herbicide mixtures should delay evolution of both polygenic and monogenic resistance better than rotations and single herbicides across all weed types. Both mixture and rotation strategies increased the likelihood of polygenic resistance compared to single‐herbicide use, and the likelihood of polygenic resistance increased as the fecundity and competitiveness of the weed increased. Whether monogenic or polygenic resistance occurred in each case depended most on the relative initial allele frequencies. We did not find that herbicide mixtures were more likely than rotations to lead to the selection of generalist polygenic resistance. The simulated efficacy of mixtures over rotations decreased if components were used at reduced rates or when individual components had already been used solo. CONCLUSION: Herbicide rotations and particularly well‐designed mixtures should delay evolution of both polygenic and monogenic resistance, especially if used as part of an effective integrated weed management programme. However, herbicide mixtures and rotations may also increase the risk that resistance will be generalist polygenic rather than specialist monogenic. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Genetic improvement of crop varieties requires significant investment. Therefore, varieties must be developed to suit a broad range of breeding targets, such as yield and suitability to rainfall zones, farm management practices and quality traits. In the case of breeding for disease resistance, breeders need to consider the value of genetic improvement relative to other disease management strategies and the dynamics of pathogen genetic and phenotypic diversity. This study uses a benefit–cost analysis framework to assess the economic value of fungicide management and crop genetic improvement in disease resistance for Australian chickpea varieties. RESULTS: When assessing the likelihood of growers switching to new crop varieties with improved genetic resistance to disease, the simulation results reveal that adopting these varieties yielded higher net benefit values compared to implementing current fungicide strategies across all rainfall zones. On average, the increase in net benefit varied between 2.6% and 3.5%. Conversely, when we examined the scenario involving modifying the current fungicide strategy, we observed that, on average, switching from the current fungicide management strategy to one which involved additional fungicides was beneficial in about 73% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Our analysis reveals the importance of factors such as commodity prices, production costs, disease‐related variables and risk aversion in determining the economic benefits of adopting new crop protection strategies. Furthermore, the research reveals the need for accessible information and reliable data sources when evaluating the benefits of new agricultural technologies. This would assist growers in making informed and sustainable disease management decisions. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A 4‐year experiment evaluated the effects of different integrated weed management (IWM) programs on the evolution of a Echinochloa crus‐galli population resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors in a maize cropping system. The programs included the continued use of ALS inhibitors, mixing them with alternative herbicides, or without ALS‐inhibitors, in all cases under maize monocrop or a biennial crop rotation. RESULTS: IWM programs that relied solely on non‐ALS‐inhibitors usually achieved high control levels across years (> 90%). Additionally, Trp574Leu‐resistant plants became prevalent (> 90%) in programs only using ALS inhibitors, while in the rest the frequency of susceptible plants did not substantially decrease below 40%. Regarding the other monitored grass weeds, Digitaria sanguinalis and Panicum dichotomiflorum were effectively controlled in programs using ALS‐inhibitors without soybean rotation or in programs without ALS‐inhibitors altogether, excepting the program relying on an 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)‐inhibitor under maize monocrop for the latter species (0%). CONCLUSION: At the end of the experiment, the only IWM programs that reduced infestation levels were the one without ALS‐inhibitors under soybean rotation, and the one with standard pre‐emergence treatments. These findings highlight the effectiveness of crop rotation and alternative herbicides both pre‐ or post‐emergence in controlling E. crus‐galli. ALS‐inhibitors, while challenged by resistance in E. crus‐galli, remain valuable tools for managing other grass weed species in maize. It is crucial to adapt IWM strategies for herbicide‐resistant E. crus‐galli and other grass weed populations to mitigate the further evolution of resistance. © 2024 Corteva Agriscience. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Ensuring the efficient recognition and management of crop pests is crucial for maintaining the balance in global agricultural ecosystems and ecological harmony. Deep learning‐based methods have shown promise in crop pest recognition. However, prevailing methods often fail to address a critical issue: biased pest training dataset distribution stemming from the tendency to collect images primarily in certain environmental contexts, such as paddy fields. This oversight hampers recognition accuracy when encountering pest images dissimilar to training samples, highlighting the need for a novel approach to overcome this limitation. RESULTS: We introduce the Decoupled Feature Learning (DFL) framework, leveraging causal inference techniques to handle training dataset bias. DFL manipulates the training data based on classification confidence to construct different training domains and employs center triplet loss for learning class‐core features. The proposed DFL framework significantly boosts existing baseline models, attaining unprecedented recognition accuracies of 95.33%, 92.59%, and 74.86% on the Li, DFSPD, and IP102 datasets, respectively. CONCLUSION: Extensive testing on three pest datasets using standard baseline models demonstrates the superiority of DFL in pest recognition. The visualization results show that DFL encourages the baseline models to capture the class‐core features. The proposed DFL marks a pivotal step in mitigating the issue of data distribution bias, enhancing the reliability of deep learning in agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for pesticide application show promising potential in tobacco pest management. However, the impact of flight parameters on spray efficacy requires further investigation. Three field experiments were conducted from the rosette to the maturation stage of tobacco to systematically assess spray efficacy under varying flight heights, speeds, and application volumes. Using a multi‐index weight analysis method, optimal operational parameter combinations for different tobacco growth stages were evaluated and compared with backpack electric sprayers. RESULTS: For the rosette stage, the recommended parameter is a flight speed of 5 m s−1, a flight height of 2 m, and a liquid application volume of 30 L hm−2; during the vigorous growth stage, the suggested parameter includes a flight speed of 3 m s−1, a flight height of 2 m, and a liquid application volume of 22.5 L hm−2. In the maturing stage, optimal parameter consists of a flight speed of 3 m s−1, a flight height of 3.5 m, and a liquid application volume of 30 L hm−2. Furthermore, UAV spraying achieves higher droplet deposition on both sides of tobacco leaves compared to traditional electric backpack sprayers. CONCLUSIONS: Adjusting UAV spraying parameters for different tobacco growth stages is crucial. These results can provide the methods for the precise control technology of tobacco pests at different growth stages. