Pest Management Science最新文献

{"title":"Ecotoxicology of microplastic contamination: insights into the pest defense of Ulmus pumila and pest control efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis.","authors":"Songfei Li,Jun Chen,Ruiqi Wang,Aoying Zhang,Mingtao Tan,Shanchun Yan,Dun Jiang","doi":"10.1002/ps.70048","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70048","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe situation of microplastic pollution in terrestrial ecosystems is becoming increasingly severe. This study developed a polyethylene (PE) microplastic-contaminated soil-Ulmus pumila-Hyphantria cunea larvae food chain model to investigate the ecotoxicological impacts of soil microplastic pollution from the perspective of pest occurrence and pest control.RESULTSAfter feeding on PE-treated U. pumila leaves, the body weight, body length, head capsule width and nutrient content of H. cunea larvae were significantly reduced, accompanied by disrupted expression levels of growth regulatory genes. PE stress significantly reduced the content of nutrients and chlorophyll in U. pumila leaves and inhibited the expression of key genes in glucose and amino acid metabolism pathways. PE treatment also significantly reduced the content of secondary metabolites (flavonoids and total phenolics) and the expression levels of key genes in the flavonoid synthesis pathway (e.g., FLS and CHS) in the leaves. The combined treatment of PE and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) significantly increased the mortality and weight inhibition rate of H. cunea larvae in a synergistic manner. The combined treatment of PE and Bt aggravated the breakdown of innate immunity in larvae, including cellular and humoral immunity. PE and Bt combined treatment significantly increased the expression of apoptosis genes in larval midgut, as well as decreased the nutrient content and energy metabolism gene expression levels of larvae compared with Bt treatment alone.CONCLUSIONMicroplastic pollution reduces the defense of U. pumila against H. cunea larvae in a self-damaging manner, and Bt proves effective for controlling H. cunea larvae in microplastic-contaminated environments. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"4 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144594432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of the interactions between Tetranychus urticae, Phytoseiulus persimilis and Macrolophus pygmaeus in a tomato glasshouse: a cross‐diffusion model case study with Beddington–DeAngelis response","authors":"Kin Ho Chan, Rob Moerkens, Marlies Huysmans, Dominiek Vangansbeke, Herwig Leirs, Vincent Sluydts","doi":"10.1002/ps.70037","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70037","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe two‐spotted spider mite (TSSM), <jats:italic>Tetranychus urticae</jats:italic> Koch, poses a significant threat to greenhouse tomato production, potentially causing ≤40% yield loss. Although biological control using the specialist predator <jats:italic>Phytoseiulus persimilis</jats:italic> and generalist predator <jats:italic>Macrolophus pygmaeus</jats:italic> has proven effective in small‐scale studies, their interactions in large commercial glasshouses remain poorly understood. This study develops a mathematical model incorporating spatial dynamics and multispecies interactions to bridge laboratory findings with commercial applications.RESULTSOur model incorporating diffusion patterns, plant defense and intraguild predation best predicted population dynamics (MSE: 0.221, 0.125 for <jats:italic>T. urtica</jats:italic>e and <jats:italic>P. persimilis</jats:italic>, respectively). Spatial diffusion had the strongest impact on model accuracy, whereas all <jats:italic>M. pygmaeus</jats:italic>‐induced effects were minimal in practice. The model achieved 77.2% directional accuracy in 3‐week forecasts for <jats:italic>T. urticae</jats:italic> populations. Simulations revealed that early releases of <jats:italic>P. persimilis</jats:italic> (0.5 individuals per leaf) could effectively control <jats:italic>T. urticae</jats:italic> within 4 weeks.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates that many species interactions observed in small‐scale experiments may not translate directly to effective biocontrol in commercial settings, which is likely to be a consequence of spatial dilution. We further found that spatial movements outweigh laboratory‐observed effects. Lastly, our model enables 3‐week advance predictions of <jats:italic>T. urticae</jats:italic> populations and provides evidence‐based guidance for biocontrol agent release strategies, helping growers optimize their pest management decisions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"65 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144594129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Population incompatibility associated with Wolbachia in the Asian citrus psyllids, Diaphorina citri: insights for pest management","authors":"Mohadeseh Zanganeh, Yaghoub