Article
Entomology
Mnqobi Zuma, Cliven Njekete, Kouassi A. J. Konan, Philippe Bearez, Edwige Amiens-Desneux, Nicolas Desneux, Anne-Violette Lavoir
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of Alyssum as a companion plant and Ephestia kuehniella eggs as alternative prey in enhancing the population growth of Orius laevigatus, a predator used for biological control against Macrosiphum euphorbiae. The presence of Alyssum and/or E. kuehniella eggs resulted in increased O. laevigatus population growth and steady reduction of M. euphorbiae populations. The combination of Alyssum and alternative prey also led to the highest yield in terms of number of fruits per plant.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Fotini A. Koutroumpa, Christelle Monsempes, Marie-Christine Francois, Dany Severac, Nicolas Montagne, Camille Meslin, Emmanuelle Jacquin-Joly
Summary: The Illumina-based transcriptome sequencing has become a standard in deciphering the molecular bases of chemical senses in insects, especially in non-model species. In the case of the noctuid Spodoptera littoralis, an unprecedented transcriptomic survey of chemosensory tissues revealed ectopic and sex-biased expression of chemosensory genes, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of chemical communication in insects.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wael Elmenofy, Lamiaa El-Gaied, Reda Salem, Lamis Gomaa, Alshimaa Mahmoud, Aml Magdy, Ismail Mohamed
Summary: In this study, a photolyase gene from an Egyptian isolate of Spodoptera littoralis granulovirus was cloned and characterized. The presence of the photolyase gene was found to enhance the resistance of the virus to UV irradiation, suggesting its potential application in improving the efficiency of biopesticides.
MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Crispus M. Mbaluto, Esraa M. Ahmad, Anne Madicke, Katharina Grosser, Nicole M. van Dam, Ainhoa Martinez-Medina
Summary: Plants mediate interactions between different herbivores attacking aboveground and belowground organs through the activation of hormonal signaling pathways and the accumulation of defense metabolites. The impact of root infection by root-knot nematode and leaf feeding by potato aphid on tomato plant defense responses were investigated. The study revealed an asymmetrical interaction between the two herbivores in tomato plants, with the root-knot nematode determining the root defense response regardless of later aphid feeding.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Jia-Ying Zhu, Lu Li, Kai-Ran Xiao, Shu-Qi He, Fu-Rong Gui
Summary: The study identified 206 cuticular proteins (CPs) from the fall armyworm genome and found that 51 CP genes significantly changed after exposure to 17 insecticides, with 8 CP genes responding to 4 insecticides confirmed through RT-PCR analysis. These findings suggest a potential role of CPs in insecticide stress response in fall armyworms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Moataz A. M. Moustafa, Rasha I. A. Moteleb, Yehia F. Ghoneim, Sameh Sh. Hafez, Reham E. Ali, Essam E. A. Eweis, Nancy N. Hassan
Summary: This study monitored the resistance of field strains of Spodoptera littoralis to six insecticides in three Egyptian Governorates over three consecutive seasons. The results showed significant differences in LC50 values and resistance ratios among the field strains. Some field strains exhibited low resistance to certain insecticides, while no resistance developed to others. The activity levels of detoxification enzymes and the target site also differed among the field strains.
Article
Biology
Mohamed S. Zayed, El-Kazafy A. Taha, Fatma H. Hegazy, Bander Albogami, Ahmed Noureldeen, El-Said M. Elnabawy
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of EMs on the biological and physiological features of S. littoralis larvae, with the results showing significant effects at 500 ppm, disrupting the pest's life cycle and developmental phases, as well as affecting biochemical activities of the larvae.
Article
Entomology
Wael Elmenofy, Lamiaa El-Gaied, Norhan Yasser, Engy Osman, Samy Sayed, Reem M. Abd El-Maksoud, El Shaimaa Naguib, Aziza Abdelal
Summary: The study identified, analyzed the biological activity, and characterized genetically a field-collected SpliNPV isolate, confirming its identity as a variant isolate with potential insecticidal effects against the cotton leaf worm.
EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Seyed Ali Hemmati, Parviz Shishehbor, Lukasz L. Stelinski
Summary: The Spodoptera littoralis larvae showed different life table parameters and digestive enzyme activities on different legume cultivars. The common bean Arabi had the highest intrinsic rate of increase (r), while the cowpea Mashhad had the lowest. The highest net reproductive rate (R-0) was found in insects reared on Arabi. The proteolytic activities of larvae were highest on Mashhad and lowest on Arabi, while the amylolytic activity was highest on Arabi and 1057 cultivars and lowest on Yaghout and Mashhad. The developmental time of S. littoralis larvae was negatively correlated with protein content and positively correlated with starch content in legumes. Arabi was found to be a susceptible cultivar, while Mashhad exhibited tolerance traits against S. littoralis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanaa S. Hussein, Mohamed Z. M. Salem, Ahmed M. Soliman, Sahar E. Eldesouky
Summary: Investigating the properties of plant-derived extracts on economic pests can help find innovative eco-friendly pest control agents. This study evaluated the effects of Magnolia grandiflora, Schinus terebinthifolius, and Salix babylonica extracts on Spodoptera littoralis, and found that the S. terebinthifolius extract showed highly toxic effects on larvae and eggs. The study also found that the residual toxicity of the tested extracts gradually decreased over time compared to the reference insecticide novaluron.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Frederique Hilliou, Thomas Chertemps, Martine Maibeche, Gaelle Le Goff
Summary: Moth larvae, especially of the genus Spodoptera, are highly damaging pests to crops worldwide, with a focus on their resistance mechanisms to insecticides. Enzymes and transporters play a key role in their resistance, with the review comparing four species and highlighting specific genes involved in resistance mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Ksiazkiewicz, Sandra Rychel-Bielska, Piotr Plewinski, Maria Nuc, Witold Irzykowski, Malgorzata Jedryczka, Pawel Krajewski
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying resistance to a pathogenic fungus in narrow-leafed lupin by analyzing gene expression differences between resistant and susceptible lines during infection. The results showed that resistant lines activated genes controlling reactive oxygen species and oxylipin biosynthesis early in the infection process, while susceptible lines induced different genes for defense. Additionally, global transcriptome reprogramming occurred earlier in resistant lines with specific resistance alleles compared to susceptible lines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lei Yang, Binglin Xing, Fen Li, Li Kui Wang, Linlin Yuan, Amosi Leonard Mbuji, Zhengqiang Peng, Farag Malhat, Shaoying Wu
Summary: This study used PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing to uncover the full-length transcriptome profiling of fall armyworm larval brain, identifying a large number of detoxification genes and providing crucial data support for understanding the insecticide resistance mechanisms in fall armyworm.
Article
Agronomy
Yao Shi, Wenlin Li, Yuliang Zhou, Xiaolan Liao, Li Shi
Summary: This study reveals that multiple overexpressed CarE genes are involved in indoxacarb resistance in S. litura.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Murside Yagci, Cenk Yucel, F. Dolunay Erdogus, Gokhan Benk, Ilker Kepenekci
Summary: The study found that EPNs isolates at different concentrations have varying effects on the cotton leafworm, indicating that these nematode species could be used in biological control programs against the pest.
EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL PEST CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Stefania Lanzuise, Gelsomina Manganiello, Valentino M. Guastaferro, Cono Vincenzo, Paola Vitaglione, Rosalia Ferracane, Alfeo Vecchi, Francesco Vinale, Solomon Kamau, Matteo Lorito, Sheridan L. Woo
Summary: This research developed new biological formulations using small microbial consortia and a fatty acid mixture to improve the biocontrol, growth promotion, yield, and quality of vegetable crops. The application of these formulations reduced fungal diseases and plant mortality, increased yield, and improved the antioxidant content of the vegetables.
