Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuan Kong, Chenyang Ji, Jianli Qu, Yuanchen Chen, Shenggan Wu, Xinkai Zhu, Lixi Niu, Meirong Zhao
Summary: Locust plagues remain a global issue, and selecting active enantiomers from chiral insecticides is crucial for controlling locusts. In this study, the enantioselectivity of two enantiomers of isocarbophos (ICP) against Locusta migratoria manilensis was investigated, with results showing that (+)-ICP had higher insecticidal activity attributed to its selective affinity to acetylcholinesterase. Additionally, significant selectivity was observed in detoxifying enzymes activities and related gene expressions, highlighting the importance of understanding the enantioselectivity of ICP for regulation and risk assessment purposes.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zisen Zhang, Changqing Fang, Donghong Liu, Xing Zhou, Dong Wang, Wei Zhang
Summary: This study explores a new method of using locusts to develop edible films. By setting different concentrations of protein, glycerol, and pH, the physicochemical properties of the films were evaluated. The results showed that the edible films made from locusts have good mechanical and barrier properties, making them suitable for food packaging.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anjana P. Unni, Markus Knaden, Bill S. Hansson
Summary: Study suggests that the phase change and mating behavior of locusts are related to conspecific headspace odors rather than olfactory aggregation cues, providing important insights for further research on locust swarming and reproductive behavior.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Xiao-ming, Yang Jia-peng, Gou Xin, Liu Wei-min, Zhang Jian-zhen
Summary: The wing cuticular protein LmACP8 plays a crucial role in wing development in Locusta migratoria, and its depletion results in abnormal wing morphogenesis during the transition from nymph to adult.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yong Yang, Wenhui Guo, Mingjun Wang, Daochuan Zhang
Summary: Through our research, we identified 13 TRP superfamily genes in the locust genome, which play important roles in sensory function. The expression patterns in different organs showed that LmTRP superfamily genes are mainly expressed in third-instar nymphs and male adults, indicating their involvement in specific life stages. These findings contribute to a better understanding of TRP channel superfamily genes and provide potential targets for insect control.
Article
Entomology
Xingcong Jiang, Haozhi Xu, Nan Zheng, Xuewei Yin, Long Zhang
Summary: Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) in insects play crucial roles in detecting chemical signals from the environment, including antifeedants. This study demonstrated that LmigCSPIII, a CSP in Locusta migratoria, is involved in detecting an effective antifeedant, alpha-amylcinnamaldehyde, from a non-host plant. Knockdown of LmigCSPIII gene reduced sensitivity to the antifeedant without affecting physiological development or food consumption, providing new evidence of CSPs' role in antifeedant detection in the chemosensory system of insects.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Weichao Ma, Zhi Wang, Dun Jiang, Junqing Wei, Jiahe Yan, Ruibing Chen, Guoxuan Qin, Shanchun Yan
Summary: In this study, we characterized peptide sequences of the migratory locust odorant receptor that can recognize the aggregation pheromone 4-vinylanisole (4 VA) and designed a biosensor based on these peptide sequences for real-time monitoring of 4 VA. The biosensor was able to detect a single live migratory locust and it was observed that the feeding behavior of locusts accelerated the release of 4 VA, providing evidence for the regulation of locust aggregation behavior by food resources. These findings suggest potential applications of odorant receptor-derived biosensors in entomology research, infestation control, and other areas where the detection of gaseous substances is needed.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yichao Zhang, Hongli Li, Shaohang Yuan, Haihua Wu, Xiaojian Liu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: This study found that NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) in Locusta migratoria is involved in the activation of Precocene I. Experimental results showed that LmCPR interacts with NADPH, FAD, and FMN through hydrogen bonds. Treatment with Precocene I reduced the juvenile hormone levels in nymphs and prolonged the interval between fourth and fifth instar nymphs. Knockdown of LmCPR gene weakened the response to Precocene I, leading to a decrease in the occurrence rate of precocious adults induced by Precocene I treatment.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Elizabeth A. Finch, Hongmei Li, Alex Cornelius, Jon Styles, Joe Beeken, Yumeng Cheng, Guangjun Wang, Guiguang Qiu, Belinda Luke
Summary: The use of canopy temperature variable in the biopesticide performance model for the control of the oriental migratory locust resulted in more accurate predictions compared to other temperature variables. This model has significant importance in guiding the application of biopesticides in Eastern and Southeastern Asia.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaojian Liu, Juan Li, Yawen Sun, Xiaoyu Liang, Rui Zhang, Xiaoming Zhao, Min Zhang, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: Nuclear receptor hormone receptor 4 (HR4) plays a crucial role in insect molting process by mediating 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling to regulate chitin synthesis and degradation genes. Silencing LmHR4 in Locusta migratoria results in failure of molting and disruption of cuticle formation. This study provides insights into the function of HR4 in hemimetabolous insects.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Hongmei Li, Jingquan Zhu, Yumeng Cheng, Fuyan Zhuo, Yinmin Liu, Jingfeng Huang, Bryony Taylor, Belinda Luke, Meizhi Wang, Pablo Gonzalez-Moreno