Fathipour, Ary Hoffmann, Mohammad Mehrabadi","doi":"10.1002/ps.8914","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8914","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND<jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> are the most common intracellular symbiont in invertebrates primarily found in the reproductive tissues of their hosts inducing various host phenotypes such as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that can affect their persistence and spread in host populations. This study explores the presence and likely impact of <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> bacteria in the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), <jats:italic>Diaphorina citri</jats:italic>.RESULTSWe detected <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> in populations of ACP collected from Roodan (Ro) and Jahrom (Ja) in Iran and quantified their titers in different stages and tissues. <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> titers were higher in the Ja population than the Ro population across stages and tissues. In both populations <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> showed perfect vertical transmission. Based on the <jats:italic>ftsZ</jats:italic> gene, ACP <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> belong to supergroup B. Using tetracycline treatment, we eliminated <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> from ACP adults. However, the cured insects did not breed, preventing the establishment a <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic>‐free line. We also crossed the Ja and Ro populations reciprocally and surprisingly found that the resultant eggs did not hatch although crosses of males and females within populations showed normal hatching. This suggests a bidirectional CI phenotype, likely as a result of different <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> infections in the two populations. To test <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> divergence further, we used quantitative polymerase chain reaction high‐resolution melting analysis targeting the <jats:italic>ftsZ</jats:italic> gene followed by <jats:italic>ftsZ</jats:italic> sequence analysis, which revealed differences in the <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> strains from the two ACP populations. To characterize the reproductive phenotype further and consider its potential use to suppress ACP populations, we varied the proportions of males and females from the different populations and released them on lemon seedlings where hatch rates were recorded. The hatch rates varied from 84.85 ± 1.8% in populations with an equal number of ♀ and ♂ from the Ro population to a low of 2.02 ± 1.7% where there was a ratio of 1:1:10 (♀Ro:♂Ro:♂Ja) present, reflecting the expected strong bidirectional CI when Ja males were released at a high relative frequency into an Ro population.CONCLUSIONTogether, these results suggest that <jats:italic>Wolbachia</jats:italic> strains with perfect vertical transmission may induce strong population‐level bidirectional CI with potential use for suppression of ACP populations. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"191 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144594128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of multiple‐herbicide resistant Amaranthus palmeri populations from Spain points to an introduction of the eccDNA from America","authors":"Alfredo Manicardi, Germán Mora, André Lucas Simões Araujo, Todd A. Gaines, Jorge Lozano‐Juste, Joel Torra","doi":"10.1002/ps.70034","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70034","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe herbicide‐resistant invasive weed species <jats:italic>Amaranthus palmeri</jats:italic> threatens agricultural production and native plant ecology in Spain, as well as in other European countries. Understanding whether herbicide resistance alleles evolve <jats:italic>in situ</jats:italic> or are introduced via gene flow remains unclear. To address this, we characterized multiple resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐‐ and 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3phosphate synthase (EPSPS)‐inhibiting herbicides in two Spanish <jats:italic>A. palmeri</jats:italic> populations at the plant level. Additionally, we analyzed the extra‐chromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) to determine whether glyphosate resistance resulted from local selection pressure or was introduced by gene flow.RESULTSBoth populations exhibit individuals that survived both herbicide MoA, with multiple resistance mechanisms to ALS‐ and EPSPS‐inhibiting herbicides. Eight different <jats:italic>ALS</jats:italic> allele mutations were identified in resistant plants, including Pro‐197‐Ile, reported only in one species previously. Glyphosate resistance in the two populations is to the result of gene duplication mediated by eccDNA. Spanish and North American eccDNAs showed complete identity, with no single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found