Article
Plant Sciences
Debajit Das, Indrani K. Baruah, Debashis Panda, Ricky Raj Paswan, Sumita Acharjee, Bidyut Kumar Sarmah
Summary: The study focused on analyzing the transcript dynamics in black gram pods to understand the defense mechanism against bruchid oviposition. RNAseq approach revealed significant changes in the transcript profile related to defense response genes, transcription factors, secondary metabolites, enzyme inhibitors, and signal transduction pathways in both resistant and susceptible cultivars. The defense response in black gram against bruchid oviposition is mediated by SA signaling pathways and genes for secondary metabolites and enzyme inhibitors may play a crucial role in resistance.
Article
Agronomy
Ranran Wu, Qinxue Zhang, Yun Lin, Jingbin Chen, Prakit Somta, Qiang Yan, Chenchen Xue, Jinyang Liu, Xin Chen, Xingxing Yuan
Summary: Marker-assisted backcross (MABC) breeding was used to develop advanced inbred lines with resistance to bruchids. The line R67-22 showed high resistance and excellent agronomic traits, indicating its potential as a new mung bean variety.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shyali Iroshani Rathnayaka Gamage, Anochar Kaewwongwal, Kularb Laosatit, Tarika Yimram, Yun Lin, Xin Chen, Mikio Nakazono, Prakit Somta
Summary: This study identified two genes responsible for resistance against the azuki bean weevil in TN67 and identified candidate genes for this resistance. Comparative genomics confirmed the presence of two tandemly duplicated genes, VacPGIP1 and VacPGIP2, which are likely key players in conferring resistance.
Article
Agronomy
Gwang Hyun Roh, Paul E. Kendra, Junwei J. Zhu, Amy Roda, Gregory M. Loeb, Jia-Wei Tay, Dong H. Cha
Summary: This study evaluated the oviposition deterrent activity of coconut free fatty acids (CFFA) against the oriental fruit fly (OFF). The results showed that CFFA deterred OFF oviposition in a dose-dependent manner, with four compounds significantly reducing oviposition, two compounds having no effect, and two compounds stimulating oviposition.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Luz Raquel Bourne-Murrieta, Rey D. Iturralde-Garcia, Francisco J. Wong-Corral, Cristina Castane, Jordi Riudavets
Summary: High CO2 modified atmosphere packaging is a sustainable alternative for pest control in stored products, with different CO2 concentrations and filling ratios affecting the effectiveness of the treatment. The study observed no significant differences in mortality rates of C. chinensis eggs and pupae between packages with different filling ratios, highlighting the importance of sufficient treatment times for effective pest control.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kitiya Amkul, Kularb Laosatit, Yun Lin, Xingxing Yuan, Xin Chen, Prakit Somta
Summary: In this study, we identified two tightly linked QTLs, qBr6.1-A and qBr6.1-B, associated with seed resistance to two bruchid species in the zombi pea. We also identified the candidate gene VvTaXI as the responsible gene for the resistance. This finding provides valuable information for molecular breeding of bruchid resistance in legume crops.
Article
Entomology
Akovognon Dieudonne Kpoviessi, Symphorien Agbahoungba, Eric E. Agoyi, Ephraim Nuwamanya, Achille E. Assogbadjo, Daniel C. Chougourou, Hubert Adoukonou-Sagbadja
Summary: This study investigated the biochemical compounds of cowpea genotypes to determine their resistance to bruchid. Resistant genotypes contained higher levels of defensive compounds, while susceptible genotypes had lower amounts. The path analysis revealed causal relationships between biochemical compounds and resistance parameters.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Olufemi Ashamo, Kayode David Ileke, Olaniyi Charles Ogungbite
Summary: This research investigated the effectiveness of rice husk, wheat husk, and groundnut pod ash and powder in controlling cowpea beetle infestation. Rice husk ash resulted in the highest mortality of adult beetles, while wheat husk ash reduced seed damage and weight loss effectively. The findings suggest that these agricultural waste products have promising insecticidal potential against cowpea beetles and could be used as alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for stored product insect control.
Article
Agronomy
Radek Aulicky, Jawad Ali Shah, Vlastimil Kolar, Zhihong Li, Vaclav Stejskal
Summary: Due to the complexity of controlled atmospheres in agro-commodities protection, there is a lack of scientific documentation on the practical usage of inert gases. This study evaluated the effectiveness of hypoxic and anoxic nitrogen atmospheres in controlling two major pests in grain storage, Sitophilus granarius and Callosobruchus chinensis, under laboratory and field conditions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Archana Remesh, Patole Reshma Prabhakar, C. S. Vivek Babu
Summary: This study compared the insecticidal activity of four mint essential oils against rice weevil and found that M. spicata essential oil exhibited the strongest toxicity, causing 100% mortality. It also showed strong oviposition deterrence and AChE inhibition. The treated grains retained seed viability and showed no persistence of mint aroma residues.
