Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Li Shuang, Feng Shi-qian, Hidayat Ullah, Tu Xiong-bing, Zhang Ze-hua
Summary: Locusts have been a periodic disaster throughout recorded human history, and the desert locust is one of the most harmful species. This migratory insect pest causes massive food crises, economic losses, and ecological disasters by damaging over 300 plant species, especially field crops. Extensive research has been conducted in the field of desert locust ecology and management, and this review summarizes the basic information and provides recommendations for future research.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jun Liu, Michel Lecoq, Long Zhang
Summary: The study found that when desert locusts reached southern Tibet from the southern regions, the low temperatures and high humidity at high altitudes caused severe stress on the insects, limiting their activities and preventing them from surviving long or producing offspring. The high-altitude environmental conditions in the Himalayas acted as a natural barrier that restricted the northward expansion of the desert locust populations.
Article
Agronomy
Allan T. Showler, Michel Lecoq
Summary: Progress in desert locust surveillance and control is hindered by various obstacles, with insecurity being the most intractable. Direct insecurity, such as armed conflicts and landmines in breeding areas, and indirect insecurity, which debilitates government functions and diverts resources from desert locust management, both contribute to the challenges faced. The chronic occurrence of insecurity across African and Asian countries with desert locust breeding areas highlights the complexity and pervasiveness of the issue.
Article
Entomology
Koutaro Ould Maeno, Cyril Piou, Nicolas Lemenager
Summary: Phenotypic plasticity in body size in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, is a result of developmental pathway modification. Large eggs have more yolk and space, leading to larger embryos compared to small eggs.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Graham E. Jackson, Gerd Gade, Heather G. Marco
Summary: Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a crucial metabolic neuropeptide in insects, regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism. In this study, a computational screening approach was used to identify compounds that could interact with the AKH receptor in desert locusts. Four potential agonistic ligands were identified, which could compete with the endogenous AKH.
Article
Entomology
Allan T. Showler, Sikandar Shah, Sulaiman, Sheharyar Khan, Sami Ullah, Francesca Degola
Summary: The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, swarms during outbreaks and plagues, invading many countries in Africa and Asia, causing significant damage to crops and vegetation. The Pakistan government declared a national emergency and implemented surveillance and control operations to combat the locust invasion.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Koutaro Ould Maeno, Cyril Piou, Said Ghaout
Summary: The desert locust shows a density-dependent reproductive trade-off by laying fewer but larger eggs in crowded conditions. The ovulation timing and oosorption rate are influenced by maternal density, and these modifications in physiology regulate the reproductive trade-off in the locust.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Wim C. Mullie, Adam Prakash, Alexander Mueller, Elena Lazutkaite
Summary: The desert locust upsurge in the Horn of Africa from 2019 to 2021 resulted in extensive use of insecticides in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, with limited environmental monitoring. Overdosing of insecticides in Kenya led to non-target mortality, while in Ethiopia, the decline in honey production was linked to insecticide applications. The use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium acridum in Somalia showed promising results and highlighted the need to reassess the widespread use of organophosphate insecticides.
Article
Biology
Itay Bleichman, Pratibha Yadav, Amir Ayali
Summary: Collectively moving animal groups rely on the decision-making of locally interacting individuals to maintain swarm cohesion. However, the complex visual environment presents challenges to extracting and processing relevant information. By studying swarming-related decision-making in desert locust nymphs, we found that locusts use filtering and discrimination when encountering multiple stimuli, and assign different weights to different stimuli. These findings provide insights into locusts' cognitive abilities and support their use as a model for investigating sensory-motor integration and motion-related decision-making in swarm environments.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Allan T. Showler, Mohammed Abdallahi Ould Babah Ebbe, Michel Lecoq, Koutaro O. Maeno
Summary: Control of the desert locust involves three main approaches: reaction, proaction, and outbreak prevention, with the latter being the most effective and cost-efficient option.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Syed Salman Shahid, Christian M. Kerskens, Malcolm Burrows, Alice G. Witney
Summary: The study uses micro diffusion magnetic resonance imaging to characterize neuronal connectivity in the insect brain, helping to identify anatomical regions and infer connectivity of large tracts. Quantitative imaging indices derived from the diffusion model can be extracted to evaluate structural changes in the nervous system of the locust brain.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Zeinab Fathy, Jihan Muhammad, Ahmed Azazy
Summary: Despite intensive management measures, locusts pose a periodic threat in Africa, resulting in significant yield loss and corresponding food and financial loss. Laboratory assessment revealed that the toxicity of Photorhabdus luminescens bacteria and its cell-free filtrate caused higher mortality in second and fifth instar locust nymphs. Treated locusts exhibited drastic reductions in protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels. Adverse effects on the muscular layers of the midgut and jumping legs were observed in the treated desert locust nymphs.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Waqas Wakil, Muhammad Usman Ghazanfar, Muhammad Usman, David Hunter, Wangpeng Shi
Summary: This study demonstrated the efficacy of four different entomopathogenic fungal formulations against desert locusts in laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. Green Muscle showed the highest effectiveness, reducing pest populations and proving potential for integrated pest management programs.