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Elucidating fitness cost associated with field‐evolved insect resistance to insecticide is of particular importance to current sustainable pest control. The global pest whitefly Bemisia tabaci has developed resistance to many members of neonicotinoids, but little is known about whitefly resistance to neonicotinoid nitenpyram and its associated fitness cost. Using insecticide bioassay and life‐table approach, this study aims to investigate nitenpyram resistance status in field‐collected whitefly populations, and to explore whether such resistance is accompanied by a fitness cost. RESULTS: The bioassay results revealed that 14 of 29 whitefly populations displayed moderate to extremely high resistance to nitenpyram, demonstrating a widespread field‐evolved resistance to nitenpyram. This field‐evolved resistance in the whitefly has increased gradually over the past 3 years from 2021 to 2023. Further life‐table study showed that two resistant whitefly populations exhibited longer developmental time, shorter lifespans of adult, and lower fecundity compared with the most susceptible population. The relative fitness cost of the two resistant populations was calculated as 0.69 and 0.56 by using net productive rate R0, which suggests that nitenpyram resistance comes with fitness cost in the whitefly, especially on reproduction. CONCLUSION: Overall, these results represent field‐evolved high resistance to nitenpyram in the whitefly. The existing fitness costs associated with nitenpyram resistance are helpful to propose a suitable strategy for sustainable control of whiteflies by rotation or mixture of insecticide with different modes of action. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Transgenic Bt technology in soybean, with plants expressing Cry1Ac, has been adopted as an insect pest management tool. It was first adopted in large areas of South America and Asia in 2013. The risk of resistance in target pests to this technology demands insect resistance management (IRM) programs. In Brazil, a structured refuge (area of non‐Bt soybean) planted adjacent to the Bt soybean crop has been an important IRM recommendation, particularly for the primary lepidopteran defoliators Anticarsia gemmatalis (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) and Chrysodeixis includens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The overall goal of this study was to validate IRM recommendations to Bt soybean. The objectives were to document the impact of soybean phenology, cultivar choice and non‐Bt soybean defoliation on moth oviposition. In addition, a mark‐release‐recapture study estimated the dispersal capacity of these species. Five field experiments per species were performed for 3 years. RESULTS: Our results revealed an increase in A. gemmatalis and C. includens oviposition, respectively, on Bt plants as a consequence of the difference in plant growth stage at the time of oviposition. Defoliation of non‐Bt plants significantly increased the oviposition preference of both moth species for Bt plants. The mark‐release‐recapture experiment indicated an average dispersal distance of ~300 m from the release point for A. gemmatalis, with maximum recapture at 1000 m. CONCLUSION: Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of planting synchronization of Bt soybean and the structured refuge. In addition, when operational aspects in large soybean areas challenge this recommendation, the priority should be for planting the refuge area first. This approach will minimize the impact of selective oviposition of A. gemmatalis and C. includens. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rodent management with lethal methods (e.g., rodenticides) comes with downsides for rodent welfare, the environment and non‐target species. To reduce chemical use and prevent rodent nuisance, pest controllers in the Netherlands must work according to the principles of integrated pest management (IPM). A condition for the success of IPM is that there is sufficient engagement of all parties involved, including clients of pest controllers. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the attitudes of clients regarding rodent control, IPM and the application of preventive measures. Insight into their attitudes may contribute to a better implementation of IPM and with that to a more sustainable rodent management based on more effective prevention. An online survey among 248 clients of Dutch pest controllers from both the agricultural and other sectors was carried out. RESULTS: Respondents from the agricultural sector had a relatively negative attitude towards IPM, the new IPM regulations in the Netherlands and had little confidence in prevention. In other sectors, respondents were more positive about IPM and had more confidence in prevention. The respondents from the latter subgroup had a similar attitude compared to Dutch pest controllers who participated in a previous survey. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study provide information for the further development and practical implementation of IPM and preventive measures and with that a more sustainable and animal friendly rodent management. They can also be helpful for a better communication and cooperation between pest controllers and their clients. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rodent management involves the use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs). This use has resulted in the selection of numerous resistance alleles in the Vkorc1 gene, encoding the target enzyme of ARs. In Africa, although rodents are a major problem as a consequence of their transport and transmission of zoonotic pathogens, and damage to crops, the use of ARs and the spread of resistance alleles are poorly documented. We attempted to address both issues in Chad which is one of the largest countries in Africa. Owing to its location at the crossroads of central and northern Africa, Chad is representative of many African countries. Methods: Using a sampling of nearly 300 rodents composed of invasive and endemic rodents collected in six of Chad's largest cities, exposure to ARs was analyzed by their quantification in the liver; the spread of AR resistance alleles was analyzed by Vkorc1 sequencing. Results: We demonstrate the use of both ARs generations in Chadian cities and report the total sequencing of the Vkorc1 for 44 Mastomys natalensis with detection of two different haplotypes, the sequencing of the Vkorc1 for two other endemic rodent species, M. kollmannspergeri and Arvicanthis niloticus, and finally the detection of three new missense mutations – V29E, V69E and D127V – in R. rattus, potentially associated with resistance to ARs. Discussion: These results should argue for the implementation of a reasoned management of rodent populations in Africa to avoid the spread of ARs resistance alleles. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The Eurasian magpie Pica pica is a resident bird species able to colonize farmlands and anthropized environments. This corvid shows a wide trophic spectrum by including fruits, invertebrates, small vertebrates and carcasses in its diet. A camera‐trap experiment was carried out to test the effect of different ozone (O3) concentrations on potted Vitis vinifera plants, which resulted in different grape consumption rates by suburban birds. The test was performed at an Ozone‐Free Air Controlled Exposure (FACE) facility, consisting of nine plots with three ozone (O3) levels: AA (ambient O3 concentration); and two elevated O3 levels, 1.5× AA (ambient air with a 50% increase in O3 concentration) and 2.0× AA (ambient air with a 100% increase in O3 concentration). Camera‐traps were located in front of each treatment area and kept active for 24 h day−1 and for 5 days at a time over a period of 3 months to monitor grape consumption by birds. RESULTS: We collected a total of 38 videos. Eurasian magpies were the only grape consumers, with a total of 6.7 ± 3.3 passages per hour (mean ± SD) and no differences across the different O3 treatments. Grapes in the AA treatment were consumed significantly more quickly than those in the 1.5× AA treatment, which in turn, were consumed faster than those in the 2.0× AA treatment. At 3 days from the start of treatment, 94%, 53% and 22% berries from the AA, 1.5× AA and 2.0× AA treatments had been eaten, respectively. When the O3 was turned off, berries were consumed at the same rate among treatments. CONCLUSION: Increasing O3 concentrations limited grape consumption by magpies probably because O3 acted as a deterrent for magpies, although the lower sugar content recorded in the 2.0× AA berries did not affect the consumption when O3 was turned off. Our results provided valuable insights to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts in suburban environments. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities are increasingly recognised as important sites for biodiversity and essential for improving human-nature connections. However, urban areas are also hotspots for rats, which negatively impact biodiversity due to competition and depredation. Urban residents may undertake rat control on their properties, but the effectiveness of such volunteer initiatives for broader biodiversity outcomes has not been tested in urban environments. We conducted a comprehensive study inclusive of rat abundance, adult bird diversity, and bird breeding success. We monitored rat (Norway rat Rattus norvegicus; ship rat Rattus rattus) presence and modelled detection probabilities and occupancy in suburban residential backyards in Auckland, New Zealand. We also compared bird abundance and richness among backyards and recorded 140 nesting attempts from 15 bird species between September 2021 and February 2022. Despite rat control, rats were detected at some point in all backyards, though relative abundance was low, and fewer rats were detected in backyards with more frequent rat control. Higher bird abundance, and to a lesser extent richness, were associated with proximity to native vegetation patches and more frequent rat control. Overall fledging success was relatively high and predation by rats was relatively low compared to previous research. Nest survival was slightly higher for introduced bird species. Daily nest survival rate increased with nest height, proximity to native vegetation patches, and when rat detection rates decreased. Although the effect was small, frequent rat control within a backyard was associated with increased fledging success and increased bird species richness and abundance. Further research is required to explore the factors that interact with backyard rat control to improve local outcomes for birds. High levels of community participation in backyard rat control are required to improve neighbourhood-wide outcomes for birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food production is known to have significant environmental impacts, with the main contributors residing in the farming and transportation life cycle phases. Of the various food products transported around the world, avocados have increasingly gained attention as a high-commodity superfood. Avocados require specific climatic and agricultural conditions for farming, with the most fertile land and conditions located outside Europe. Consequently, most avocados consumed in Europe are imported over vast geographical distances, with little information available to quantify the environmental impacts of this imported superfood. This paper aims to present the most detailed life cycle assessment results of an avocado cultivated, grown and harvested in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and exported to the European market for sale and consumption. A life cycle assessment was developed for the farming, harvesting, handling, packaging, ripening, transportation, and carbon sequestration potential of the avocado, and it was used to conduct a holistic life cycle assessment. Input data was obtained through an 18-month data collection campaign across the relevant stakeholders. A baseline 'business-as-usual' scenario is focused on throughout this study, and scope for optimisation is identified for each life cycle phase where applicable, accompanied by uncertainty analyses. Results show a total carbon input of 904.85 kg CO2e/tonne. Mitigating this, 521.88 kg CO2e/tonne is offset, resulting in a net carbon footprint of 382.97 kg CO2e/tonne with uncertainty ranges of −23.22 to +58.69 kg CO2e/tonne, normalised to 57.45 g CO2e/avocado grown in South Africa and sold in Europe. The environmental impacts of the avocado industry under consideration are largely mitigated by the "nature first" philosophy of the farming and logistics enterprises, which have made significant investments in reducing emissions. Sensitivity analyses indicate that implementing large-scale renewable energy, using alternative packaging instead of cardboard, and selling avocados unripened could further enable the farming enterprise to achieve Net Zero objectives. These measures could reduce baseline emissions from 382.97 kg CO2e/tonne to a theoretical −68.54 kg CO2e/tonne, representing a 117.9% decrease. Although this study does not quantify climate change impacts, qualitative analyses suggest that climate change will have a net negative effect on the avocado industry in South Africa. These regions, typically located in micro-climates, are projected to become wetter and warmer, adversely affecting crop phenology, pest control, road conditions, management complexity, farmer livelihoods, and food security. The study recommends large-scale implementation of the optimisation strategies identified to achieve Net Zero objectives and the development of proactive climate change mitigation strategies to enhance the resilience of avocado supply chains to future stressors. These insights are crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers aiming to promote sustainability in the avocado market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conopomorpha sinensis (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), commonly known as the litchi fruit borer, is a devastating pest of litchi, leading to substantial economic losses in fruit production. The present study was incepted to supplement