Article
Microbiology
Roberta Marra, Nadia Lombardi, Alessandro Piccolo, Navid Bazghaleh, Pratibha Prashar, Albert Vandenberg, Sheridan Woo
Summary: Biofortification of crops through agricultural interventions is important for supplying micronutrients in poor rural populations. Soil microbes, especially Trichoderma fungi, can enhance plant growth and nutrient absorption. In this study, different Trichoderma strains and their bioactive metabolites were applied to lentil plants, leading to increased mineral content and improved crop yield.
Article
Microbiology
Sheridan Lois Woo, Francesca De Filippis, Maurizio Zotti, Albert Vandenberg, Pierre Hucl, Giuliano Bonanomi
Summary: Intensive cultivation based on monocultures has a significant impact on ecosystem function, and sustainable agriculture must rely on alternative methods, including crop rotation. This study investigated the effect of pea-wheat rotation on soil microbial communities in Canadian prairies and found that rotations can alter the diversity and composition of soil communities.
Article
Plant Sciences
Mariateresa Cardarelli, Sheridan L. Woo, Youssef Rouphael, Giuseppe Colla
Summary: Beneficial microorganism treatments can enhance seed germination, seedling vigor, and biomass, and overcome seed-related limitations, significantly impacting crop growth and performance.
Article
Biology
Donata Molisso, Mariangela Coppola, Martina Buonanno, Ilaria Di Lelio, Simona Maria Monti, Chiara Melchiorre, Angela Amoresano, Giandomenico Corrado, John Paul Delano-Frier, Andrea Becchimanzi, Francesco Pennacchio, Rosa Rao
Summary: Prosystemin is not only a precursor of Systemin peptide, but also contains other biologically active regions. Experimental results show that truncated Prosystemin can promote defense barriers in tomato plants through a hormone-independent defense pathway, and provide protection against pests and pathogens.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Donato Visconti, Valeria Ventorino, Massimo Fagnano, Sheridan Lois Woo, Olimpia Pepe, Paola Adamo, Antonio Giandonato Caporale, Linda Carrino, Nunzio Fiorentino
Summary: This study evaluated a grass-based phytoremediation system integrated with an organic amendment and biostimulants for remediating contaminated sites. The results showed that the vegetative cap reduced the sanitary and environmental risks of contaminated soils and soil-washing sludges. The application of compost and biostimulant improved soil fertility, plant growth, and reduced the bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements. These findings are important for the practical application of remediation techniques for contaminated soils and sludges.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Michela Salvatore, Ilaria Di Lelio, Marina DellaGreca, Rosario Nicoletti, Francesco Salvatore, Elia Russo, Gennaro Volpe, Andrea Becchimanzi, Alla Eddine Mahamedi, Akila Berraf-Tebbal, Anna Andolfi
Summary: An undescribed 5,6-dihydropyran-2-one, diplopyrone C, was isolated from the cultures of Diplodia corticola fungus recovered from Quercus suber in Algeria. The structure and relative stereostructure of diplopyrone C were determined based on NMR and MS data. Ten known compounds were also identified in the same cultures. The most abundant compound, sphaeropsidin A, showed dose-dependent insecticidal activity against Acyrthosiphon pisum.
Article
Plant Sciences
Anna Maria Aprile, Mariangela Coppola, David Turra, Stefania Vitale, Pasquale Cascone, Gianfranco Diretto, Alessia Fiore, Valeria Castaldi, Alessandra Romanelli, Concetta Avitabile, Emilio Guerrieri, Sheridan Lois Woo, Rosa Rao
Summary: Trichoderma spp. are widely used beneficial fungi in agriculture, triggering plant resistance responses. Combining them with plant-derived compounds can enhance their effectiveness in plant defense.
JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irene Dini, Vittoria Alborino, Stefania Lanzuise, Nadia Lombardi, Roberta Marra, Anna Balestrieri, Alberto Ritieni, Sheridan L. Woo, Francesco Vinale
Summary: The contamination of agricultural products with mycotoxins poses risks to animal and human health and economic losses, which can be reduced by using biological control methods. The exoenzymes produced by Trichoderma afroharzianum strain T22 may play a role in degrading mycotoxins, particularly Aflatoxin B1 and Ochratoxin A. This study suggests that T. afroharzianum T22 or its peroxidase supplementation could be a sustainable strategy for reducing mycotoxins in feed and food products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lucia Lenti, Daniela Rigano, Sheridan L. Woo, Ancuta Nartea, Deborah Pacetti, Filippo Maggi, Dennis Fiorini
Summary: Eugenol and linalool are important volatile compounds in basil leaves, and a method for their simultaneous determination with FAMEs in basil leaves by GC-FID is proposed in this study. The method involves direct solvent extraction and transmethylation, and has been successfully validated and applied to analyze ten basil leaf samples. The results showed that eugenol and linalool were present in mean concentrations of 2.80 +/- 0.15 and 1.01 +/- 0.04 g kg(-1) (dry weight), respectively. The composition of FAMEs was dominated by linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid.
Article
Biophysics
Daniela Lo Presti, Joshua Di Tocco, Carlo Massaroni, Sara Cimini, Laura De Gara, Sima Singh, Ada Raucci, Gelsomina Manganiello, Sheridan L. Woo, Emiliano Schena, Stefano Cinti
Summary: The devastating effects of global climate change and exponential population growth pose a major challenge to agricultural yields. Crop performance monitoring using sensors and biosensors capable of detecting changes in plant fitness has proven to be a useful strategy to increase crop yields.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Giordani, Giulia Cattabriga, Andrea Becchimanzi, Ilaria Di Lelio, Giovanna De Leva, Silvia Gigliotti, Francesco Pennacchio, Giuseppe Gargiulo, Valeria Cavaliere
Summary: Acetylcholine (ACh) is a major neurotransmitter in insects that not only mediates synaptic interactions in the central nervous system but also regulates the innate immune response. This study found that inhibiting ACh synthesis or transport in neurons reduced the activation of drosomycin, an antimicrobial peptide gene, in infected flies. Mutations in the Drosophila alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and expression of a dominant negative form of this receptor subunit also affected the transcription of drosomycin. Interestingly, the response was similar when the dominant negative form was expressed in non-neuronal tissues or hemocytes. Inhibition of ACh synthesis in non-neuronal cells also affected drosomycin expression. These findings reveal the involvement of neural and non-neural cholinergic signals in modulating insect immune defenses and highlight the role of hemocytes in regulating the humoral immune response.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Sheridan L. Woo, Rosa Hermosa, Matteo Lorito, Enrique Monte
Summary: This review discusses the ecophysiology and diversity of Trichoderma and the complexity of its relationships in the agroecosystem. Trichoderma has the potential as a direct and indirect biological control agent, biostimulant, and biofertilizer, which are useful for agricultural applications. Considerations are also presented on advancing Trichoderma applications in real-world scenarios, contributing towards eco-sustainable agriculture.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ada Raucci, Antonella Miglione, Luca Lenzi, Paola Fabbri, Joshua Di Tocco, Carlo Massaroni, Daniela Lo Presti, Emiliano Schena, Valentina Pifferi, Luigi Falciola, Wafa Aidli, Concetta Di Natale, Paolo Antonio Netti, Sheridan L. Woo, Davide Morselli, Stefano Cinti
Summary: This study compares the performance of two bacterial polymers with a commonly used polyester material and evaluates their feasibility in the (bio)electroanalytical field. The results show that these novel materials exhibit similar detection limits and repeatability to polyester in the development of iron ion and organophosphate pesticide sensing platforms, providing a starting point for the development of sustainable platforms for decentralized applications.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alessia Staropoli, Giuseppina Iacomino, Paola De Cicco, Sheridan L. Woo, Luigi Di Costanzo, Francesco Vinale
Summary: A bioactive chromone derivative with antibiotic and antitumor activities was isolated from Trichoderma harzianum M10 using OSMAC strategy. It showed significant growth inhibition against Rhizoctonia solani and reduced the viability of colorectal cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Metabolomic analysis also revealed the modulation of several compounds by the cultivating conditions.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2023)