Article
Agronomy
Renata Bazok, Jamie O'Keeffe, Ivana Jurada, Zrinka Drmic, Martina Kadoic Balasko, Maja Cacija
Summary: Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is a notorious and problematic pest of potato known for its resistance to chemical insecticides. This study explored the use of ecologically acceptable insecticide treatments against CPB, finding that combinations of low-dose azadirachtin and spinetoram are effective in integrated pest management. Reduced dosages of spinosad and spinetoram also showed high efficacy in field trials, offering effective control of CPB, improved economic outcomes, and positive environmental impact. Further research is recommended to explore different dosages or combinations of ecologically acceptable insecticides for satisfactory CPB control.
Review
Agronomy
Imola Molnar, Elena Rakosy-Tican
Summary: The Colorado potato beetle is highly adaptable and resistant to over 54 different insecticides, leading farmers to increase the use of pesticides with different modes of action. However, this strategy increases the risk of intoxication in non-target organisms and environmental pollution, and is unsustainable for long-term pest management. Integrated pest management is proposed as a more feasible and sustainable solution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Benjamin Pelissie, Yolanda H. Chen, Zachary P. Cohen, Michael S. Crossley, David J. Hawthorne, Victor Izzo, Sean D. Schoville
Summary: Insecticide resistance and rapid pest evolution pose threats to food security and sustainable agricultural practices. This study investigates the evolutionary mechanisms of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) in rapidly adapting to insecticides. The researchers found evidence for three models of rapid evolution: selection on novel mutations, regulatory evolution, and selection on standing genetic variation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effective pest management and maintaining the efficacy and sustainability of control techniques.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junjie Yan, Chaowei Zhang, Mengdi Zhang, Hang Zhou, Zhangqi Zuo, Xinhua Ding, Runzhi Zhang, Fei Li, Yulin Gao
Summary: This study generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of the Colorado potato beetle using PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding technologies. The assembly has a size of -1,008 Mb, anchored to 18 chromosomes, and contains 676 Mb repeat sequences and 29,606 protein-coding genes. This resource will greatly benefit research communities studying the beetle and invasive biology.
Article
Agronomy
Zhou Gao, Xueyang Ju, Mingyu Yang, Rongrong Xue, Qing Li, Kaiyun Fu, Wenchao Guo, Lu Tong, Yuanyuan Song, Rensen Zeng, Jie Wang
Summary: The research found that bacteria in the frass of Colorado potato beetle can suppress the plant defense mechanism and promote the growth of the beetle larvae on potato plants. The addition of antibiotics to the frass triggered stronger defense responses in potato plants. Four bacterial symbionts belonging to different genera were isolated from the frass and found to suppress plant defenses. Reintroducing these bacteria into axenic larvae showed that some bacteria were more abundant in the frass, while others were less abundant due to the negative effect of potato steroidal glycoalkaloids.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Shun-Hua Gui, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe
Summary: In this study, the involvement of myosuppressin (MS) in fecundity in the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) was investigated. Silencing of MS through RNA interference resulted in a significant reduction in oviposition and oocyte size in adult CPBs, highlighting the important role played by MS in regulating fecundity in CPB. The reduction in oviposition in treated females was confirmed to be dependent on MS knockdown and independent of male fertilization, with further effects on ecdysteroid hormone levels and receptor transcript levels.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Fangyuan Yang, Michael S. Crossley, Lukas Schrader, Ivan M. Dubovskiy, Shu-Jun Wei, Runzhi Zhang
Summary: This study investigates the genetic adaptation of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) introduced in Eurasia. The results show a decline in genetic diversity and weak population genetic structure in the eastward expansion of Eurasian populations. Population history reveals a strong bottleneck about 100 years ago when CPB was introduced to Europe. Genome analysis identifies a group of genes related to cold stress, supporting the hypothesis that polygenic adaptation and genetic redundancy can facilitate CPB's adaptation despite genetic depletion.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hanna J. McCoy, Cuijuan Zeng, Emily McCoy, Pamela MacKinley, Jess Vickruck, Larry A. Calhoun, Helen H. Tai
Summary: This study discovered a novel mechanism of plant resistance against the Colorado potato beetle by producing cardiac glycosides in the wild species Solanum okadae. Cardiac glycosides, plant compounds known for inhibiting animal Na+/K+ ATPase, were detected in the foliar metabolite profile of S. okadae but not in the domesticated potato variety Solanum tuberosum cv. Shepody. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic improvement of potatoes through cross-hybridization with CPB-resistant wild relatives.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Fernanda J. Calderon-de la Sancha, Ulises Carrasco-Navarro, Gerardo Santander, Javier Barrios-Gonzalez, Armando Mejia
Summary: Antimicrobial activity was found in a low-molecular-weight protein secreted naturally by Streptomyces lividans TK24 when glucose or glycerol were used as carbon sources, inhibiting the growth of several bacterial species. LC-MS/MS identified a protein fraction with antimicrobial activity, and further analysis suggested that 50S ribosomal protein L19 may be the main candidate responsible for this activity.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ru-Ying Feng, Yi-Hsuan Chen, Chih Lin, Chia-Hsin Tsai, Yu-Liang Yang, Ying-Lien Chen
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether surfactin is the main compound active against Streptomyces scabies in potato common scab. The results showed that the srf gene cluster of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Ba01 is responsible for the secretion of surfactin and inhibition of S. scabies. Knocking out the srf gene cluster significantly decreased the swarming ability, biofilm formation, enzyme activity, and inhibitory effect of Ba01 on S. scabies.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eric G. Middleton, Ian V. MacRae
Summary: Wildflower plantings in agroecosystems can attract predators that prey on Colorado potato beetle (CPB), but these benefits do not extend into nearby potato crops. The presence of flowers did not significantly increase the predation rate of CPB egg masses in field margins. Additionally, floral margins may provide improved overwintering opportunities for CPB.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Maja Cacija, Renata Bazok, Majda Kolenc, Tena Bujas, Zrinka Drmic, Martina Kadoic Balasko
Summary: The Colorado potato beetle is an economic pest of potatoes that has developed resistance to chemical insecticides, thus alternative control measures are needed. A two-year study found that entomopathogenic nematodes have potential in controlling overwintering populations of the beetle to reduce damage and prevent new generations from spreading to surrounding potato growing areas.