between the partial analyzed sequences of noncoding regions.CONCLUSIONWe confirm for the first time in Europe resistance to ALS and EPSPS inhibitors at both the population and individual levels in two Spanish <jats:italic>A. palmeri</jats:italic> populations. The absence of SNPs in the eccDNA from Spanish populations compared to the reference American sequence and the presence of target‐site mutations in the <jats:italic>ALS</jats:italic> gene occurred without selective pressure from ALS herbicides, suggests that the origin of resistance traits may have evolved elsewhere and been introduced from the place of origin to Spain. However, it is important to note that the limited number of populations studied and the partial sequencing of eccDNA do not provide definitive confirmation of the exact origins of resistance mechanisms. This work raises concerns about the arrival of this and potentially other new herbicide‐resistant <jats:italic>A. palmeri</jats:italic> populations in Europe posing challenges for management. © 2025 The Author(s). <jats:italic>Pest Management Science</jats:italic> published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"106 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144594130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Targeting V‐ATPase subunits via RNA interference disrupts ultrastructural and normal life activities in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus: a novel strategy for sustainable pine wilt disease management","authors":"Haohao Zhao, Xiangyu Lin, Miaozeng Wang, Jing He, Xizhuo Wang, Xiuxia He, He Liu","doi":"10.1002/ps.70047","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70047","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDPine wood nematode (<jats:italic>Bursaphelenchus xylophilus</jats:italic>, PWN), a devastating pine parasite, induces widespread mortality in host trees. Chemical pesticides have been conventionally used for PWN control; however, their prolonged use drives the evolution of pesticide resistance in PWN and poses environmental risks. RNA interference (RNAi)‐based biopesticides represent a promising alternative, offering species‐specific targeting, high efficacy and a reduced ecological footprint.RESULTSTo engineer RNAi biopesticides against PWN, we systematically investigated eight V1‐domain subunits (A–H) of the V‐type proton ATPase (<jats:italic>V‐ATPase</jats:italic>) family using integrated transcriptomic profiling and bioinformatic analyses. Eight corresponding double stranded (ds) RNAs were designed, synthesized, and functionally evaluated. RNAi targeting these subunits significantly impaired PWN viability, motility, feeding efficiency, and fecundity. Notably, <jats:italic>dsV‐ATPase‐H</jats:italic> exhibited the most pronounced interference efficacy: 72 h exposure to 700 ng μL<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup> dsRNA induced 80.12% corrected mortality in J4‐stage nematodes. This treatment reduced egg production from 7 to 1 egg per nematode and population density from 8136 to 705 individuals. Transmission electron microscopy further revealed that RNAi disrupted nematode ultrastructure, manifesting as altered cuticle thickness and reduced intestinal microvilli density, thereby compromising structural and functional integrity.CONCLUSIONSOur study demonstrates the potential use of <jats:italic>V‐ATPase</jats:italic> subunits (A–H) as molecular targets for RNAi‐based PWN control. This study is the first to reveal, at the ultrastructural level, the regulatory effects of RNAi targeting <jats:italic>V‐ATPase (A–H)</jats:italic> subunits in PWN on their critical life activities. It proposes a sustainable RNAi‐based strategy for controlling pine wilt disease. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144594131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated analysis of fresh peach fruit during Penicillium expansum infections.","authors":"Gerefa Sefu Edo,Esa Abiso Godana,Yiran Wang,Gustav Komla Mahunu,Kaili Wang,Hongyin Zhang,Qiya Yang","doi":"10.1002/ps.70041","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70041","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDPenicillium expansum is a major peach fruit pathogen that causes significant economic losses worldwide. It produces patulin, a mycotoxin that poses severe health risks to humans. Studies of disease infection mechanisms in fruits during fungal infection help to understand how pathogens colonize and trigger disease, enabling the development of alternative disease control strategies. In this study, we investigated the disease infection mechanism of P. expansum in fresh peaches.RESULTSPenicillium expansum can infect peaches in <24 h and fully colonize the fruit at 36 h. During the first 24-48 h, the activities of disease-defense-related enzymes such as polygalacturonase, chitinase, polyphenol oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and peroxidase were significantly increased and then declined after the pathogen colonization. Transcriptome analysis of peach fruit at 36 h postinfection identified 2884 differentially expressed genes, with 399 upregulated and 2445 downregulated genes. The expression of key genes such as ANP1, BGL, CAD, CDPK, G6PDH/Glc6PD, GST, PP2C, TCH4 and GGCT were lower, whereas the expression of HCT and PFK genes were higher. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis also confirmed that P. expansum disrupted several cellular functions and key metabolic pathways of the fruit.CONCLUSIONPenicillium expansum can fully colonize fresh peach fruit at 36 h, and control measures should be taken before that. The pathogen alters enzymatic activities and disrupts gene and metabolic pathways of peaches. Control strategies such as enhancing the fruit's resistance using biotechnology should consider the molecular changes identified. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"109 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144594433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perspectives on microbial community changes produced by Hermitia illucens frass and their impact on soil suppression against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae","authors":"Paloma Hernández‐Muñiz, Celia Borrero, Manuel Avilés, Jesús Dionisio Fernández‐Bayo","doi":"10.1002/ps.70036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70036","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDOrganic soil amendments rich in chitin have demonstrated significant potential promoting suppressive soils. Suppressive soils inhibit the growth and activity of soilborne pathogens, being a sustainable alternative to chemical fumigation. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of frass produced from black soldier fly larva (BSFL), a novel chitin‐rich soil amendment, and other amendments enriched in chitin to promote suppressive soils against <jats:italic>Fusarium oxysporum</jats:italic> f. <jats:italic>sp. lactucae</jats:italic> (<jats:italic>Fol</jats:italic>) and to assess the role of the microbial community on suppressiveness.BSFL frass, compost, chitin and a mixture of compost and chitin were mixed with soil. Some soil mixes were incubated for 4 months to promote further changes in the microbial community structure. Then, incubated and non‐incubated soil mixes were inoculated with <jats:italic>Fol</jats:italic> to study the reduction of disease severity caused by <jats:italic>Fol</jats:italic> on lettuce and the evolution of soil microbial communities.RESULTSSoils that were incubated with chitin or BSFL frass showed a significant decrease in <jats:italic>Fol</jats:italic> population density and disease severity compared to the unamended and non‐incubated soils (<jats:italic>P</jats:italic> &lt; 0.05). Analyses of microbial community of soils incubated with chitin and BSFL frass were compared to the non‐amended soil, they were enriched on fungal and bacterial OTUs of microorganisms known as biocontrol agents such as <jats:italic>Mortierellales</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Trichoderma spp.</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Chaetomium globosum, Streptomyces</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>Bacillus</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Sphingomonas</jats:italic>.CONCLUSIONSoil incubated with chitin and BSFL frass seem to promote suppressiveness against <jats:italic>Fol</jats:italic>. Further studies on chitin or BSFL frass concentration, incubation period or amendment rate are needed to improve soil suppressiveness. © 2025 The Author(s). <jats:italic>Pest Management Science</jats:italic> published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"72 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586650","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bombus terrestris as biocontrol agent vector to suppress Botrytis cinerea in greenhouse tomato.","authors":"Yan Liu,Guoyu Li,Ruijuan Wang,Long Su,Shan Zhao,Dongyun Qin,Zhenjuan Yin,Hao Chen,Li Zheng,Yutong Qiu,Xiaoyan Dai,Yifan Zhai","doi":"10.1002/ps.70045","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70045","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDTomato gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is a major disease affecting tomato yield and quality. Excessive use of chemical fungicides has led to resistant strains. Due to the drawbacks of chemical fungicides and traditional spraying, entomovectoring methods have been developed for plant protection. Here, the potential of a biocontrol agent vectored by Bombus terrestris using a self-made flying doctor system to inhibit gray mold on tomato plants during flowering was investigated.RESULTSA 14-day risk assessment and a 4-week chronic toxicity study demonstrated that Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis had no negative effects on bumblebee performance or activity. Bacillus subtilis exhibited superior antipathogen efficacy on plates and detached fruit at the same fold recommended field concentration (RFC). Consequently, it was selected for field trails, which revealed that the Bacillus subtilis could be carried by Bombus terrestris via a self-made dispenser and delivered to flowers at an average of 102 to 103 colony-forming unit (CFU) per flower. The Bacillus subtilis-vectored group reduced Botrytis cinerea infection rates by an average of 54.2% compared to the control group. Furthermore, its effectiveness was comparable to traditional spraying methods, with no significant difference in infection rates between the two approaches.