Summary: This study aims to understand the behavioral patterns of different stages of locusts and identify the environmental factors modulating their body temperature under natural conditions. The results showed that locusts preferred the ground and reed canopy as their main activity subhabitats, with adults showing specific peaks of activity. Locusts' body temperature increased with development stage and size during the day, while the opposite pattern occurred at night. Therefore, biopesticides should be applied to younger locusts with lower body temperatures in the morning or at dusk.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Xianliang Huang, Qianli Du, Lijing Wang, Bing Chen
Summary: This study compared the embryonic life-history traits of migratory locust populations from low-altitude and high-altitude regions under different oxygen levels. The results showed that the differences between the populations may be driven by genetic variation, and there are genetic correlations between life-history traits.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaoming Zhao, Yazhi Su, Ti Shao, Zhiyan Fan, Lili Cao, Weimin Liu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: This study analyzed the basic structure and characteristics of the ovipositor in migratory locusts and identified specific genes related to chitin metabolism, lipid synthesis and transport, tanning, and cuticular protein. Functional analysis revealed the impact of a specific cuticular protein gene, LmCP8, on the structural development of the ovipositor and subsequent egg production.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Emily N. Brogan, Yong-Lak Park, Kristen E. Matak, Jacek Jaczynski
Summary: The study on cricket, locust, and silk worm pupae powders revealed that these insect powders are rich in protein and have a diverse amino acid composition, but may not be suitable for infants. Protein from insects can be efficiently isolated using pH-solubility-precipitation method.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Noura A. A. Toto, Marian Malak, Nessrin Kheirallah, Ahmed M. M. Eldrieny, Lamia M. M. El-Samad, John P. P. Giesy, Abeer El Wakil
Summary: This study assessed the effects of iodine-131 (I-131) isotope radiation on the male gonad development of Locusta migratoria. The results showed that radiation caused abnormalities in spermatozoa, shrinkage of testicular follicles, vacuolated cytoplasm, and increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage. These findings suggest that I-131 radiation can be used as an eco-friendly postharvest strategy for insect pest management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Anastasia M. W. Cooper, Huifang Song, Zhitao Yu, Marie Biondi, Jun Bai, Xuekai Shi, Zhaoyang Ren, Sahani M. Weerasekara, Duy H. Hua, Kristopher Silver, Jianzhen Zhang, Kun Yan Zhu
Summary: The study found that while certain reagents can enhance the stability of dsRNA in ECB insects, they do not significantly improve RNAi efficiency. In vivo and ex vivo experiments showed variations in RNAi efficiency among different target genes, with some refractory genes remaining unaffected by nuclease inhibitors.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Mureed Abbas, Yun-He Fan, Xue-Kai Shi, Lu Gao, Yan-Li Wang, Tao Li, Anastasia M. W. Cooper, Kristopher Silver, Kun Yan Zhu, Jian-Zhen Zhang
Summary: Analysis of Rab family genes in migratory locusts reveals their conservation and tissue-specific expression patterns. RNA interference experiments demonstrate that certain Rab genes are essential for survival and development in insects, with different genes contributing to RNAi efficiency in different tissues.
Article
Entomology
Xuekai Shi, Xiaojian Liu, Kristopher Silver, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: The study identified the important role of LmLgl in maintaining tissue structure and normal morphogenesis in Locusta migratoria. Silencing LmLgl resulted in increased body size but decreased bodyweight, as well as abnormal morphological structure in the midgut. This discovery may contribute to the development of dsRNA-based biological pesticides for insect pest management.
Article
Agronomy
Xuekai Shi, Xiaojian Liu, Anastasia Mw Cooper, Kristopher Silver, Hans Merzendorfer, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: This study identified and characterized the V-ATPase-c gene in Locusta migratoria and found that it is primarily expressed in the Malpighian tubules. The silencing of LmV-ATPase-c resulted in severe molting defects and impaired RNA interference efficiency in the insect. These findings suggest that LmV-ATPase-c plays a crucial role in cuticle formation and dsRNA escape.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Xuekai Shi, Shuai Li, Lin Yang, Xiaojian Liu, Hans Merzendorfer, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: In this study, a Chc ortholog was identified from a Locusta migratoria transcriptome database, and RNA interference experiments confirmed its important role in the development of L. migratoria, affecting growth, development, and reproduction.