Article
Agronomy
Ariela Haber, Donald C. Weber
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time male attraction to the female sex pheromone in the field, and also the first to show bidirectional communication between males and females in a beetle species. The use of semiochemicals for monitoring and managing Colorado potato beetle should consider male-, female-, as well as plant-produced volatiles as important tools.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ekaterina Chertkova, Marsel R. Kabilov, Olga Yaroslavtseva, Olga Polenogova, Elena Kosman, Darya Sidorenko, Tatyana Alikina, Yury Noskov, Anton Krivopalov, Viktor V. Glupov, Vadim Yu. Kryukov
Summary: The level of fungistasis toward Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana in different soils was investigated. It was found that kitchen gardens had stronger fungistasis and higher density of the fungi compared to conventional fields. The fungistasis level depended on the quantity of bacterial DNA and relative abundance of certain bacteria. Cultivable isolates of bacilli exhibited antagonism to both fungi in vitro.
Article
Agronomy
Katerina Kovarikova, Petr Dolezal, Ervin Hausvater, Martin Zabka, Roman Pavela
Summary: The synergistic effect of neem and karanja oils on Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae was observed, providing a promising environmentally friendly solution for plant protection. The mixture of neem and karanja oils (MIX) showed the best protective effect against CPB larvae in field conditions.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jacob P. Walsh, Natasha DesRochers, Justin B. Renaud, Keith A. Seifert, Ken K-C Yeung, Mark W. Sumarah
Summary: This study identified a siderophore produced by Ilyonectria for the first time, linking it to disease virulence. Siderophore production was suppressed as iron concentration increased, providing new insights into ginseng root rot research.
JOURNAL OF GINSENG RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hooman Hosseinzadeh Namin, Vladimir Zhurov, Jeremy Spenler, Miodrag Grbic, Vojislava Grbic, Ian M. Scott
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
William Pinsky, Aaron Harris, Austyn D. Roseborough, Wenxuan Wang, Ali R. Khan, Kristina Jurcic, Ken K-C Yeung, Stephen H. Pasternak, Shawn N. Whitehead
Summary: Periventricular white matter hyperintensities (pvWMHs) detected by MRI are associated with increased risk of stroke and dementia. MALDI IMS was used to analyze lipid distribution in formalin-fixed human brain tissues, revealing lipid expression differences between pvWMHs and normal white matter.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Ian M. Scott, Gabrielle Hatten, Yazel Tuncer, Victoria C. Clarke, Kristina Jurcic, Ken K. -C. Yeung
Summary: Surveillance and determination of pesticide resistance mechanisms are essential for resistance management. The study utilized proteomic analysis to identify protein differences in susceptible and resistant strains of Colorado potato beetle (CPB), revealing a potential connection between C-type lectin (CTL) expression and insect immunity response to toxins. The findings suggest a novel approach for pest management through targeting insect immunity pathways and highlight the adaptability of CPB to various challenges including synthetic insecticides.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chaochao Chen, Steven R. Laviolette, Shawn N. Whitehead, Justin B. Renaud, Ken K-C Yeung
Summary: In this study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were investigated as an alternative to titanium dioxide nanoparticles for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging of low molecular weight molecules. Zinc oxide nanoparticles dissolved in acidic pH showed similar or better results compared to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in imaging LMWM, with regular acid washes effective in maintaining reproducibility. High-quality images of tissue sections were obtained, predominantly detecting ions as Na+ or K+ adducts in the positive ion mode, with ZnO NP detecting a similar number of LMWM as TiO2 NP.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ian M. Scott, Tim McDowell, Justin B. Renaud, Sophie W. Krolikowski, Ling Chen, Sangeeta Dhaubhadel
Summary: In southern Ontario, emerging pest two-spotted spider mite is becoming a threat to soybean due to warmer, drier weather. Evaluating 18 soybean cultivars revealed some cultivars, such as OAC Avatar, showed partial resistance to TSSM. Isoflavonoid concentrations in leaves had a low but significant positive correlation with TSSM counts and feeding damage.