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrated that Bacillus subtilis vectored by Bombus terrestris through a self-made dispenser during flowering successfully decreased Botrytis cinerea infection without adversely impacting on bees, achieving a level of disease prevention comparable to traditional spraying methods. These findings provide a foundation for efficient and sustainable management of gray mold in greenhouse tomatoes. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shocking results: interspecific variation in response to low-energy electrocution for weed control at various phenological stages.","authors":"Roni Gafni,Avital Bechar,Hila Bakshian,Evgeny Smirnov,Lavi Rosenfeld,Ran Nisim Lati","doi":"10.1002/ps.70044","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70044","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDLow-energy electrocution and robotics are emerging technologies in weed management. Optimizing robotic weed-electrocution platforms require biological insights to improve energy efficiency and operational effectiveness. Although previous studies have shown varying sensitivity across species and growth stages, precise energy thresholds for control remain unclear. This study aimed to quantify energy requirements for effective weed control across species and developmental stages using dose response methodology.RESULTSSignificant interspecific variation was observed. The dicots species Amaranthus retroflexus and Solanum nigrum were more sensitive to electrocution than the monocots Sorghum halepense and Setaria adhaerens, with S. halepense exhibiting the highest resistance. At the four true-leaf stage, ED90 estimated values ranged from 0.009 W h (A. retroflexus) to 0.099 W h (S. halepense), demonstrating high variability in energy requirements. Sensitivity declined at advanced growth stages, with ED90 values increasing by up to fourfold, confirming the hypothesis that younger plants are easier to control. Rhizome-originated S. halepense plants were more resistant than seed-originated ones at early stages, but this difference diminished at advanced growth stages. Survival varied significantly between experimental runs, highlighting potential variability in plant physiology or environmental factors. Biomass ratio responses were more consistent and useful for optimizing doses.CONCLUSIONLow-energy electrocution is a promising weed control method, especially when applied at early growth stages. Efficacy is influenced by species, growth stage and propagule type. Establishing precise energy requirements for control can enhance the efficiency and performance of this technology, optimizing its application as part of integrated weed management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"694 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144578804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RNAi revolution in agriculture: unlocking mechanisms, overcoming delivery challenges, and advancing sustainable Pest control.","authors":"Shakil Ahmad,Momana Jamil,Adil Farooq Lodhi,Zahra Barati,Mohib Ullah Kakar,Yulin Gao,Wenfei Zhang","doi":"10.1002/ps.70040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70040","url":null,"abstract":"RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective gene silencing technique that can be used for sustainable crop production in agriculture for meeting the growing global food challenges. Despite the potential of using RNAi in plants, the delivery of RNAi remains a significant challenge that has resulted in application and development of novel strategies in an effort for effective pest control. In this review, we explore the mechanism of RNAi, focusing on the roles of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and other key proteins involved in gene silencing. The contribution of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) to the systemic spread of RNAi in eukaryotic cells, including pests and pathogens, is also highlighted. We examine the development and transformation of transgenic plants, while acknowledging the ethical, political, and legal concerns surrounding the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Furthermore, recent innovations in dsRNA delivery including nanoparticle-based carriers and topical applications for pest control have been reviewed with supporting evidence from the latest literature. We have concluded the importance of this mechanism for sustainable agriculture production and suggested some future directions for improving RNAi delivery systems. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144586460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}