Article
Entomology
Haoliang Chen, Chengyu Chen, Zhitao Yu, Kristopher Silver, James F. Campbell, Frank H. Arthur, Yong Huang, Fei Hu, Kun Yan Zhu
Summary: This study revealed that genes such as CYP4G7, CYP9Z5, CYP4BR3, and CYP345A1 contribute significantly to the differential insecticide susceptibilities between the red flour beetle and the confused flour beetle. This is the first study to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the different insecticide susceptibilities between these two Tribolium species.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Yunhe Fan, Mureed Abbas, Xiaojian Liu, Yanli Wang, Huifang Song, Tao Li, Enbo Ma, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) holds great promise for agricultural pest management, but its efficiency varies among different insect species. In this study, six core RNAi pathway genes were identified and characterized from the transcriptome database of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis). The expression of two of these genes, OfDicer2 and OfAgo2, was significantly up-regulated in response to dsEGFP exposure, leading to improved RNAi efficiency against target genes in certain tissues of O. furnacalis. These findings suggest that inducing the expression of key RNAi pathway genes can enhance RNAi efficiency in insects.
Article
Agronomy
Daqi Li, Jianqin Zhang, Yang Yang, Jiao Liu, Junjiao Lu, Meifeng Ren, Mureed Abbas, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: This study identified the structure and expression of 11 chitinase genes in A. ipsilon, revealing the essential roles of AiCht10 and AiIDGF in larval development. These genes could potentially serve as new targets for RNAi-based pest management.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Gao, Yanli Wang, Mureed Abbas, Tingting Zhang, Enbo Ma, Hans Merzendorfer, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: The findings suggest that LmDicer-1 and two LmDicer-2s play important roles in the siRNA-mediated RNAi pathway in the insect L. migratoria, which contributes to efficient RNAi.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Da Xiao, Jianxiu Yao, Xiwu Gao, Kun Yan Zhu
Summary: Clathrin-dependent endocytosis is essential for insect development and reproduction in Tribolium castaneum. The knockdown of four major genes involved in this endocytic pathway resulted in larval mortality and deformed adults with wing development defects. The findings provide potential molecular targets for insect pest management strategies.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Hannah Quellhorst, Maria Sakka, Marina Gourgouta, William R. Morrison III, Kun Yan Zhu, Christos G. Athanassiou
Summary: Two insecticides, deltamethrin and pirimiphos-methyl, were tested for their efficacy as grain protectants against Prostephanus truncatus and Sitophilus zeamais. The results showed that deltamethrin was highly effective against P. truncatus, while pirimiphos-methyl effectively controlled S. zeamais.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Yan-Chao Zhang, Yang Gao, Wen-Nan Ye, Yu-Xuan Peng, Kun Yan Zhu, Cong-Fen Gao
Summary: In this study, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to disrupt the P450 gene NlCYP6CS1 and its role in insecticide resistance in brown planthopper was elucidated. The knockout strain Nl6CS1-KO showed increased susceptibility to certain insecticides compared to the background resistant strain Nl-R. Life table analysis revealed differences in reproductive capacity, nymph survival rate, and body weight between Nl6CS1-KO and Nl-R. This study provides insights into the mechanism of insecticide resistance in brown planthopper and demonstrates the application of CRISPR/Cas9 system in studying similar insects.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yanli Wang, Huiyong Li, Xiaojian Liu, Lu Gao, Yunhe Fan, Kun Yan Zhu, Jianzhen Zhang
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional gene silencing phenomenon that regulates gene expression and protects against transposable elements in eukaryotes. In insects, RNAi can be induced by microRNA (miRNA), endogenous small interfering RNA (siRNA), or exogenous siRNA, with the assistance of double-stranded RNA binding proteins (dsRBPs) such as Loquacious (Loqs). This study identifies three alternative splicing variants of Loqs in the orthopteran Locusta migratoria, and investigates their roles in miRNA- and siRNA-mediated RNAi pathways. The results show that different Loqs proteins are involved in different siRNA pathways, while Loqs-PB aids in miRNA-mediated RNAi pathway. The findings provide insights into the functional importance of Loqs protein variants in achieving high RNAi efficiency in insects.
Article
Entomology
Soheila Fatehi, Michael Aikins, Thomas W. W. Philips, Susan Brown, Kun Yan Zhu, Erin D. D. Scully, Yoonseong Park
Summary: The study focuses on Tribolium castaneum, a model beetle, and its positive single-stranded RNA virus, Tribolium castaneum iflavirus (TcIV). It found that TcIV is prevalent among different laboratory cultures, strains, and the same strain maintained in different laboratories, as well as in the Tribolium cell line TcA. The study also supports transovarial transmissions and the virus' prevalence in the nervous system, offering an opportunity to study the interaction between the virus and the immune system in this model beetle species.
Article
Entomology
Hannah E. Quellhorst, Tania N. Kim, Kun Yan Zhu, William R. Morrison
Summary: This study evaluated the spatial dispersion behavior of the invasive larger grain borer and the maize weevil in bulk grain storage and found that they tend to aggregate together and change their location over time. Additionally, when both species were present, the damage to maize was reduced and shifted upwards in the grain column.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