Article
Entomology
Ian M. Scott, Tim McDowell, Justin B. Renaud, Sophie W. Krolikowski, Ling Chen, Sangeeta Dhaubhadel
Summary: This project examined the interaction between soybean aphids and Ontario-grown soybean cultivars to determine which leaf metabolites were most associated with aphid resistance. The study found a low correlation between isoflavonoid leaf concentrations and aphid resistance, but the aphid-resistant cultivars were determined to have lower free amino acid concentrations. Identifying these resistant cultivars is essential for managing aphid populations and improving soybean resistance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kang Kang, Griffin Loebsack, Tahereh Sarchami, Naomi B. Klinghoffer, Sadegh Papari, Ken K. -C. Yeung, Franco Berruti
Summary: This study focuses on the co-pyrolysis of different biomasses with red mud and investigates the reaction mechanism and characterization of the produced magnetic adsorbents. The findings show that samples prepared at high temperature exhibit the best performance, and cellulose-rich adsorbents have higher adsorption efficacy.
Article
Food Science & Technology
M. J. Kelman, J. B. Renaud, D. Baines, K. K-C Yeung, J. D. Miller, M. W. Sumarah
Summary: Silage, a key component of animal feed in Canada and northern Europe, can contain toxic fungal metabolites and is susceptible to spoilage by yeasts and fungi. This study analyzed silage samples from Canadian dairy goat and cattle farms and identified multiple fungal species and mycotoxins. The findings highlight the importance of implementing best management practices to minimize fungal contamination and mycotoxin deposition to maintain animal health.
WORLD MYCOTOXIN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Mohammed H. Sarikahya, Samantha Cousineau, Marta De Felice, Kendrick Lee, Karen Kw Wong, Marieka V. DeVuono, Tony Jung, Mar Rodriguez-Ruiz, Tsun Hay Jason Ng, Dana Gummerson, Emma Proud, Daniel B. Hardy, Ken K-C Yeung, Walter Rushlow, Steven R. Laviolette
Summary: Despite increased prevalence of maternal cannabis use, little is understood regarding potential long-term effects of prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) on neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study found that PCE induces behavioral, neuronal, and molecular alterations in the mesolimbic system in male and female offspring, resembling neuropsychiatric endophenotypes. Moreover, PCE resulted in profound dysregulation of critical fatty acid pathways in the developing brain lipidome.
Article
Neurosciences
Marta De Felice, Chaochao Chen, Mar Rodriguez-Ruiz, Hanna J. Szkudlarek, Michael Lam, Selvi Sert, Shawn N. Whitehead, Ken K-C Yeung, Walter J. Rushlow, Steven R. Laviolette
Summary: This study used an integrative approach to investigate the effects of adolescent THC exposure on the dorsal and ventral regions of the hippocampus. The findings reveal long-lasting memory deficits and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as differential molecular and neuronal abnormalities in these hippocampal regions. Additionally, the study demonstrates dysregulation of GABA and glutamate levels, as well as glutamatergic signaling in the dorsal and ventral regions of the hippocampus.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jacob P. Walsh, Christopher P. Garnham, Ken K-C Yeung, Mark W. Sumarah
Summary: This translated article describes a decrease in crop yields caused by ginseng root rot, and highlights the important role of TAFC in the virulence of the ginseng pathogens. The results demonstrate that enzymatic degradation of TAFC can effectively control ginseng root rot.
ACS AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Kendrick Lee, Mohammed H. Sarikahya, Tony Jung, Samantha L. Cousineau, Ken K. -C. Yeung, Steven R. Laviolette, Daniel B. Hardy
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Rana Samara, Tawfiq Qubbaj, Ian Scott, Tim Mcdowell
Summary: The study evaluated the antifungal effects of eight Palestinian indigenous plant essential oils on common postharvest pathogens of tomato and strawberry fruits. Thyme, sesame, and sage essential oils exhibited high antifungal activity against Botrytis cinerea, with clove and sage oils inhibiting mycelium growth significantly. Coating fruit with essential oils reduced decay and improved fruit quality, highlighting the potential use of sage essential oil as an alternative to synthetic pesticides for extending shelf life.
JOURNAL OF PLANT PROTECTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Guanshuai Zhang, Shanjian Liu, Dongmei Bi, Zhisen He, Jia Liu, Yinjiao Liu
Summary: Hydrogen peroxide pretreatment was applied for fast pyrolysis of corn stalks, and it was found that the pretreatment effectively promoted lignin depolymerization and decreased the reaction activation energy. The pretreatment also increased the cellulose content and removed alkali and alkaline earth metals from the biomass. The pH of the hydrogen peroxide solution affected the removal of lignin and ash by the pretreatment, and the composition of bio-oil changed significantly, with a significant increase in the relative content of levoglucosan after pretreatment.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL AND APPLIED PYROLYSIS
(2024)
