Article
Entomology
Li-Juan Wu, Fan Li, Yue Song, Zhan-Feng Zhang, Yong-Liang Fan, Tong-Xian Liu
Summary: The study identified and analyzed male accessory gland proteins (ACPs) in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella. A comparison with ACPs in other insect species revealed some new ACPs. This research provides valuable information for understanding the reproductive physiology of P. xylostella.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Pollyana B. Pimentel, Cornelio S. Santigo, Juliana F. Ferraz, Eliana Morielle-Versute, Sebastiao R. Taboga, Carolina C. Souza, Mateus R. Beguelini
Summary: This study aims to characterize the male reproductive accessory glands (RAGs) of Pteronotus gymnonotus (Mormoopidae: Chiroptera). The results demonstrate that the RAGs of P. gymnonotus are composed of a prostatic complex, urethral glands, bulbourethral glands, and ampullary glands. It is proposed that the RAGs of P. gymnonotus possibly evolved from a common ancestor shared with the families Phyllostomidae and Nocti-lionidae, with the development of an exclusive feature - ampullary glands.
Article
Entomology
Gwang-Hyun Roh, Paul E. Kendra, Dong H. Cha
Summary: The preference of mated female oriental fruit flies for host fruit odors or protein food odors affects their oviposition outcomes, with females preferring host fruit odors laying more eggs. This suggests an olfactory-based behavioral switch from protein to host odors in oviposition-ready female B. dorsalis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Ren, Yingao Ma, Mingxue Xie, Yongyue Lu, Daifeng Cheng
Summary: Microbiota plays a key role in chemical communication and direct production of sex pheromones in insects. Antibiotic feeding reduces levels of Bacilli, TMP, and TTMP in the male rectum. Bacillus species isolated from the male rectum can produce TMP and TTMP with glucose and threonine as substrates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
P. D. Kamala Jayanthi, Parepally Saravan Kumar, Meenal Vyas
Summary: This study identified specific chemicals from the volatiles of jackfruit that attract both female and male Oriental fruit flies, demonstrating for the first time the use of kairomone-based lures for sex-specific as well as bisexual attraction.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Xiang-Yang Lyu, Xue-Li Wang, Dan-Qian Geng, Hong Jiang, Zhen Zou
Summary: Hormones are found to be involved in the molecular mechanism linking hormones, energy metabolism, and reproduction in male mosquitoes. The receptor of juvenile hormone, Methoprene-tolerant (Met), plays a crucial role in the reproductive development of male mosquitoes. Met influences the fecundity of male mosquitoes by directly upregulating the expression of the gene encoding accessory gland protein, l-asparaginase (ASNase), and by regulating lipid metabolism and the development of the male accessory gland.
Article
Physiology
Guadalupe Cordova-Garcia, Laura Sirot, Solana Abraham, Francisco Diaz-Fleischer, Norma Flores-Estevez, Maurilio Lopez-Ortega, Diana Perez-Staples
Summary: The study found that mated females of Anastrepha ludens and Anastrepha obliqua have a stronger response to oviposition host volatiles compared to unmated females, while unmated females show a stronger response to male pheromone. This suggests that copulation and male reproductive accessory gland products are important in altering female olfactory responses and behaviors. Further research is needed to understand the function of MAGs in these pests and how their response to host volatiles can be utilized for the development of baits and traps.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Jose Arredondo, Juan F. Aguirre-Medina, Jose S. Meza-Hernandez, Jorge Cancino, Francisco Diaz-Fleischer
Summary: The effects of two insecticide growth regulators, methoprene and pyriproxyfen, on the sexual maturation and mating competitiveness of male fruit flies were compared. The results showed that pyriproxyfen accelerated sexual development without reducing mating propensity, making it a suitable alternative to methoprene. Both compounds equally reduced male survival.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Weixiang Lv, Liting Zeng, Zhe Zhang, Hengguo He, Fang Wang, Xingcheng Xie
Summary: In this study, the effects of juvenile hormone treatment and age on both migrant and resident populations of Mythimna separata were investigated. The results showed that the effects of juvenile hormone treatment on reproduction depended on the age of exposure and populations. The first two days after adult emergence were the sensitive period for residents, while only the first day after adult emergence was the sensitive stage for migrants. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the function of juvenile hormone in M. separata populations.
