Article
Evolutionary Biology
Ana Mitrovski-Bogdanovic, Milana Mitrovic, Marijana Ilic Milosevic, Vladimir Zikic, Aiman Jamhour, Ana Ivanovic, Zeljko Tomanovic
Summary: The study analyzed and compared the patterns of molecular and morphological divergence in European parasitoid wasps of the genus Aphidius Nees, 1818, identifying significant phylogenetic lineages. Despite some low resolution in molecular data, there was still a correlation between morphological variance and molecular evolution in certain well-defined groups.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Le-Thu-Ha Nguyen, Lucie S. Monticelli, Anne-Violette Lavoir, Philippe Bearez, Nicolas Desneux
Summary: Freshwater resources for agriculture are decreasing due to global change. Abiotic stress such as water limitation affects parasitoid host range and performance, determining their effectiveness and safety in biocontrol programs. The impact of water limitation on plants, aphids, and parasitoids varies, with specialist and generalist aphids responding differently. Understanding these bottom-up effects is crucial for predicting the effectiveness of parasitoids as biological control agents under changing environmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Mey Jerbi-Elayed, Vincent Foray, Kevin Tougeron, Kaouthar Grissa-Lebdi, Thierry Hance
Summary: Developmental temperature has a significant impact on the expression of traits in insect species, influencing factors such as mass, surface-volume ratio, lipid accumulation, and heat tolerance. Parasitoids reared at 20 degrees Celsius displayed better adult survival rates, and those developed at 20 degrees Celsius exhibited the highest heat stupor threshold, indicating potential adaptations to thermal conditions.
Article
Agronomy
Shenhang Cheng, Ronghua Lin, Caihong Yu, Rui Sun, Hui Jiang
Summary: Seven commonly used pesticides were tested for their toxicity effects on the parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis, with thiamethoxam and dinotefuran showing the highest toxicity. The study also found that certain pesticides had a greater impact on the survival and parasitism of adults at different time points. Additionally, the egg and larval stages of the parasitoid were more susceptible to pesticides compared to the pupal stage.
Article
Entomology
Mehran Rezaei, Ali Asghar Talebi, Yaghoub Fathipour, Javad Karimzadeh, Mohammad Mehrabadi, Gadi V. P. Reddy
Summary: This study investigated the suitability of six host plant-aphid systems for mass rearing of Aphidius matricariae and found that one aphid species on tobacco was the most suitable, but other aphids also showed potential. This is significant for the development of large-scale rearing methods for A. matricariae and biological control programs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bingyan Li, Zhenyong Du, Li Tian, Limeng Zhang, Zhihua Huang, Shujun Wei, Fan Song, Wanzhi Cai, Yanbi Yu, Hailin Yang, Hu Li
Summary: The study constructed a high-quality reference genome of Aphidius gifuensis, revealing significantly expanded gene families involved in metabolic processes, cell signal communication, and other functions, along with contracted olfactory receptors. This provides a solid foundation for future research on the molecular mechanisms of population decline and host-parasitoid relationship for parasitoid wasps.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Biology
Talia M. Lowi-Merri, Roger B. J. Benson, Santiago Claramunt, David C. Evans
Summary: The study reveals the correlation between the size and shape of avian sternum and locomotory capabilities, including flight, swimming, and running abilities. It highlights the importance of sternum form and function in modern birds, providing insights into the evolution of powered avian flight.
Article
Entomology
Kevin Tougeron, Louise Ferrais, Marie-Eve Renard, Thierry Hance
Summary: The study revealed that fluctuating temperatures have a significant impact on fitness indicators of the rosy apple aphid and its parasitoid, with benefits such as shorter development times and increased longevity. However, the effects of temperature on fecundity, mass, and size varied.
Article
Agronomy
Daniela A. Sepulveda, Gonzalo Barrueto, Margarita C. G. Correa, Luis E. Castaneda, Christian C. Figueroa
Summary: The study shows that global warming currently does not significantly affect grain aphids outbreaks and their biological control in Chile, but emphasizes the importance of preemptive monitoring to detect aphids and their parasitoid wasps losing synchrony.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sandra Ludwig, Gustavo Darrigran, Walter A. Boeger
Summary: This study identified invasive lineages of Corbicula spp. in freshwater environments of South America and investigated their genetic relatedness to invasive lineages from Europe and North America. The results showed that there are two invasive lineages in South America, and they are clonally expanding their distribution in continental aquatic systems. The morphology of the invasive lineages in South America has a high correlation with their genetic haplotypes.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Christine M. Harper
Summary: Lower limb bone adapts to human behavior, with decreased activity levels resulting in a more fragile skeleton. The same trend can be observed in the morphology of the calcaneus, which plays a role in locomotion during heel strike. This study analyzes the external shape of the calcaneus in three human populations with different subsistence strategies, activity levels, and use of footwear to understand how calcaneal morphology varies in relation to these factors. The results show significant differences in calcaneal morphology among the populations, indicating that lifestyle and activity level have an impact on bone structure.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary-Elise Nielsen, Jerald B. Johnson
Summary: This study investigates the symmetry of the male intromittent organ in the livebearing fish Xenophallus umbratilis. The results show that the shape difference in the genitalia is related to the size rather than the morphs.