updated information on biology, morphometrics, integrative taxonomy, and phylogenetic analysis of C. sinensis. The duration of developmental stages such as egg, larval, pre-pupal, pupal, male and female adult lasts for 3.45 ± 1.13, 11.10 ± 2.52, 2.05 ± 0.51, 5.85 ± 0.88, 5.55 ± 1.00, and 9.00 ± 1.12 days, respectively. The average fecundity was 33.10 ± 6.84 eggs/female. The head capsule width for five larval instars was 0.11 ± 0.01, 0.18 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.01, 0.58 ± 0.04, and 0.64 ± 0.06 mm, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct species-groups formed by C. sinensis with other fruit borer species considered (C. cramerella, C. litchiella Bradley, and Thaumatotibia batrachopa (Meyrick)). Understanding the life cycle of C. sinensis and its correct identification is crucial for targeted pest control strategies. Traditional and molecular taxonomy assist in rapid and accurate species identification and understanding of the evolutionary relationships among Conopomorpha species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest Management (PM) has its 1959 origin in Integrated Control, a combination of a reduced dose of insecticide with biological control. At the time, it was not recognised that the interaction between these two control methods was more than additive. This ‘superadditivity’ can also be achieved with the full dose of insecticide, for example, by localising its application in space. There is also likely to be superadditivity in the interaction between partial plant resistance and biological control. Pests on resistant hosts are usually smaller and the same mortality can often be obtained with just two‐thirds or one‐half of the dose of insecticide needed on susceptible plants, giving superadditivity between partial plant resistance and chemical control. These positive interactions between biological control, chemical control and partial host plant resistance form a ‘Pest Management Triad’, though legislation and risk‐aversion may limit the practicability of protocols based on the Triad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA interference (RNAi) has emerged as an eco‐friendly alternative to classic pesticides for pest control. This review highlights the importance of identifying the best target genes for RNAi‐mediated pest control. We argue that the knowledge‐based approach to predicting effective targets is limited by our current gaps of knowledge, making unbiased screening a superior method for discovering the best target processes and genes. We emphasize the recent evidence that suggests targeting conserved basic cellular processes, such as protein degradation and translation, is more effective than targeting the classic pesticide target processes. We support these claims by comparing the efficacy of previously reported RNAi target genes and classic insecticide targets with data from our genome‐wide RNAi screen in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Finally, we provide practical advice for identifying excellent target genes in other pests, where large‐scale RNAi screenings are typically challenging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms that, exhibiting within the plant tissues without causing any apparent harm to the host, establish a symbiotic relationship with plants. Host plants provide endophytic fungi with essential nutrients and a protected environment. In exchange, the fungi can enhance the plant's ability to acquire nutrients. They can also play a crucial role in increasing the host plant's tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Endophytic fungi can produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, some similar to those found in the host plant. In Iraq's Duhok province of the Kurdistan region, the plant species Vitis vinifera has been explored as a habitat for diverse endophytic microorganisms across various ecological environments. During the period from 2021 to 2022, a total of 600 samples were collected from four distinct locations: Bagera, Besfke, Barebhar, and Atrush. From these samples, twelve endophytic fungal species were isolated, including Aspergillus flavipes, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium ruscicol, Fusarium venenatum, Chaetomium globosum, Clonostachys rosea, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium glabrum, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus nidulans, and Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternata, Paecilomyces maximus, Curvularia buchloes. These fungi were introduced for their potential as biocontrol agents against grapevine trunk diseases and grape rotting fungi, which pose significant risks to grapevine health and productivity. Penicilium radiatolobatum, Botrysphaeria dothidea, Fusarium ruscicola, Fusarium venenatum, and Paecilomyces maximus represented the first record as endophytes on grapevine in Iraq. Based on ITS and SSU sequencing, molecular identification confirmed these fungi's presence with sequence identities ranging from 99% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these endophytes could be categorized into five main clusters (A, B, C, D, and E), showing high intra-group similarity. Utilizing the Dual Culture method, the endophyte Paecilomyces maximus demonstrated a 70.83% inhibition rate against Ilyonectria destructans. In the Food Poisoning method, A. flavipes and P. maximus emerged as the most effective inhibitors of Ilyonectria destructans, whereas A. terreus, M. racemosus, and P. maximus achieved complete inhibition (100%) of Botrytis cinerea. Additionally, M. racemosus was identified as the most effective biocontrol agent against Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the potential of endophytic fungi from Vitis vinifera as effective biocontrol agents against grapevine diseases, highlighting their role in sustainable vineyard management. These findings lead to further exploration and implementation of these fungi-inserted pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Oliver, 1970) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) is the most devastating insect-pest of palm trees worldwide. Synthetic insecticides are the most preferred tool for the management of RPW. Alternatively, RNA interference (RNAi) mediated silencing of crucial genes provides reasonable control of insect pests. Recently, we have targeted four important genes; ecdysone receptor (EcR), serine carboxypeptidase (SCP), actin and chitin-binding peritrophin (CBP) in the 3rd and 5th instar larvae RPW. The results from 20 days trial showed that the survival rate of 3rd instar larvae fed on SCP and actin dsRNAs exhibited the lowest survival (12–68%). While, in the 5th instar larvae, the lowest survival rate (24%) was recorded for SCP after 20 days of incubation. Similarly, the weight of the 3rd and 5th instar larvae treated with SCP and actin was significantly reduced to 2.30–2.36 g and 4.64–4.78 g after 6 days of dsRNA exposure. The larval duration was also decreased significantly in the larvae treated with all the dsRNA treatments. The qRT-PCR results confirmed a significant suppression of the targeted genes as 90–97% and 85–93% in the 3rd and 5th instar larvae, respectively. The results suggest that the SCP and the actin genes can be promising targets to mediate RNAi-based control of RPW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirotetramat is a frequently used insecticide in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies against rosy apple aphid (Dysaphis plantaginea) and woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) in apple cultivation. It is known that paraffin oil adjuvants increase the effect of spirotetramat against aphids. In contrast, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effects of co-applied paraffin (mineral or petroleum) oil on the degradation of spirotetramat and its metabolites (B-enol, B-keto, B-mono, and B-glu), which has not been previously investigated. Spirotetramat combined with formulated paraffin oil was tested against two aphid species and the residues of spirotetramat and its metabolites on leaves and apples were quantified using Liquid Chromatography coupled with tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results showed that spirotetramat is highly effective against D. plantaginea, decreasing infestation by almost 100%. Furthermore, spirotetramat was shown to be effective against E. lanigerum, the reduction in infestation ranged between 67.9 and 97.7% during the last validation date. The addition of paraffin oil increased the effect of spirotetramat and affected its degradation, indicating that its efficacy could be connected to its metabolites. B-mono and B-glu were the most persistent metabolites in apple fruit overall when paraffin oil was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology has recently become an alternative production model that tries to face the negative environmental and socioeconomic consequences of the agricultural model based on excessive agrochemical use and no-tillage practices. It searches for alternatives to pest management so as to increase yields while promoting biodiversity conservation. Our goal was to know the perception and opinion of agroecological farmers of the Pampa region on crop pests, the techniques they use for pest management and their perceptions on biodiversity. A survey was conducted which provided 103 responses. The main pest mentioned was ants. Of farmers surveyed, 64.71% claim that their main pest significantly reduces their yields, 79.42% claim that they monitor their crops for pests, although those with over 25 years of experience tend not to. Farmers have a mostly positive perception of biodiversity, particularly birds even though many identify pigeons and parrots as damaging. These results make it possible to describe the agroecological Pampa farmers and to show some common pest issues that need to be observed to benefit production in the area. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity for these farmers and their willingness to use tools that attract birds that could potentially manage pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroecology, as a holistic approach to sustainable food systems, is gaining momentum globally as a key approach to addressing current challenges in agricultural and food production. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite numerous efforts to address declining soil productivity, water scarcity, and increasing pest pressure through agroecological soil, water, and integrated pest management (IPM) practices, the adoption of such practices remains low. As part of the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative, we conducted a collaborative rapid innovation assessment of existing soil, water, and pest management practices in two Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs) in Makueni and Kiambu counties, Kenya. The assessment also included an evaluation of the performance of these practices and identified farmer preferences. Using a multi-stage approach, we applied stratified random sampling to identify 80 farmers for farm assessments and in-depth interviews. A total of 31 practices were identified, of which 26 were further evaluated. The evaluation revealed a heterogeneous set of socio-economic and biophysical contextual factors influencing practice performance. Respondents identified 19 strengths, and 13 challenges associated with the practices, highlighting opportunities for innovation to improve or adapt performance. Farmers also expressed preferences for future adoption of 31 practices, 77% of which were listed in one of the three focus areas, namely soil management, water management, or IPM. The other 33% were associated with multiple functions and were listed under two or three of the focus areas. The results of the collaborative assessment informed a broader co-design cycle that included participatory prioritization and selection of innovative practices, experimental design, and monitoring protocols. This collaborative and systematic approach was taken because innovative practices often fail to be adopted due to a lack of co-design and inclusion of local perspectives in innovation design, and a disconnect between science and practice. Our study highlights the importance of integrating stakeholder input and transdisciplinary technical expertise in the co-design and implementation of agroecological innovations. It also emphasizes the importance of using a structured methodology to understand farmers' options, context, and preferences while co-designing locally relevant agroecological practices, which promotes holistic and inclusive adoption, successful implementation and long-term sustainability of agroecological practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, poses a significant threat to a range of crops worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungi (Alternaria murispora and Alternaria destruens) and bacteria (Streptomyces bellus-E23-2) against adult females of P. solenopsis under laboratory (26 ± 2°C) and greenhouse conditions. Methods: Laboratory trials tested A. murispora, A. destruens (104-1010 conidia mL-1), and S. bellus E23-2 (104-1010 cfu mL-1), alone and in combination, recording mortality rates and LC50 values. Greenhouse trials tested the best lab treatments on infested potato plants, monitoring pest density and plant quality. Results and discussion: In laboratory trials, A. murispora at 1010 conidia mL-1 was the most effective, achieved 79.7% mortality (LC50 = 1.338 x 108 conidia mL-1 after 14 days). Combination treatments significantly enhanced efficacy, with A. murispora + S. bellus E23-2 (1010 conidia mL-1 + 1010 cfu mL-1) reaching 85.3% mortality. In greenhouse trials, the combination treatments notably reduced P. solenopsis densities and increased the number of infected mealybugs, with A. murispora + S. bellus E23-2 being the most effective. These treatments did not harm plant quality, unlike imidacloprid, which reduced visual quality despite its high efficacy. Alternaria murispora and S. bellus E23-2 effectively control P. solenopsis, providing a sustainable, plant-safe alternative to chemical insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest detection and control is very essential in greenhouse crop production. Image segmentation is one of the most desirable procedures for identifying the pest from the image. However, manually detecting pests results in lower accuracy levels and requires prolonged crop monitoring. In the existing techniques, several limitations take place such as low efficiency, high storage requirements, and limited region-level accuracy. Furthermore, it is challenging to gather a high-quality dataset that contains a variety of healthy and