Article
Entomology
Meriam Miladi, Khemais Abdellaoui, Elisabeth Marchal, Cynthia Lenaerts, Amel Ben Hamouda, Meriem M'saad Guerfali, Monia Ben Halima Kamel, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Fractionation of the methanolic extract of Pergularia tomentosa using column chromatography led to the isolation of an active fraction (AFPt), which was found to significantly impact the reproductive potential of female Schistocerca gregaria. Treatment with AFPt resulted in prolonged duration between adult emergence and first oviposition, as well as changes in fecundity, fertility, and biochemical compositions in the ovaries. The effects of AFPt on vitellogenesis and ecdysteroid levels were also explored, revealing alterations in ecdysteroid synthesis enzyme transcript levels and ecdysone receptor expression.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fatma M. Hashem, Elsayed Elgazzar, Wageha A. Mostafa
Summary: This study investigates the ultrastructural changes in the fat body of fifth instar nymphs Schistocerca gregaria treated with zinc chromium oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were prepared and characterized, and the optical measurements were conducted. The TEM images showed that the fat body was strongly impacted by the nanoparticles, resulting in chromatin agglomeration in the nucleus and malformed trachea in the haemoglobin cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lina Mingels, Niels Wynant, Dulce Santos, Paulien Peeters, Yannick Gansemans, Johan Billen, Filip Van Nieuwerburgh, Jozef Vanden Broeck
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Els Lismont, Lina Verbakel, Elise Vogel, Jenny Corbisier, Gaetan-Nagim Degroot, Rik Verdonck, Heleen Verlinden, Elisabeth Marchal, Jean-Yves Springael, Jozef Vanden Broeck
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ibrahim A. Abdulganiyyu, Krzysztof Kaczmarek, Janusz Zabrocki, Ronald J. Nachman, Elisabeth Marchal, Sam Schellens, Heleen Verlinden, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Heather Marco, Graham E. Jackson
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marijke Gijbels, Elisabeth Marchal, Thomas Wolf Verdonckt, Evert Bruyninckx, Jozef Vanden Broeck
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marijke Gijbels, Sam Schellens, Tine Schellekens, Evert Bruyninckx, Elisabeth Marchal, Jozef Vanden Broeck
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Forkwa Tengweh Fombong, John Kinyuru, Jeremiah Ng'ang'a, Monica Ayieko, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Mik van der Borght
Summary: The study evaluated the nutritional profiles of three widely consumed orthopterans after blanching and oven-drying. The processed insects showed high protein and fat contents, abundant amino acids and minerals, as well as high levels of Vitamin B-12, making them promising alternative ingredients for improving food and nutritional security.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michiel Holtof, Joachim Van Lommel, Marijke Gijbels, Elfie Dekempeneer, Bart Nicolai, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Elisabeth Marchal
Summary: Africa and Asia are currently facing the worst desert locust plague in decades, with favorable environmental conditions due to exceptionally high rainfall. Research shows that components of the juvenile hormone signaling pathway play a crucial role in male locust reproductive physiology, indicating their potential as molecular targets for pest control.
Review
Plant Sciences
Dulce Santos, Simon Remans, Stijn Van den Brande, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: RNA plays a crucial role in regulating various biological processes, including controlling agricultural pests. Recent research has shown the importance of extracellular RNAs and RNA-based cell-to-cell communication in this field. Understanding key discoveries and molecular mechanisms in these areas has significant implications for future biotechnological advancements.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lina Verbakel, Cynthia Lenaerts, Rania Abou El Asrar, Caroline Zandecki, Evert Bruyninckx, Emilie Monjon, Elisabeth Marchal, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Insect molting is regulated by neuropeptides triggering pulses in ecdysteroid hormone titers. The study shows that CCAP has prothoracicostatic activity in regulating ecdysteroid production in desert locusts, shedding light on the complex interplay between CCAP signaling and ecdysteroidogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Darron A. Cullen, Gregory A. Sword, Gil G. Rosenthal, Stephen J. Simpson, Elfie Dekempeneer, Maarten L. A. T. M. Hertog, Bart M. Nicolai, Robbe Caes, Lisa Mannaerts, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Adaptive plasticity in desert locusts involves changes in social communication and morphological traits according to local population density. High-density adults exhibit yellow warning patterns, with males also yellowing as a signal to deter sexual harassment. These findings highlight the sexual dimension of locust phase polyphenism.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Virology
Dulce Santos, Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt, Lina Mingels, Stijn Van den Brande, Bart Geens, Filip Van Nieuwerburgh, Anna Kolliopoulou, Luc Swevers, Niels Wynant, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Insect antiviral immunity primarily relies on RNAi mechanisms. This study investigates the involvement of PIWI proteins and viral piRNAs in the immunity against single-stranded RNA viruses in lepidopteran cells, and identifies two PIWIs (Siwi and Ago3) with an antiviral role. However, small RNA analysis suggests the absence of viral piRNAs in these cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sam Schellens, Cynthia Lenaerts, Maria del Rocio Perez Baca, Dorien Cools, Paulien Peeters, Elisabeth Marchal, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Ecdysteroids play important roles in insect molting and the development of the female reproductive system. This study identified two new genes related to ecdysteroid synthesis and demonstrated the significant impact of these genes on oocyte development in the desert locust.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Thomas-Wolf Verdonckt, Anton Bilsen, Filip Van Nieuwerburgh, Loes De Troij, Dulce Santos, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Insect cell expression systems are used in the medical industry for vaccine development against diseases like COVID-19. The study focuses on the characterization of a specific virus called Bombyx mori latent virus (BmLV) and its pathogenicity. The results demonstrate that a variant of BmLV causes acute infections and strong cytopathic effects in cell lines and animal models. The study also examines the RNAi-based immune response in the cell line and animal models, shedding light on the genomic diversity of BmLV.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benedikt Geier, Esther Gil-Mansilla, Zita Liutkeviciute, Roland Hellinger, Jozef Vanden Broeck, Janina Oetjen, Manuel Liebeke, Christian W. Gruber
Summary: By integrating high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with microtomography, we successfully conducted multiplexed mapping of neuropeptides in two ant species. We compared the three-dimensional distributions of neuropeptides in the brains of these species and found that integrating 3D MSI data into high-resolution anatomy models is critical for studying organs with high plasticity.