Article
Physiology
Xin Jiang, Yaoguo Qin, Jun Jiang, Yun Xu, Frederic Francis, Jia Fan, Julian Chen
Summary: In this study, a comparative antennal transcriptomic analysis was conducted on Aphidius gifuensis to investigate the spatial expression pattern of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in different organs and tissues. The binding properties of two OBPs predominantly expressed in female legs were also studied. This research provides a foundation for further understanding the chemosensation in A. gifuensis.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Minoo Heidari Latibari, Gholamhossein Moravvej, Ehsan Rakhshani, Javad Karimi, Diana Carolina Arias-Penna
Summary: This study reports the first record of Aphidius smithi parasitizing the cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora on alfalfa. The host range and global distribution of Aphidius smithi are reviewed, and the relationship between the parasitoid, aphid, and host changes is addressed.
BIOCONTROL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ozan Gundemir, Tomasz Szara, Ebru Eravci Yalin, Murat Karabagli, Zihni Mutlu, Osman Yilmaz, Serkan Kemal Buyukunal, Milos Blagojevic, Pere M. Pares-Casanova
Summary: From a taxonomic perspective, it is crucial to understand the differences in skull shape between species and breeds. This study identified variations in the shape of the skulls of three different cat breeds, with the orbit being the main differentiating factor. The shape of the orbit's edge has been shown to be a distinctive feature for distinguishing between cat skulls.
Article
Entomology
Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Maria C. Boukouvala, Demeter Lorentha S. Gidari, Graziano Di Giuseppe, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli
Summary: In this study, the sexual interactions and left-right asymmetries in brain and behavior of Czech and Turkish strains of Trogoderma granarium were investigated. Courtship and mating dynamics were assessed within each strain and in all possible cross mating combinations. Species identity was confirmed through DNA sequencing, revealing genetic variations between the two strains. The research sheds light on the impact of cross-mating on courtship, mating success, and laterality in a key beetle pest.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Maria C. Boukouvala, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Erifili P. Nika
Summary: This study examined the efficacy of etofenprox insecticide on concrete surfaces for controlling Prostephanus truncatus, Rhyzopertha dominica, and Trogoderma granarium adults and larvae over a period of six weeks. The results showed that etofenprox had varying levels of immediate and delayed mortality, with the efficacy dependent on the pest species/developmental stages and the time since application. The highest mortality rates were observed for T. granarium adults in the first week, while mortalities decreased over time for all tested species/stages.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Zeljko Tomanovic, Andjeljko Petrovic, Korana Kocic, Jelisaveta Ckrkic, Alice Casiraghi, Jose M. Michelena Saval
Summary: This article describes two new species of cone snails, Falciconus hispanicus sp. n. from Spain and Monoctonus montenegrinus sp. n. from high mountain habitats of Montenegro. The authors discuss the main diagnostic characters of these new species and their associations with host plant-host aphid.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Giulia Bonacucina, Erifili P. Nika, Anna Skourti, Stavroula Kyriaki C. Georgakopoulou, Constantin S. Filintas, Anna Maria E. Panariti, Filippo Maggi, Riccardo Petrelli, Marta Ferrati, Eleonora Spinozzi, Diego Romano Perinelli, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli
Summary: In this study, three essential oil-based nanoemulsions were evaluated for their insecticidal effectiveness against the major stored-product pest Sitophilus oryzae on barley, oats, and maize kernels. The nanoemulsion from Carlina acaulis achieved the highest mortality on barley, while the nanoemulsion from Mentha longifolia showed the lowest effectiveness on maize. The effectiveness of the nanoemulsions varied depending on the stored commodity.
Article
Entomology
Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Erifili P. Nika, Anna Skourti, Parthenopi Despoina S. Apostolidou
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and delayed residual mortality of two doses of etofenprox against Alphitobius diaperinus adults for six weeks. Etofenprox was applied on different surfaces with or without food. The highest immediate mortality was observed on glass surfaces treated with label dose and no food. Delayed assays showed complete mortality on glass surfaces treated with label dose and no food for the first and second week. The label dose of etofenprox without food can suppress the adult population of A. diaperinus for two weeks on all tested surfaces except wood.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Maria C. Boukouvala, Anna Skourti, Spyridon Antonatos, Panos V. Petrakis, Dimitrios P. Papachristos, Georgios Th. Papadoulis
Summary: The effectiveness of three mixtures of pheromones and attractants for monitoring the invasive Asian coleopteran Xylotrechus chinensis adults was evaluated. Attractant 3, containing a-pinene and ipsenol, proved to be the most effective in capturing the adults, followed by attractant 2 and then attractant 1. This suggests that the pest is not attracted to the basic part of the blend, but rather to the additional components. Overall, attractant 3 could be utilized as a useful tool for early detection and management strategies against the establishment of X. chinensis in new invasive areas.