Article
Entomology
Bahram Naseri, Shadi Majd-Marani, Forough Bidar
Summary: Seed hardness is a key factor determining the resistance and susceptibility of chickpea cultivars to C. maculatus. Cultivars Adel and Mansour have the greatest impact on the development and reproduction of the pest, while cultivar Nosrat has the least impact.
JOURNAL OF STORED PRODUCTS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jianjun Yan, Jingbin Chen, Yun Lin, Xingxing Yuan, Prakit Somta, Yaowen Zhang, Zeyan Zhang, Xianhong Zhang, Xin Chen
Summary: This study identified a major QTL, qPsBr2.1, on chromosome 2 of field pea PWY19, which controls seed resistance to bruchids. Fine mapping narrowed down the QTL to a genomic region of 1.07 Mb and identified PsXI as a candidate gene for bruchid resistance.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ana Carla da Silva, Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro, Andre Mesquita Marques, Maria Raquel Figueiredo, Julio Cesar Ribeiro de Oliveira Farias de Aguiar, Claudio Augusto Gomes da Camara, Marcilio Martins de Moraes, Fabio Henrique Galdino dos Santos, Eduarda Florencio Santos, Gilson Jose da Silva Gomes Vieira, Hugo Vitorio dos Santos Oliveira, Luiz Alberto Lira Soares, Magda Rhayanny Assuncao Ferreira
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the oviposition deterrent activity of different products extracted from the leaves of Eugenia uniflora against Aedes aegypti. The results showed significant oviposition deterrent activity for the products, especially the aqueous extract and hydrolate. These findings suggest the potential value of E. uniflora leaf extracts in controlling the oviposition of A. aegypti.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
G. Vijayalakshmi, K. Elango, E. Adlin Pricilla Vasanthi, C. Vadivel, R. Surya Raj, A. Thennarasi, V. C. Anusha
Summary: The study evaluated the insecticidal, oviposition deterrent, and antifeedant activity of certain plant extracts against the pulse beetle, C. chinensis. Results showed that V. negundo had the highest mortality rate, P. glabra had good oviposition deterrent effects, and C. gigantea had high antifeedant activity.
Article
Agronomy
M. Bayu Mario, Ludji Pantja Astuti, Jue-Liang Hsu, Lekhnath Kafle, Ito Fernando
Summary: This study evaluated the bioefficacy of eight plant powders as fumigants against the adzuki bean weevil. Among them, clove, holy basil, lemongrass, and turmeric powder showed high mortality, oviposition deterrence, and F1 progeny inhibition against the pest, resulting in lower bean damage and weight loss. The plant powders also exhibited high feeding deterrence and adult repellent activities. Clove powder was found to be the most efficacious fumigant, even at the lowest dose. These findings highlight the potential use of plant powder fumigants as an eco-friendly and cost-effective management method for stored product pests.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Samuel Furse, Samuel Virtue, Stuart G. Snowden, Antonio Vidal-Puig, Philip C. Stevenson, Davide Chiarugi, Albert Koulman
Summary: The study found that supplementation of individual PUFAs has system-level effects dependent on the molecular structure of the PUFA, affecting changes in lipid metabolism variety and total number of variables in phosphatidylcholine and triglycerides, as well as influencing endogenous biosynthesis of fatty acids, elongation, and desaturation of fatty acids.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Lawrence O. Ochieng, Joshua O. Ogendo, Philip K. Bett, Jane G. Nyaanga, Erick K. Cheruiyot, Richard M. S. Mulwa, Sarah E. J. Arnold, Steven R. Belmain, Philip C. Stevenson
Summary: This study demonstrates that commercial botanical insecticides, combined with florally rich field margins, can provide an integrated, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternative to synthetic insecticides for insect pest management. It also shows that this approach can increase the productivity of the orphan crop legume, Lablab.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aliyu Aminu, Philip C. Stevenson, David Grzywacz
Summary: It is found that the presence of acidic substances on the surface of cowpea and pigeonpea reduces the infectivity of Helicoverpa armigera nucleopolyhedrovirus. This finding is particularly important for the use of this virus as a pesticide on these crops.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2023)
Review
Entomology
Geoff M. M. Gurr, Jian Liu, John A. A. Pickett, Philip C. C. Stevenson
Summary: This review article discusses the potential ecological functions of the homoterpenes DMNT and TMTT, which are volatile products of plant metabolism. These compounds have been reported in various plant taxa and tissues, and they may have roles in plant-arthropod interactions. DMNT and TMTT are important constituents of floral scents and may attract pollinators, although there is limited experimental evidence for this. They are also released by plants in response to arthropod feeding or damage, and may play a role in herbivore-induced plant volatile blends. The authors conclude by highlighting the need for further research on the ecological functions of DMNT and TMTT and their potential use in agriculture.
AUSTRAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Christopher I. Imakando, G. Mandela Fernandez-Grandon, Grant R. Singleton, Steven R. Belmain
Summary: Evidence-based information on the foraging activity of rodent pests in maize fields can help smallholder farmers determine when and where to conduct rodent management. This study found that the foraging activity of rodents was influenced by vegetation cover and food availability, with higher activity observed in the natural habitat and along the border during the germination stage and in the maize fields during the harvest stage.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Laura L. Figueroa, Alison Fowler, Stephanie Lopez, Victoria E. Amaral, Hauke Koch, Philip C. Stevenson, Rebecca E. Irwin, Lynn S. Adler
Summary: Plants, such as sunflowers, have unique traits that can reduce infections in animals. Sunflowers have pollen that suppresses infections in bumble bees caused by the gut pathogen Crithidia bombi. The mechanism behind this effect is unknown, and it is unclear if other Asteraceae species have similar effects.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Janet N. N. Obanyi, Joshua O. O. Ogendo, Richard M. S. Mulwa, Jane G. G. Nyaanga, Erick K. K. Cheruiyot, Philip K. K. Bett, Steven R. R. Belmain, Sarah E. J. Arnold, Victoria C. C. Nash-Woolley, Philip C. C. Stevenson
Summary: Field margin plants can increase natural enemy abundance and help control aphids. This study found that the presence of plant-rich field margins increased natural enemy populations and supported higher populations of parasitoids and predators, leading to effective pest management of bean aphids.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Genet B. B. Gebrezgiher, Rhodes H. H. Makundi, Abdul A. S. Katakweba, Steven R. R. Belmain, Charles M. M. Lyimo, Yonas Meheretu
Summary: This study investigated the factors influencing ectoparasite infestation on two rodent species on Mount Meru in Tanzania, and found that host sex, species, and temperature predicted ectoparasite infestation patterns. Surprisingly, host density did not have a significant effect on ectoparasite distribution. The study highlights the importance of higher elevation zones for conservation due to the cold conditions that limit parasite reproduction and development.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zuwena J. Ngoya, Angela G. Mkindi, Steven J. Vanek, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, Philip C. Stevenson, Steven R. Belmain
Summary: Pests and diseases pose a significant challenge for common bean production in smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Farmers' knowledge and management practices for soil-borne pests and diseases are often inadequate. This study in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania examined the relationship between farmer knowledge, soil type, soil quality, and the management of bean pests and diseases. The results highlighted the need for research, farmer education, and sustainable practices to effectively manage soil-borne pests and diseases for smallholders.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Gift Chawanda, Yolice L. B. Tembo, Trust Kasambala Donga, Vernon H. Kabambe, Philip C. Stevenson, Steven R. Belmain
Summary: Fall armyworm poses a major threat to smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa, causing significant losses to cereal crops. Smallholders have been adapting to this pest by increasing crop surveillance and developing low-cost solutions using soil treatments and botanical powders. Scientific validation of these methods can help policy makers recommend their use to smallholder farmers, reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides and improving farmer resilience and environmental health.
FRONTIERS IN AGRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Juri A. Felix, Philip C. Stevenson, Julia Koricheva
Summary: Leaf trait expression is highly plastic in response to neighbourhood diversity, which could lead to increased leaf quality and promote higher rates of herbivory.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roisin Fattorini, Paul A. Egan, James Rosindell, Iain W. Farrell, Philip C. Stevenson
Summary: This study characterizes the expression of GTX I in leaves, petals, and nectar of seven Rhododendron species. The results show interspecific variation in GTX I concentration, with higher concentrations in leaves compared to petals and nectar. This suggests functional trade-offs between herbivore defense and pollinator attraction in Rhododendron species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samuel Furse, Carlos Martel, Abdikarim Yusuf, Gemma C. Shearman, Hauke Koch, Philip C. Stevenson
Summary: Sterols play various roles in plants, including being membrane components and essential nutrients for insects. In this study, the sterol composition in leaves and pollen from the same plant, as well as in wind- and insect-pollinated pollens and nectar- and pollen-rewarding species, was investigated. A novel approach using LCMS identified 21 sterols in leaf and pollen samples, with C29 sterols dominating the sterolome in most plants. The sterol composition differed significantly between leaf and pollen, as well as between animal- and wind-pollinated pollens, suggesting a link between sterol composition and biological functions of different plant tissues.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Samuel Furse, Hauke Koch, Geraldine A. Wright, Philip C. Stevenson
Summary: Understanding the nutrient metabolism and nutritional needs of bees is crucial for agriculture and conservation, as bees play an essential role in pollination and supporting plant diversity. Pollen is the main source of dietary fat and sterols for bees, but the specific essential nutrients and quantities needed are still unknown.