diseased leaf types, as well as distinct pest infestations. In order to overcome these issues, a novel Radial Bi-symmetric Divergence RCNN-based Segmentation method is proposed to effectively detect and classify leaf-based pest detection, which provides good efficiency and good storage requirements. In order to overcome this issue a novel Threshold-based Graded Mask RCNN is introduced, which is the new convolutional neural network utilized to obtain various types of healthy and diseased leaves. In the existing pest detection techniques, mislabeled data leads to erroneous learning and reduces its effectiveness in identifying pests. Hence, the proposed pest detection technique is tested using an optimized approach with a feature set. As a result, the proposed mechanism is designed for the training and testing of a plant disease dataset, which is more accurate and reliable for identifying the pest. This experiment revealed that the accuracy level increased with high efficiency in the proposed technique when compared to the existing ones by a significant margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soilless culture refers to the method of cultivating plants without soil as a growing medium, and the use of hydrogel in soilless culture overcomes many technical difficulties, but there are many applications that just stay at the experimental level, with fewer applications in fields. Although many new functionalized hydrogels may help to overcome the shortcomings of traditional media and give them more functionality, little research on hydrogels over the past decades has been reflected in soilless culture techniques. This paper details the concept and development of soilless culture, as well as several applications of hydrogels in soilless culture, including the use of hydrogels as soilless culture substrates and the application of hydrogel membranes. The important roles of different types of hydrogels in soilless culture, such as antimicrobial properties, salt tolerance and high water absorption, are highlighted, and these excellent properties largely overcome a series of drawbacks of traditional cultivation methods. The application of hydrogels in pest control is also discussed. Hydrogel applications to soilless culture have better prospects for the creation of more promising multifunctional composite hydrogel membranes and hydrogel substrates capable of supporting plants throughout their growth cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects attach to various surfaces that differ, among others, in roughness and wettability. Identifying surface characteristics that allow or prevent insects from attaching are an important research avenue of pest control. Here we take an experimental approach to analyse the attachment of common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus (1758), to Perspex (PMMA) substrates. We construct a reliable centrifuge device that allows the measurement of attachment forces at substrate roughnesses, Ra, between 0.02 and 1.3 μm and at two wettabilities. Our results suggest that bed bug attachment to surfaces is minimal at a substrate roughness of 0.2 and 0.4 μm on normal PMMA, where the lowest attachment force was 0.8 mN and the safety factor 15. At lower and higher roughness, attachment forces were higher and the safety factor increased to a maximum of 133. On PMMA that was made superhydrophobic by spray‐coating, attachment was lowest (0.2 mN) at the lowest roughness and continuously increased with increasing roughness, reaching 2.5 mN and a safety factor of 46. For every roughness, attachment forces were lower on superhydrophobic than on normal PMMA. This knowledge may inspire the development of repelling substrates for bed bug control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractTomato is one of the most widely produced vegetables in Ethiopia. Year-round production, mono-cropping, and genetically uniform hybrid varieties in relatively large areas result in pest buildup and recurrent pest epidemics in the country. Chemical control remains the primary management option for controlling tomato pests, and frequently indiscriminate and injudicious use of pesticides leads to several problem such as resistance development in insects/pathogens, destruction of natural enemies, food safety risks due to pesticide residues on the edible products and destruction of pollinators resulting in the non-setting of fruits and low yields. Multi-location and multi-season trials were conducted at Rift-Valley tomato production sites to reduce synthetic pesticides and promote good agricultural practice (GAP) packages. GAP package composed of healthy seedlings produced using seedling trays and treated with Trichoderma asperellum, and scheduled spray of bio-pesticides such as Beauveria bassiana, Lecanicillium lecanii, Metarhizium anisopliae, and neem extract depending on the insect pests at early infestation time, along with the installation of colored sticky traps (yellow and blue) significantly reduced Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta and increased marketable yield compared to the farmers’ practice and untreated control. Hence, the GAP package can be considered effective and economical in managing tomato pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cool season legumes (Faba bean, chickpea, lentil, pea, and grass pea) are important protein harvests for food and nutrition security in many countries. They play key roles in sustainable cereal production through their ecological benefits. However, diseases and pests attack continue to have a substantial impact on crop yield and quality. Although growers used different control options to manage these biotic stresses such as pesticide application, cultural practices, and resistant varieties, there is a pressing need for the development of new, more cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution to help farmers in facing the existing environmental issues. Recently, there is a growing interest among researchers in exploiting Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) for the elaboration of disease and pest control strategies in food legumes and other crops. These compounds have important functions in ecological relationships occurring between plants and their surrounding environment, as well as plants and others species, such as pests and pathogens. Due to their unique properties, VOCs can be employed in improving management alternatives for food legume diseases and pests. In this assessment, we investigated the role of VOCs in plantpest and plant-pathogen interactions and their present applications in pest and diseases control strategies. We emphasized the ecological importance of employing plant VOCs in legume farming and crop breeding. Additionally, we highlighted the potential of microbial VOCs in facilitating microbe-microbe, microbe-plant and microbe-plant-pest interactions, along with their role in food legume protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsicum pepper is a rich source of phytochemical compounds such as capsaicinoids, phenols, flavonoids, and so forth. Due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant potential all of these compounds have been assessed and used for both human and plant health benefits. Herein, three fresh varieties of Capsicum annuum (Cacho de Cabra, Bell pepper, and Hungarian Wax varieties) and one fresh