Article
Entomology
Waqas Wakil, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, Muhammad Sami Ullah, Aqsa Naeem, Khawaja G. Rasool, Mureed Husain, Abdulrahman S. Aldawood
Summary: This laboratory study evaluated the efficacy of an insecticidal formulation containing thiamethoxam plus chlorantraniliprole on adults of R. dominica, T. castaneum, T. granarium, and S. oryzae. The results showed that complete mortality was observed for S. oryzae on all commodities, while R. dominica and T. castaneum showed complete mortality on wheat. After 90 days, S. oryzae exhibited the highest mortality, followed by R. dominica, T. castaneum, and T. granarium. The effectiveness of the insecticide was also influenced by the surface material.
Article
Entomology
Waqas Wakil, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, Muhammad Asrar, Taha Yaseen, Muhammad Tahir, Khawaja G. Rasool, Mureed Husain, Abdulrahman S. Aldawood
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of combining spinosad and alpha-cypermethrin against major wheat storage pests. The results showed that combining both treatments led to higher pest mortality compared to individual treatments. The most effective treatment combination was the application of the high dose of spinosad with alpha-cypermethrin.
Article
Microbiology
Waqas Wakil, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, Taha Yaseen, Khawaja G. Rasool, Mureed Husain, Abdulrahman S. Aldawood
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema carpocapsae and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana in managing stored-grain pests. Single application of S. carpocapsae caused higher mortality rates compared to B. bassiana for all six pest species. The combined treatment of EPF and EPN resulted in even higher mortality rates. The study demonstrates the potential of specific combinations of EPF and EPN as effective natural enemies against stored-grain pests.
Article
Entomology
Maria C. Boukouvala, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Filippo Maggi, Simone Angeloni, Massimo Ricciutelli, Eleonora Spinozzi, Marta Ferrati, Riccardo Petrelli, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli
Summary: The sublethal effects of Acmella oleracea hexane extract on Prostephanus truncatus were investigated, and it was found that the extract had concentration-dependent effects on the locomotion and mating behavior of the beetles. These findings highlight the importance of considering these sublethal effects in optimizing pest management strategies.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Eleonora Spinozzi, Constantin S. Filintas, Erifili P. Nika, Anna Skourti, Anna Maria E. Panariti, Marta Ferrati, Riccardo Petrelli, Massimo Ricciutelli, Simone Angeloni, Ettore Drenaggi, Alessia Sensini, Filippo Maggi, Angelo Canale, Giovanni Benelli
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of A. oleracea extracts in controlling arthropod pests attacking stored foodstuffs. The n-hexane extract was more effective than the methanol extract against most species and stages. The research highlights the importance of targeting susceptible species and developmental stages when using N-alkylamides-rich A. oleracea extracts as grain protectants.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Waqas Wakil, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Erifili P. Nika, Abid Ali, Taha Yaseen, Muhammad Asrar
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana, diatomaceous earth (DE), and indoxacarb at single or combined applications on wheat kernels for the management of harmful insects. The combination of DE + indoxacarb showed the highest efficiency, causing higher mortalities and lower progeny production. Beauveria bassiana alone exhibited the lowest mortality rates and highest offspring emergence. The combination of DE + indoxacarb was the most powerful and effective against all tested species during the storage period.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vladimir Zikic, Maja Lazarevic, Sasa S. Stankovic, Marijana Ilic Milosevic, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Anna Skourti, Maria C. Boukouvala
Summary: This study investigated the morphological changes in the adult offspring of T. castaneum and T. confusum after exposure to two insecticides. Results showed that T. confusum had higher tolerance to the insecticides compared to T. castaneum. The hindwings of T. castaneum experienced deformations, with more significant changes observed in the alpha-cypermethrin treatment. The findings suggest that deformities caused by insecticide exposure in parental adults could reduce the frequency of insecticidal applications in storage facilities.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Waqas Wakil, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos, Nikoleta Eleftheriadou, Tahira Riasat, Khawaja G. Rasool, Mureed Husain, Abdulrahman S. Aldawood
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of 19 different commercial diatomaceous earths (DEs) in controlling Tribolium castaneum in vitro. Four enhanced DEs were found to be highly effective compared to other DEs tested. These findings suggest that the use of specific DEs at low doses could be a viable option for integrated pest management in stored grain systems.
JOURNAL OF ASIA-PACIFIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Zeljko Tomanovic, Sasa S. Stankovic, Andjeljko Petrovic, Cinthya Villegas, Francisca Zepeda-Paulo, Blas Lavandero, Vladimir Zikic
Summary: This study describes four new species endemic to South America, belonging to the genus Pseudephedrus. The discovery of these new species provides insights into the phylogeny and morphological characteristics of Pseudephedrus. The study also suggests that the aphid hosts of these new species exhibit a dropping behavior as a defense mechanism against parasitoids.
NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