Review
Fisheries
Shubo Jin, Wenyi Zhang, Yiwei Xiong, Hongtuo Fu
Summary: This review summarizes recent research on male sexual differentiation and development in Macrobrachium nipponense. It highlights the identification of sex-related chromosomes in the prawn, the role of hormones and environmental factors in the regulation of male sexual development, and the identification of male reproduction-related genes through functional and expression analyses. The study also suggests further investigation into the use of Crispr-Cas9 technology and noncoding RNA to regulate male sexual development in M. nipponense.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Wenyi Zhang, Yiwei Xiong, Pengchao Wang, Tianyong Chen, Sufei Jiang, Hui Qiao, Yongsheng Gong, Yan Wu, Shubo Jin, Hongtuo Fu
Summary: This study reveals the important role of CycA in the male reproductive development of Macrobrachium nipponense. It positively regulates the expression of insulin-like androgenic gland hormone (IAG), affecting testis development. The findings highlight the potential application of CycA in studying male reproduction in other crustacean species.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Pengchao Wang, Wenyi Zhang, Yiwei Xiong, Tianyong Chen, Sufei Jiang, Hui Qiao, Yongsheng Gong, Yan Wu, Shubo Jin, Hongtuo Fu
Summary: Cdc2 plays essential roles in male sexual reproduction in M. nipponense, promoting gonad reproduction and regulating testis reproduction. This study provides a basis for further studies on the regulation of male sexual reproduction in other crustacean species and for the development of artificial techniques to regulate the process of testis reproduction in M. nipponense.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Joachim Van Lommel, Cynthia Lenaerts, Charlotte Delgouffe, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Locusts, known as pests of agricultural crops, have caused the largest swarms in recent years, posing a threat to food security in Africa and Asia. The development of specific pesticides is urgently needed, requiring fundamental research on the molecular mechanisms of key physiological processes involved in swarm formation.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Omowumi T. Kayode, Damilare Rotimi, Favor Emmanuel, Matthew Iyobhebhe, Abolanle A. A. Kayode, Oluwafemi Adeleke Ojo
Summary: The study investigated the contraceptive activity of garlic and onion juice extracts on Drosophila melanogaster, showing that they may serve as a more effective contraceptive option with strong antioxidant activity.
JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Meghan D. Kelley, Cheikhouna Ka, John W. Finger, Mary T. Mendonca
Summary: Chemical communication plays a crucial role in mate choice, especially in fragmented populations. The study found that gopher tortoises showed a preference for male MG secretions, suggesting that MG secretions may contain pheromones.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Amrita Chakraborty, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe, Amit Roy
Summary: Termites are both keystone species in the ecosystem and pests with significant economic impacts. Scientists are exploring the use of RNAi technology to combat termites, but face challenges due to their social nature and habitats. Genome sequencing projects on termite species offer opportunities for designing RNAi-based termiticides. This perspective highlights existing RNAi-based studies on eusocial termite pests and discusses the prospects for RNAi-termiticides.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Yan Shi, Hao Li, Ronald J. Nachman, Tong-Xian Liu, Guy Smagghe
Summary: This study assessed the effects of combining neuropeptide analogs with the PK/CAPA analog 1895 on aphid fitness. The combination of 1895 and AKH analog 2271 was found to be the most effective in controlling Myzus persicae. The triple combination 1895 + 2271 + 2315 showed synergistic effects and further increased aphid mortality and reduced reproduction. The biosafety assessment of the combination showed no significant harmful effects on pollinators and natural enemies.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Juliana L. L. Vieira, Luiz O. O. de Oliveira, Jose Alexandre F. Barrigossi, Raul Narciso C. Guedes, Guy Smagghe, Kevin Maebe
Summary: The genetic structure of the native rice stink bug and invasive rice stink bug in South America was investigated. The results showed differences in genetic structure between the two species, but there was still some overlap in genetic diversity and structure.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Qi Xue, Ericmar Avila Dos Santos, Guy Smagghe, Moises Joao Zotti, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
Summary: This review focuses on the engineering approaches that have been successfully employed to modify insect viruses and different microbes for the production and delivery of dsRNA. It discusses different viral vector systems and microbe-based production and delivery systems. The review also provides future perspectives on the development of improved delivery systems for insect pest control.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jonathan Willow, Ana I. I. Silva, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe, Eve Veromann
Summary: Due to the growth of the medical Cannabis industry, this article discusses recent advancements in RNA interference (RNAi)-based crop protection research and development that can be applied to medical Cannabis cultivation. The increasing pest pressure in both indoor and outdoor Cannabis production systems, along with the need for effective nonchemical pest control methods for medical purposes, is considered. The development of RNAi strategies for protecting medical Cannabis is believed to play a significant role in maximizing success in this expanding industry. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning the biosafety of RNA pesticides from a human toxicological perspective, given the medical context of Cannabis product use. Furthermore, further research is required to optimize Cannabis transformation and micropropagation, explore cutting-edge RNAi techniques for different Cannabis-pest scenarios, and investigate the combined application of RNAi and biological control methods in medical Cannabis cultivation.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Silva Sulg, Gabriella Kovacs, Jonathan Willow, Riina Kaasik, Guy Smagghe, Gabor L. Lovei, Eve Veromann