and ripe variety of C. baccatum (Cristal) were evaluated. Capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, nordihydrocapsaicin and the phenolic content of Capsicum spp. extracts were characterised. The antifungal potential of capsaicinoids and antioxidant activities, and the ecotoxicity of each Capsicum spp. extract, using the model Galleria mellonella, were also evaluated. Phytochemical analyses showed that the Cristal and Hungarian Wax varieties presented the highest amount of capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, and nordihydrocapsaicin; while Bell Pepper had the highest phenol content and antioxidant activity. Capsaicinoids' standards and Capsicum spp. extracts showed fungistatic activity against the fungal strains assessed. For the fungal strains assessed, the fungistatic activities of capsaicinoids' standards were higher than those observed in Capsicum spp. extracts. The Hungarian Wax extracts inhibited slightly the growth of Aspergillus niger MUM05.11 and Fusarium oxysporum MUM16.143. Similarly, A. niger, F. oxysporum, Rhizopus arrhizus MUM16.05 and Alternaria sp. UFRO17.178 had their growth retarded by the use of Cacho de Cabra and Cristal extracts. Noticeable changes were observed in the fungal strains' morphologies, such as the presence of fragile fungal structures, pigmentation loss, variation in the reproductive structures size and the conidia number. Capsicum extracts weaken the growth of fungi, indicating their fungistatic potential. Considering the fungistatic potential and non-ecotoxicity of these extracts, it is possible to suggest their use as a tool for pest management in the agri-food sector, controlling the growth and reproduction of fungi without posing a risk to nontarget biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pest‐regulating natural enemies often require crop and non‐crop habitats to persist and be effective. These habitats offer hibernation sites, alternative prey or floral resources but can also be complementary in when they provide resources. The relative contribution of these different habitats to the performance of pest‐regulating insects is largely unknown, since it is difficult to study empirically. Landscape‐based population‐dynamical modelling can fill this research gap. In this study, we modelled the dynamics of predatory hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphinae) and their aphid prey in a collection of habitats. These hoverflies are dependent on different habitats for different reasons. While their larvae predate on aphids, adult hoverflies require floral resources. Resources are often segregated in different habitats. In addition, they are only temporarily available in any habitat type. In our model, hoverflies move between different habitats and select where to feed and where to produce off‐spring based on optimal foraging considerations. The model represents habitats common in arable landscapes and their temporal availability of resources is parameterized based on field observations. The model shows that effective pest suppression will only occur in the presence of at least three different habitats, including two crops that provide prey resources at different times of the year. A woody habitat with shrubs and trees provide aphid prey very early and late in the season, whereas an early crop and a late crop cover the period in between. In addition, these habitats need to provide floral resources in the same period as aphids, for example by flower strips in the margins of crop fields or blossoming trees or shrubs in the woody habitat. Under the model assumptions, the best pest suppression is obtained when the woody habitats take up 6% to 10% of the landscape. In addition to yearly population fluctuations, also bi‐ or multi‐yearly cycles may occur, depending on the composition of the landscape. Synthesis and applications. Our model shows when an agricultural landscape is ‘complete’ for natural enemies (and for effective pest control). For this, it needs to contain multiple habitats that supply floral and prey resources in different periods of the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops are multifunctional tools that mitigate environmental impacts of agriculture, enhance resilience to weather extremes and suppress weeds and arthropod pests. Cover crops provide non‐crop food and habitat resources that attract natural enemies of pests, but their outcomes for pest management are less clear in regions where keystone mutualisms between red imported fire ants and aphids dominate. Here, we manipulate ant exclusion treatments and cover crop treatments (living mulches and terminated cover crops) that vary in food/habitat resources and examine responses of ants, aphids, other herbivores and predators in a cotton agroecosystem. Living mulches reduced both ants and aphids in the crop canopy by 97% and 93%, respectively, relative to bare soil treatments, and terminated cover crops reduced them as well by a lesser degree (~50%). Non‐aphid herbivores occurred in low densities system‐wide and increased in living mulches, whilst native predators had variable responses to cover crops and ant exclusion. Cover crops had no effect on prey removal in the crop canopy, but living mulches tripled rates of weed seed biocontrol, relative to bare soils. Cover crops elicited a shift in fire ant foraging from cotton foliage downward to the soil‐surface, preventing competitive exclusion by keystone ant/aphid mutualists that dominate crop monocultures. Cover crops altered the system‐wide impacts of fire ants: reducing ecosystem disservices (i.e. aphid tending) and enhancing ecosystem services (i.e. weed seed biocontrol). These results provide incentives for cover crop adoption as a regenerative practice in large‐scale commercial agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field surveys were conducted on golf courses reporting the inability of imidacloprid to control white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) when applied preventively. Surveys of five sites with significant past imidacloprid use (>10 years) revealed significantly greater white grub populations in rough‐mown turf following imidacloprid treatment than that of adjacent short‐mown fairways. Additionally, spatial analysis by distance indicEs (SADIE) analyses demonstrated a positive correlation between white grub and thatch spatial patterns. To investigate the impact of thatch on imidacloprid efficacy and translocation throughout the turfgrass plant, greenhouse experiments were conducted using turf with differing thatch levels. Imidacloprid concentrations in soil and plant tissues were measured with high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and compared to values obtained through an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit to determine if the latter could be a cost‐effective alternative in future studies. ELISA provided reliable estimates of concentrations of imidacloprid compared to HPLC, with only minor discrepancies noted across different types of treatments and assessment timings. Despite finding higher imidacloprid levels in leaf tissues compared to roots and some differences in concentration across thatch treatments, there was no clear pattern showing that thatch thickness significantly affects imidacloprid penetration or accumulation in plant tissues or soil over time. These findings suggest