Article
Agronomy
David K. Mfuti, Amanuel Tamiru, William D. J. Kirk, Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Heather Campbell, Matthew O'Brien, Falko P. Drijfhout, Tom W. Pope, Saliou Niassy, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of semiochemicals to lure insect pests to traps and kill them with biopesticides as an eco-friendly pest management alternative. It was found that male-produced aggregation pheromones of bean flower thrips have dose-dependent antifungal effects on entomopathogenic fungus, paving the way for a lure-and-kill thrips management strategy. Furthermore, field trials showed that (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate increases trap catches, indicating its effectiveness in controlling bean flower thrips.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ling Ma, Qiaoqiao Liu, Shujun Wei, Shanlin Liu, Li Tian, Fan Song, Yuange Duan, Wanzhi Cai, Hu Li
Summary: Bean flower thrips Megalurothrips usitatus is a major pest of cowpea and other legumes, causing significant economic damages. We generated a chromosome-level genome of M. usitatus using PacBio long read and Hi-C technologies. This high-quality genome with 14,000 genes provides valuable insights into the thrips' ecology and genetics, contributing to pest management.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cheryl Frank Sullivan, B. L. Parker, J. S. Kim, M. Skinner
Summary: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of using Metarhizium fungal granules against winter tick larvae, regardless of application rate, resulting in significant mortality rates within nine weeks. The fungal granules also show the potential to persist and kill larvae, making them a promising option for combatting winter ticks.
BIOCONTROL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Marco A. Diaz, Coralia Osorio, Ericsson Coy-Barrera, Daniel Rodriguez
Summary: Over the past two decades, researchers have conducted studies to identify attractants for the western flower thrips (WFT). This review used systematic analysis to determine the overall attraction of reported compounds. The most-used compounds were based on pyridines, with methyl isonicotinate being the most studied. The meta-analysis accurately estimated the potential attraction of other novel compounds, highlighting the need for further research.
Article
Entomology
Sehrish Gulzar, Waqas Wakil, David I. Shapiro-Ilan
Summary: The study evaluated the combined application of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi against different soil dwelling stages of Thrips tabaci, resulting in greater mortality and enhanced plant growth. The pre-pupal stage was the most susceptible, and the combined application of pathogens significantly reduced insect populations, especially in the early developmental stages.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Sevgan Subramanian, David K. Mfuti, Tom W. Pope, Amanuel Tamiru, William D. J. Kirk
Summary: The mating behavior of bean flower thrips shows that male thrips do not consider the age or mating status of females when choosing mates. Younger males tend to mate with older females, while older males prefer mating with younger females.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Quratul Ain, Ata Ul Mohsin, Muhammad Naeem, Ghulam Shabbir
Summary: The study evaluated the potential of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae as bio agents for managing thrips population on onions, with B. bassiana showing better efficacy in reducing thrips population at different concentrations.
EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Liang-De Tang, Ling-Hang Guo, Asad Ali, Nicolas Desneux, Lian-Sheng Zang
Summary: The study demonstrated that Spinetoram is more toxic to M. usitatus and has higher field efficacy compared to other conventional insecticides. Additionally, the synergistic effect of mixing Silwets with Spinetoram was found to significantly reduce thrips infestation.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhijun Zhang, Jiandong Bao, Qizhang Chen, Jianyun He, Xiaowei Li, Jiahui Zhang, Zhixing Liu, Yixuan Wu, Yunsheng Wang, Yaobin Lu
Summary: In this study, a high-resolution chromosome-level reference genome assembly of Megalurothrips usitatus was generated using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Hi-C sequencing. The genome assembly showed higher GC and repeat content compared to other Thripinae species. Genome annotation revealed a large number of protein-coding genes, with significant enrichment in digestion-related genes. The study also identified a large number of digestion-related enzymes, particularly serine proteases, which may be driven by mobile elements (TEs) and promote the adaptive evolution of M. usitatus to high-protein host plants.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Thida Win, Jin Yong Lee, Ra Mi Woo, Soo Dong Woo
Summary: This study aimed to select the most effective entomopathogenic fungi for the control of Riptortus pedestris, a bean bug that causes major damage to soybean and has high resistance to insecticides. Evaluations of virulence, thermotolerance, UV-B tolerance, and conidial production were performed on fungal isolates, resulting in the selection of Beauveria bassiana JB13G1W1 and Metarhizium anisopliae CB6T1G1 and JB12R3G1 as excellent isolates for controlling R. pedestris, with B. bassiana JB13G1W1 showing the highest virulence.
ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Tao Zhang, Junrui Zhi, Yong Liu, Wenbo Yue, Guang Zeng
Summary: Calcium ion (Ca2+) is important in plant-insect interactions. Ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N, N, N ', N '-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) can abolish Ca2+ in plant cells, disrupting plant physiological processes and defense responses. This study investigates the effect of EGTA pretreatment on insect feeding induction and clarifies its reversal effects. The results show that Western flower thrips feeding activates the jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) pathways in kidney beans, while EGTA pretreatment attenuates the induced defense responses.
JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sahadatou Mama Sambo, Shepard Ndlela, Hannalene du Plessis, Francis Obala, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed
Summary: The invasion of Tuta absoluta from South America poses a significant threat to tomato production in Africa. Excessive use of pesticides to control this pest increases environmental and health risks. The parasitoid, Dolichogenedia gelechiidivoris, shows density-dependent behavior and could be effective in the biological control of T. absoluta. Offering a larger number of hosts to the female parasitoid can optimize its mass production.
BIOCONTROL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rodney N. Nagoshi, Georg Goergen, Djima Koffi, Komi Agboka, Anani Kossi Mawuko Adjevi, Hannalene Du Plessis, Johnnie Van den Berg, Ghislain T. Tepa-Yotto, Jeannette K. Winsou, Robert L. Meagher, Thierry Brevault
Summary: This article investigates the invasion history and genetic composition of fall armyworm in Africa, and finds that the natural migration of the pest is more limited than expected, with a high risk of future introductions in West Africa.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biology
Johnnie Van den Berg, Bianca Greyvenstein, Hannalene du Plessis
Summary: Changes in climatic conditions can lead to increased pest populations and yield losses. Indiscriminate use of pesticides and the absence of management strategies against pest species can result in the evolution of resistance. African countries face challenges in implementing resistance management strategies.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Sahadatou Mama Sambo, Shepard Ndlela, Hannalene du Plessis, Francis Obala, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed
Summary: This study investigated the most efficient indigenous parasitoids associated with Tuta absoluta in Kenya and their ecological niche suitability. Two parasitoid species, Bracon nigricans and Stenomesius sp. near japonicus, were identified with differences in abundance and ecological niche. Bracon nigricans was considered suitable for biocontrol of T. absoluta.
Article
Entomology
B. Greyvenstein, H. du Plessis, J. Van den Berg
Summary: Limited information on the distribution and biology of the African mantis, Sphodromantis gastrica, is available. This study determined the distribution of S. gastrica in South Africa and studied its basic biology under captive breeding conditions. The study found that S. gastrica occurs in all provinces of South Africa. Important biological parameters such as incubation time, fertility rate, survival rate, and lifespan were also determined.