Summary: A field experiment in Estonia showed that if the distance from the previous year's oilseed rape (OSR) crop is over 500 meters, the infestation rates of pollen beetles and cabbage seed weevils in the current OSR fields are significantly reduced. The biocontrol provided by parasitic wasps is not greatly affected by distance. Spatial and temporal separation of OSR fields can effectively reduce pest pressure.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xiao-Di Zhai, Su-Yun Zhang, Dong Chen, Wei-Jun Li, Jin-Jun Wang, Dong Wei
Summary: RNA-sequencing analyses were conducted on adult male Z. cucurbitae, leading to the identification of genes correlated with testicular expression. The study validated the impact of two specific genes on male fertility and highlighted their potential as targets for pest control efforts. These findings lay the foundation for further research on regulating male fertility in Z. cucurbitae.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jiang-Jie Li, Hui-Min Xu, Huai-Zhi Zhao, Ming-Zhen Pan, Guy Smagghe, Zhen-Yu Li, Tong-Xian Liu, Yan Shi
Summary: Neurosecretory cells in the brain produce prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), which is important for insect growth and metamorphosis. Knocking out PTTH in Spodoptera frugiperda resulted in prolonged development time and death during larval molting and pupation, while silencing PTTH in 4th instar larvae increased body size but did not affect development time. PTTH is a key gene in regulating ecdysone synthesis and release, and studying its function using both RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 can provide more comprehensive insights. The conservative gene sequence structure of PTTH also makes it a potential target for developing RNAi-based pesticides.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jiangjie Li, Melissa Deveux, Olivier Christiaens, Guy Smagghe, Clauvis N. T. Taning
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising method for pest control that can be used alongside beneficial insects. However, safety assessment studies are needed to evaluate potential adverse effects to beneficial insects. This study evaluates the unintended effects of dsRNA exposure on the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, and confirms the compatibility of RNAi-based pest control with biological control using parasitoid wasps under laboratory conditions.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ruobing Guan, Tong Li, Guy Smagghe, Xuexia Miao, Haichao Li
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paulo de Sousa, Andre Henriques, Sara E. Silva, Luisa G. Carvalheiro, Guy Smagghe, Denis Michez, Thomas J. Wood, Octavio S. Paulo
Summary: We used a population genomic approach to study three wild bee species in the Iberian Peninsula and found genetic differentiation and diversity across different locations. The results showed a consistent pattern across species, suggesting the presence of refugia within the region. The genetic differentiation and diversity were influenced by life-history traits and past climate changes, indicating the importance of the Iberian refugia as a biodiversity hotspot.
Review
Microbiology
Dongdong Liu, Guy Smagghe, Tong-Xian Liu
Summary: This review examines the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides, with a focus on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The paper discusses the global application of B. bassiana- and M. anisopliae-based biopesticides and investigates the mechanism by which EPF interacts with insects, including the penetration of the cuticle and subsequent host death. The interactions between EPF and the insect microbiome, as well as the enhancement of the insect immune response, are summarized. Recent research suggesting a role for N-glycans in eliciting an immune response and reducing insect midgut permeability is also presented. Overall, this paper provides an overview of EPF in insect control and highlights recent developments in the interaction between fungi and insect immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Henry Shaykins Mwaka, Lander Bauters, Josephine Namaganda, Shirley Marcou, Priver Namanya Bwesigye, Jerome Kubiriba, Guy Smagghe, Wilberforce Kateera Tushemereirwe, Godelieve Gheysen
Summary: The burrowing nematode Radopholus similis is a major problem in banana cultivation, causing extensive root damage and toppling disease. This study showed that soaking R. similis in double-stranded RNA of specific nematode genes suppressed its reproduction. By transforming a banana cultivar with constructs for expression of RNA against these genes, the researchers found that the transgenic plants had lower nematode multiplication and root damage compared to non-transgenic controls or plants expressing nonendogenous gene RNA. This suggests that RNAi can effectively protect banana against R. similis damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Horticulture
Constantin Dushimimana, Katrijn Van Laere, Titus Magomere, Guy Smagghe, Stefaan P. O. Werbrouck
Summary: Polyploidy was induced in Melia volkensii through treatment of cotyledons with oryzalin. Treatment for 3 hours resulted in 40% tetraploids, and pre-treatment with thidiazuron increased the tetraploid production rate to 52.5%.
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Botero, Atena Sadat Sombolestani, Margo Cnockaert, Charlotte Peeters, Wim Borremans, Luc De Vuyst, Nicolas J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, German Bonilla-Rosso, Philipp Engel, Peter Vandamme
Summary: This study provides insights into the diversity and function of Commensalibacter bacteria in various insect species. Through analysis of their whole-genome sequences, it was found that Commensalibacter strains can be classified into four species, which share similar genetic pathways for central metabolism. However, there are differences in genome size, G+C content, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes among these species. Notably, the study on the Western honey bee symbiont, C. melissae, revealed its unique characteristics such as reduced genome size and a large number of species-specific gene clusters.