Article
Agronomy
Martina Kadoic Balasko, Katarina M. Mikac, Hugo A. Benitez, Renata Bazok, Darija Lemic
Summary: The study aimed to identify reliable patterns of difference related to resistance type in western corn rootworm populations using population genetic and geometric morphometric approaches. The genetic analysis revealed some differences among resistant US populations, with limited genetic differentiation and structuring. Geometric morphometric results supported the genetic findings, showing similar wing shape in different genetic populations carrying resistance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guendalina Marini, Brad Poland, Chris Leininger, Natalya Lukoyanova, Dan Spielbauer, Jennifer K. Barry, Dan Altier, Amy Lum, Eric Scolaro, Claudia Perez Ortega, Nasser Yalpani, Gary Sandahl, Tim Mabry, Jeffrey Klever, Timothy Nowatzki, Jian-Zhou Zhao, Amit Sethi, Adane Kassa, Virginia Crane, Albert L. Lu, Mark E. Nelson, Narayanan Eswar, Maya Topf, Helen R. Saibil
Summary: Detailed structural analyses of the insecticidal protein Mpf2Ba1 reveal transitions between its three main stages of pore formation, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of bacterial pore assembly and advancing crop biotechnology and food security.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Isaac Oyediran, Marlin E. Rice, Jared Conville, Eric Boudreau, Shannon Morsello, Tony Burd
Summary: In 2017 and 2018, studies showed that Bt corn hybrids expressing both mCry3A and eCry3.1Ab proteins provided better root protection and consistency against western corn rootworm compared to hybrids expressing only one of the proteins and non-Bt corn. Therefore, stacking of Bt traits is recommended for managing insect resistance.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thomas Edrington, Rong Wang, Lucas McKinnon, Colton Kessenich, Kimberly Hodge-Bell, Wenze Li, Jianguo Tan, Gregory Brown, Cunxi Wang, Bin Li, Kara Giddings
Summary: Western corn rootworm is a major threat to agriculture, but genetically modified crops expressing insecticidal proteins have been developed as an effective tool in pest management. This study assesses the safety of a new insecticidal protein, Vpb4Da2, and concludes that it poses no risk to human or animal health.
Article
Agronomy
Dariane Souza, Blair D. Siegfried, Lance J. Meinke, Nicholas J. Miller
Summary: The study revealed that P450-mediated metabolism is likely a major mechanism of WCR pyrethroid resistance, potentially affecting the efficacy of other insecticides with similar metabolic pathways. Additionally, results suggested that although laboratory selection of a pyrethroid-resistant WCR population may help to characterize resistance mechanisms, a field-selected population provided rare and potentially major variants corresponding to the resistance trait.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Kyle J. Paddock, Christelle A. M. Robert, Matthias Erb, Bruce E. Hibbard
Summary: Over 90 million acres of US cropland are planted with corn annually, with the western corn rootworm causing significant economic damage and developing resistance to multiple management techniques. Further research is needed for new management tools to combat this major pest.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lise Pingault, Saumik Basu, Neetha N. Vellichirammal, William Paul Williams, Gautam Sarath, Joe Louis
Summary: The study found that belowground feeding by the Western corn rootworm affects plant defense responses and gene expression related to jasmonic acid and ethylene pathways in maize. Prolonged feeding by the rootworm suppresses genes involved in the benzoxazinoid pathway, which provides resistance to insect pests. Additionally, several genes related to proteolysis, neuropeptide signaling pathway, defense response, drug catabolic process, and hormone metabolic process were downregulated in the rootworm.
Article
Agronomy
Raquel Peron-Danaher, Lorenzo Cotrozzi, Ali Masjedi, Laramy S. Enders, Christian H. Krupke, Michael V. Mickelbart, John J. Couture
Summary: Root-feeding herbivores present challenges for insect scouting, and hyperspectral data can help to detect plant stress. However, the limitations of using hyperspectral data in multi-stress environments are still unclear.