AFRICAN ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Birhanu Sisay, Subramanian Sevgan, Christopher W. Weldon, Kerstin Kruger, Baldwyn Torto, Amanuel Tamiru
Summary: This study found that olfaction plays a crucial role in the host selection process of the fall armyworm. The moths showed a strong preference for maize, sorghum, and wheat for oviposition, while cowpea was the least preferred. The identification of terpenes as potential attractants provides valuable insights for the management of this pest.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Reynardt Erasmus, Johnnie van den Berg, Peet Jansen van Rensburg, Hannalene du Plessis
Summary: This study aimed to determine the tolerance of Tuta absoluta larvae to spinosad and the efficacy of systemic drench application for their control. It was found that the susceptibility of larvae to spinosad varied among different instars, with the second-instar larvae being the most susceptible. The spinosad also exhibited a prolonged residual activity in both leaves and fruits. However, the systemic application of spinosad may lead to the development of insecticide resistance in T. absoluta.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Fred Peter Kabaale, Venansio Tumuhaise, William Tinzaara, Geoffrey Turyasingura, Sevgan Subramanian, Fathiya Mbarak Khamis, Komivi Senyo Akutse
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of entomopathogenic fungal biopesticides in controlling tomato pests. The results showed that M. anisopliae ICIPE 20 treatment significantly reduced fruit yield loss in tomatoes. However, further research is needed to optimize the formulation and application frequency of biopesticides for sustainable pest management.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
James P. Egonyu, John Baguma, Luis C. C. Martinez, Hari Priwiratama, Sevgan Subramanian, Chrysantus M. M. Tanga, Jacob P. P. Anankware, Nanna Roos, Saliou Niassy
Summary: This article reviews the advances in research on the management of key oil palm insect pests globally and suggests several research areas for improving the effectiveness of pest management methods.
Article
Entomology
Chrysantus M. M. Tanga, Hosea O. O. Mokaya, Wendie Kasiera, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: Although studies on the nutritional properties of edible insects are limited, this study provides in-depth knowledge on the nutritional composition of Gonimbrasia cocaulti (GC), Bombyx mori (BM), and Samia Cynthia ricini (SC). The edible stage of GC showed high levels of linoleic acid, minerals, vitamins, and crude fiber. The protein content of the larvae and pupae of the insects ranged between 50 and 62%. These insects have the potential to be utilized in food fortification and reduce reliance on unsustainable animal and plant-based sources.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Margaret Kababu, Collins K. Mweresa, Sevgan Subramanian, James P. Egonyu, Chrysantus M. Tanga
Summary: This study provides comprehensive evidence of geographical impact on the nutrient profile of R. differens from different districts in Uganda, and its potential to meet the recommended dietary intake. The results showed significant variations in proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and flavonoid contents of R. differens. R. differens could be considered as functional food ingredients to address food insecurity and malnutrition in the regions.
FOOD SCIENCE & NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elfatih M. Abdel-Rahman, Emily Kimathi, Bester Tawona Mudereri, Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Raphael Mongare, Saliou Niassy, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: This study predicted the spatial distribution of fall armyworm in five east African countries using the MaxEnt model and various explanatory variables. The results showed that 27% of eastern Africa is currently at risk of fall armyworm establishment, and this risk is expected to increase in the future. It is recommended to integrate the modeling results into a dynamic platform for real-time predictions of fall armyworm occurrence and risk at the farm scale.
Article
Agronomy
Francis Obala, Samira A. Mohamed, Titus Obidi Magomere, Sevgan Subramanian
Summary: Maize production in Africa is often hindered by invasive and native stemborers, and the recent invasion of fall armyworm has exacerbated the situation. However, this study found that the insect Cotesia icipe has high potential to control fall armyworm, and the presence of other hosts does not prevent its maximum control.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Nozibusiso Maphumulo, Hannalene du Plessis, Johnnie van den Berg
Summary: Cryptic feeding inside maize whorls makes it difficult to control fall armyworm (FAW). Smallholder farmers use alternative methods of control, of which the efficacy is uncertain. We found that wood ash and soil have a certain level of efficacy in controlling FAW, but the effectiveness varies greatly.
Article
Entomology
Sahadatou Mama Sambo, Shepard Ndlela, Hannalene du Plessis, Esther Awuor Owino, Samira Abuelgasim Mohamed
Summary: This study observed the coexistence of introduced and native parasitoids in pest control and found that the presence of native parasitoid B. nigricans negatively affected the parasitism rate and population growth of the introduced parasitoid D. gelechiidivoris. Caution should be exercised when releasing the introduced parasitoid in areas where B. nigricans is present.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TROPICAL INSECT SCIENCE
(2023)