that factors other than thatch thickness may contribute to the observed field failures of imidacloprid in controlling white grubs. Further research is necessary to identify these factors and optimize the use of imidacloprid in turfgrass pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Entomopathogenic fungal infection-induced dysbiosis of host microbiota offers a window into understanding the complex interactions between pathogenic fungi and host symbionts. Such insights are critical for enhancing the efficacy of mycoinsecticides. However, the utilization of these interactions in pest control remains largely unexplored. Results: Here, we found that infection by the host-specialist fungus Metarhizium acridum alters the composition of the symbiotic microbiota and increases the dominance of some bacterial symbionts in locusts. Meanwhile, M. acridum also effectively limits the overgrowth of the predominant bacteria. Comparative transcriptomic screening revealed that the fungus upregulates the production of MaCFEM1, an iron-binding protein, in the presence of bacteria. This protein sequesters iron, thereby limiting its availability. Functionally, overexpression of MaCFEM1 in the fungus induces iron deprivation, which significantly suppresses bacterial growth. Conversely, MaCFEM1 knockout relieves the restriction on bacterial iron availability, resulting in iron reallocation. Upon ΔMaCFEM1 infection, some host bacterial symbionts proliferate uncontrollably, turning into opportunistic pathogens and significantly accelerating host death. Conclusions: This study elucidates the critical role of pathogenic fungal-dominated iron allocation in mediating the shift of host microbes from symbiosis to pathogenicity. It also highlights a unique biocontrol strategy that jointly exploits pathogenic fungi and bacterial symbionts to increase host mortality. 5MpJPM8R63G6GM1oNrbXUC Video Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The development of modern agriculture has significantly contributed to improving global food security and safety, alleviating poverty, and enhancing human health and livelihoods. However, the rapid advancement of modern agriculture has also brought about various challenges that limit its sustainable development. This commentary aims to discuss these issues through the One Health lens, and provide valuable insights for balancing modern agricultural activities with the need to protect and promote the health of all the sectors. Main text: This commentary explores the multifaceted impacts of modern agriculture on social development, as well as the associated various health challenges and environmental impacts within the One Health framework. Key issues include ecosystem degradation, increased risk of interspecies disease transmission like zoonoses, reverse zoonoses, and vector-borne diseases, and the escalated threat of antimicrobial resistance due to intensified agricultural production and increased antimicrobial use. To address these challenges, this commentary outlines potential solutions anchored in the development and implementation of modern technologies and good agricultural practices, such as precision farming, integrated pest management, biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, as well as surveillance and early detection of health risks. Conclusions: Good agricultural practices supported by scientific and technological advancements are essential for aligning productivity with the One Health vision, ensuring the health and resilience of all the sectors. Enhancing stakeholder education, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and providing supportive policies and infrastructure for farmers to adopt sustainable practices are crucial for the long-term viability of agrifood systems. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations plays a pivotal role in guiding this sustainable transformation through the One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological theory on predator–prey interactions and an understanding of how environmental factors affect predator dispersal and host finding is foundational to biological control of herbivorous pests in agricultural systems. However, our knowledge about the potential interaction between (A) the individual experience or conditioning of the arthropod predator based on its rearing environment and (B) the environmental conditions at the ultimate release site to control a particular pest is quite limited. We hypothesized that simplified rearing conditions present in commercial insectaries may produce predators that are less adept to navigate complex and challenging crop systems compared to those reared on target crops. We chose Phytoseiulus persimilis (Phytoseiidae) as a case study because it is an important commercialized predator of the twospotted spider mite on diverse crops worldwide. We established colonies of P. persimilis on bean (commercial rearing host plant) and strawberry (target crop plant) for over five generations and compared patterns of ambulatory dispersal when released on bean or strawberry and feeding efficiency on strawberry. Dispersal of P. persimilis was largely predicted by the presence of prey (higher dispersal when prey was absent), followed by the host on which predators were released (higher dispersal on bean compared to strawberry), and lastly by source colony (few examples of a significant difference). We found little evidence of an interaction between the two latter main effects. Rather, they were likely independent and additive. Prey consumption by P. persimilis on strawberry was higher for P. persimilis reared on strawberry compared to bean, but this did not translate into higher rates of oviposition. Synthesis and applications. This study provides insight into sources of variation in dispersal and host finding behaviour of biocontrol agents that may help to predict biocontrol success. To compensate for prey availability and host plant effects on predator dispersal and biocontrol efficacy, we suggest that release rates and strategies should be tailored to host plants given their physical characteristics and prey quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinnia elegans of Family Asteraceae is a flowering plant grown widely in gardens in Indonesia. The plant is also often integrated into pest management of different agricultural commodities as its colourful flowers may attract beneficial insects including natural enemies. A total of eight viral symptomatic and four non-symptomatic Z. elegans samples were collected from four districts in Kulon Progo and Sleman Regencies of Special Region of Yogyakarta. They were molecularly tested using two universal primer pairs for begomoviruses, and two specific primer pairs for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV, Cucumovirus) detections. The eight symptomatic samples were all positive for CMV but negative for begomoviruses infections. The four non-symptomatic samples were tested negative to begomoviruses and CMV. Partial RNA2 and RNA3 segments of four CMV isolates were sequenced to demonstrate that they are members of subgroup IB. 4Ze-Ngaglik isolate was shown to be mechanically transmitted to healthy Z. elegans and cucumber cv. Baresta (Cucumis sativus). To the best of our knowledge, this report confirmed the first CMV occurrence in Z. elegans in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]