Article
Entomology
Molly Darlington, Jordan D. Reinders, Amit Sethi, Albert L. Lu, Partha Ramaseshadri, Joshua R. Fischer, Chad J. Boeckman, Jay S. Petrick, Jason M. Roper, Kenneth E. Narva, Ana M. Velez
Summary: The western corn rootworm is an economically important pest of maize in the United States. Various management strategies have been used, but resistance has evolved, highlighting the need for new approaches. RNA interference technology is considered the next step in species-specific pest management.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jean-Louis Kouadio, Meiying Zheng, Michael Aikins, David Duda, Stephen Duff, Danqi Chen, Jun Zhang, Jason Milligan, Christina Taylor, Patricia Mamanella, Timothy Rydel, Colton Kessenich, Timothy Panosian, Yong Yin, William Moar, Kara Giddings, Yoonseong Park, Agoston Jerga, Jeffrey Haas
Summary: The study identified the crystal structure and mode of action of the Vpb4Da2 protein, the first identified insecticidal Vpb4 protein with commercial level control against WCR. This finding will contribute to the development of more effective insecticidal proteins in transgenic maize.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rodelyn Jaksons, Katharina Falkner, Elena Moltchanova
Summary: This study proposes the use of the Gompertz function in a Bayesian Hierarchical framework to model the emergence dynamics of the western corn rootworm beetle, and considers how climatic variables can influence the observed dynamics.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Kyle J. Paddock, Kyle Dellamano, Bruce E. Hibbard, Kent S. Shelby
Summary: Insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins is a major concern in agriculture, and resistance mechanisms include loss of toxin binding sites, changes in gut microbiota, and midgut tissue regeneration. This study provides histopathological evidence for the first time showing the morphological response of Bt-resistant and Bt-susceptible western corn rootworm larvae to Bt intoxication, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of Bt resistance in these insects.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xiaozeng Yang, Elane Fishilevich, Marcelo A. German, Premchand Gandra, Robert E. McEwan, Andre Billion, Eileen Knorr, Andreas Vilcinskas, Kenneth E. Narva
Summary: Western corn rootworm (WCR) is a highly destructive agricultural insect pest in North America, yet little is known about its genetic basis of behavior and adaptation. Through constructing, sequencing, and analyzing sRNA libraries, this study identified various precursor miRNAs and specific pre-miRNAs in WCR, as well as revealed the dynamic change of sRNA transcriptome during insect development. Comparisons with other insect species highlighted conserved miRNA-regulated processes in WCR and suggested the existence of potentially evolutionarily transient miRNAs.
GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Antoine Pasquier, Lucie S. Monticelli, Adeline Moreau, Benjamin Kaltenbach, Candice Chabot, Thibault Andrieux, Maxime Ferrero, Elodie Vercken
Summary: The predatory mite Gaeolaelaps aculeifer showed potential to control Western Corn Rootworm in laboratory settings. Field trials revealed that releasing a lower number of mites in combination with an alternative food source can provide comparable results to pesticide application in managing this pest, highlighting a sustainable and cost-effective strategy.
Article
Entomology
Jacob D. Washburn, Harper F. Lafond, Martian C. Lapadatescu, Adriano E. Pereira, Matthias Erb, Bruce E. Hibbard
Summary: Western corn rootworm is a serious economic pest of maize in the US and Europe, and traditional management methods have failed due to resistance development. Breeding for natural resistance is challenging due to the complex nature of resistance traits. This study identified potential genetic loci associated with resistance and suggested that breeding for resistance will require stacking of multiple small effect loci.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Guilherme A. B. Pereira, Antonio A. C. Vieira, Ricardo J. Machado, Bruno L. S. Ferreira, Luis M. S. Dias, Jose A. Oliveira
Summary: This paper introduces a tool that allows students and professors to use Activity Cycle Diagrams (ACDs) for system modeling and simulation experiments, in order to enhance the understanding of fundamental simulation concepts. This tool facilitates a comprehensive understanding of real systems and provides an appropriate teaching and learning strategy.
JOURNAL OF SIMULATION
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Josef J. Gross, Pierre Mateo, Dietmar Ramhold, Ewald Kramer, Matthias Erb, Christelle A. M. Robert
Summary: This study investigates the metabolization of benzoxazinoids (BXs) in silages of two maize genotypes during aerobic deterioration. It finds that the concentration of BXs in silage decreases over time in the wild type maize, while the concentration increases in mutant maize. Aerobic stability is influenced by BXs, and the nutrient composition is not affected. Further research is needed under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Kajol Y. Adav, Aashaq Hussain Bhat, Joaquin A. Bolafia, Ricardo A. R. M. Achado, Shaheen Majeed W. Ani, Ashok Kumar C. Haubey
Summary: Two populations of Panagrolaimus nematodes were found in infected slugs from India, and their morphological characteristics were compared with populations from China, Bulgaria, and Iran. Molecular analysis supported the morphological findings, suggesting that the Indian populations belong to the species P. labiatus. Furthermore, the study proposed P. burdwanensis as a junior synonym of P. labiatus, highlighting the importance of combining morphological and molecular data for the accurate description of soil microfauna.
Article
Zoology
Aashaq Hussain Bhat, Ameni Loulou, Joaquin Abolafia, Ricardo A. R. Machado, Sadreddine Kallel
Summary: Four populations of Acrobeloides nematodes were isolated from Tunisian soils. Two populations were identified as A. tricornis and the other two as A. bodenheimeri based on morphological and morphometric data. Molecular characterization using different gene sequences showed that the mtCO1 gene has greater resolving power than nuclear rRNA gene sequences in differentiating closely related species in the genus Acrobeloides.
Article
Plant Sciences
Laura Boettner, Antonino Malacrino, Christian Schulze Gronover, Nicole van Deenen, Boje Mueller, Shuqing Xu, Jonathan Gershenzon, Dirk Pruefer, Meret Huber
Summary: Natural rubber affects the resistance of Russian dandelion to root herbivory and alters the root microbiota. Transgenic plants with reduced rubber content are more susceptible to herbivory, while adding purified rubber can deter feeding and reduce larval weight gain.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ameni Loulou, Maristella Mastore, Sara Caramella, Aashaq Hussain Bhat, Maurizio Francesco Brivio, Ricardo A. R. Machado, Sadreddine Kallel
Summary: This study isolated and identified several bacterial species associated with soil-borne nematodes, and found that they are highly entomopathogenic. The results suggest the potential use of these bacteria as biocontrol agents in environmentally friendly and sustainable agriculture.
Article
Microbiology
Ricardo A. R. Machado, Aashaq H. Bhat, Patrick Fallet, Ted C. J. Turlings, Joelle Kajuga, Xun Yan, Stefan Toepfer
Summary: Four Gram-negative bacterial strains isolated from Steinernema africanum entomopathogenic nematodes were identified as a novel subspecies within the genus Xenorhabdus, named X. bovienii subsp. africana subsp. nov, with the type strain XENO-1(T). The strains exhibited a high similarity to X. bovienii T228(T) but showed distinct physiological profiles. The taxonomic position was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, whole genome-based phylogenetic reconstructions, and ANI and dDDH values calculation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Hui Lyu, Yu Chen, Jonathan Gershenzon, Christian Paetz
Summary: In this study, we discovered that Phenylphenalenones (PPs) are major components of the seed coats of Musella lasiocarpa. We also identified two previously unknown PP dimers (M-4 and M-6) and a group of unreported diarylheptanoid derivatives (musellins A-F), which provide a good system for studying the biosynthesis of PPs.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Toni Krause, Piera Wiesinger, Diego Gonzalez-Cabanelas, Nathalie Lackus, Tobias G. Koellner, Thomas Kluepfel, Jonathan Williams, Johann Rohwer, Jonathan Gershenzon, Axel Schmidt
Summary: This study investigated the major HDR isoforms in Norway spruce and gray poplar to determine their regulation of isoprenoid formation. The results showed that Norway spruce has two different HDR isoforms, with one producing more IDP for carotenoid and chlorophyll production, and the other producing more DMADP for specialized metabolites. Gray poplar, on the other hand, has only one dominant isoform that produces more DMADP, potentially explaining its high rate of isoprene emission.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mengyu Liu, Gaojie Hong, Huijing Li, Xiaoli Bing, Yumeng Chen, Xiangfeng Jing, Jonathan Gershenzon, Yonggen Lou, Ian T. Baldwin, Ran Li
Summary: Plants produce chemical defenses to poison or deter insect herbivores, but these defenses may also affect the beneficial endosymbionts of the herbivores. This study found that rice produces an antifungal flavonoid phytoalexin in response to attack by a pest, which inhibits the pest's beneficial endosymbionts.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dineshkumar Kandasamy, Rashaduz Zaman, Yoko N. Nakamura, Tao Zhao, Henrik Hartmann, Martin Andersson, Almuth Hammerbacher, Jonathan Gershenzon
Summary: In recent years, outbreaks of the Eurasian spruce bark beetle have caused significant damage to conifer forests in Europe. The ability of these insects to kill mature trees is attributed to mass attacks on the host tree and the presence of fungal symbionts. The role of chemical communication in maintaining the fungal symbiosis is poorly understood. This study shows that the fungal symbionts metabolize spruce resin monoterpenes and produce oxygenated derivatives that act as cues for the beetles to locate breeding sites with beneficial symbionts.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yuegui Chen, Qin Yan, Yunheng Ji, Xue Bai, Desen Li, Rongfang Mu, Kai Guo, Minjie Yang, Yang Tao, Jonathan Gershenzon, Yan Liu, Shenghong Li
Summary: This study characterized UDP-glycosyltransferases responsible for biosynthesizing the sugar chain of bioactive steroidal saponins from Paris poly-phylla var. yunnanensis. The UDP-glycosyltransferases showed substrate promiscuity and a mutant with increased catalytic efficiency was obtained. The steroidal saponins exhibited strong antifungal activity, particularly with 20-O-rhamnosylation.
ACTA PHARMACEUTICA SINICA B
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gaochen Jin, Jinfeng Qi, Hongyue Zu, Shuting Liu, Jonathan Gershenzon, Yonggen Lou, Ian T. Baldwin, Ran Li
Summary: Plant defense against herbivores is costly and often leads to growth repression. The phytohormone jasmonate (JA) plays a key role in prioritizing defense over growth during herbivore attack, but the mechanisms are not well understood. This study demonstrates that JA signaling enhances gibberellin (GA) catabolism mediated by GA2ox enzymes, resulting in growth inhibition in rice plants attacked by brown planthoppers (BPH). JA signaling activates defense responses and GA catabolism concurrently, optimizing resource allocation in attacked plants and providing a mechanism for phytohormone crosstalk.
Article
Plant Sciences
Andrea T. Mueller, Yoko Nakamura, Michael Reichelt, Katrin Luck, Eric Cosio, Nathalie D. Lackus, Jonathan Gershenzon, Axel Mithoefer, Tobias G. Koellner
Summary: The formation and glucosylation of aldoximes are important for plant defense against herbivores and pathogens. Aldoximes are precursors for defense compounds and can also act as defenses themselves. The accumulation of phenylacetaldoxime glucoside (PAOx-Glc) in response to herbivory has been observed in the Neotropical myrmecophyte tococa and other plant species.