Biological Control最新文献

{"title":"Comparison of hydrogels to enhance the environmental tolerance of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae to target aboveground insect pests such as the lesser peachtree borer (Synanthedon pictipes, (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae))","authors":"Sabrina A. Elgar ,&nbsp;David I. Shapiro-Ilan ,&nbsp;David Mota-Sanchez ,&nbsp;John Wise ,&nbsp;Brett R. Blaauw","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The lesser peachtree borer (LPTB; <em>Synanthedon pictipes;</em> [Grote &amp; Robinson]; (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is a key pest of peaches in the southeastern U.S., that develops beneath the bark and is difficult to manage with chemical insecticides. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) such as <em>Steinernema carpocapsae</em>, offer a potential aboveground biological control option, but their effectiveness is limited by UV exposure and desiccation. In this study, we evaluated the survival (viability) and infectivity (virulence) of <em>S. carpocapsae</em> suspended in five gel treatments, Barricade®, sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, and locust bean gum, as well as water. EPNs were exposed to UV radiation for 0, 3, 6, or 8 h in the laboratory or sprayed onto peach bark and exposed to outdoor conditions for up to three hours. EPN mortality and virulence against <em>Galleria mellonella</em> larvae were assessed post-exposure. Laboratory assays showed that sodium alginate and locust bean gum provided the greatest protection to EPN viability and supported high larval mortality after 6to8 h of UV exposure, comparable to the synthetic gel Barricade®. Outdoor assays revealed that EPNs in these three gels retained higher virulence than those in water, CMC, or xanthan gum after exposure on bark surfaces. Results support the use of natural hydrogels to improve EPN resilience in aboveground environments, promoting their use in sustainable pest management for peach pests. Future research should investigate field applications, including optimal treatment timing and gel degradation dynamics, to optimize natural gels for protecting EPNs in aboveground treatments targeting LPTB larvae and other wood-boring insects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105850"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic metabolomic changes in Pochonia chlamydosporia’s parasitism of Parascaris equorum eggs","authors":"Luyao Hao ,&nbsp;Fengmiao Zhao ,&nbsp;Hongyou Liu ,&nbsp;Chengyu Ma ,&nbsp;Yuan Ma ,&nbsp;Zhengyi Li ,&nbsp;Wei Wei ,&nbsp;Rui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105849","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105849","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pochonia chlamydosporia</em>, a nematophagous fungus, holds great promise as a biological control agent against animal − parasitic nematodes. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms of its infection process remain largely unclear. In this study, metabolomics was utilized to investigate the dynamic changes in the exometabolome during the infection of <em>P. chlamydosporia</em> on <em>Parascaris equorum</em> eggs. Three crucial infection stages were selected: early (A1), middle (B1), and late (C1), with control groups of <em>P. chlamydosporia</em> hyphae cultured without eggs (A, B, C)<em>.</em> Metabolite extraction was carried out, followed by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC − MS/MS) analysis to identify differentially accumulated metabolites. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 1,185 fungal-derived metabolites, with key players including Ascochalasin (membrane disruptor), Piperine (signal transducer), and 6-methoxygossypol (egg development inhibitor). These metabolites orchestrated dynamic processes: organic acids fueled TCA cycle energy supply during mid-stage infection, sphingolipids mediated membrane fusion in late stages, and alkaloids disrupted host membrane permeability. Pathway analysis revealed stage-specific hubs: alanine-aspartate metabolism dominated early infection for nitrogen acquisition, cAMP signaling peaked in mid-stage to hijack host pathways, and secondary bile acid biosynthesis surged late-stage to degrade eggshells. These findings clarify that <em>P. chlamydosporia</em> coordinates a metabolic cascade—from energy reprogramming to host defense evasion—to complete parasitism, providing novel targets for biocontrol agent development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105849"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential biocontrol services by seven aphid predators for the control of Aphis nerii infesting Mandevilla","authors":"Tiziano Valentini,&nbsp;Joaquin Castanier,&nbsp;Giacomo Santoiemma,&nbsp;Paola Tirello,&nbsp;Alberto Pozzebon","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105847","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105847","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aphids are an important economic pest in protected crops and, among them, <em>Aphis nerii</em> Boyer de Fonscolombe is considered a key pest of the ornamental <em>Mandevilla</em> plant. This aphid can produce damage that can severely reduce the aesthetic and commercial value of ornamental plants. For the development of successful biological control strategies, information on prey suitability and predator’s functional response is essential. In this study, we first evaluate the suitability of <em>A. nerii</em> as a food source for seven commercial generalist predators, as well as their ability to suppress aphid population. The tested predator species were: <em>Chrysoperla carnea</em> Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), <em>Sphaerophoria rueppellii</em> Wiedmann (Diptera: Syrphidae), <em>Episyrphus balteatus</em> DeGeer (Diptera: Syrphidae), <em>Micromus angulatus</em> Stephens (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae), <em>Propylea quatuordecimpunctata</em> L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), <em>Adalia bipunctata</em> L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and <em>Sympherobius fallax</em> Navas (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae). Then, we assessed the predation rates and the functional response of <em>C. carnea, M. angulatus,</em> and <em>P. quatuordecimpunctata</em> preying on <em>A. nerii</em>. The first two experiments demonstrated that <em>M. angulatus</em>, <em>P. quatuordecimpunctata</em>, and <em>S. rueppellii</em> can survive, develop, and reproduce on <em>A. nerii</em>. <em>Aphis nerii</em> resulted in unsuitable prey for the remaining predators, as they displayed low foraging efficiency, survival and negligible impact on aphid population density. From the functional response study, it was observed that <em>C. carnea</em> did not show a significant response to varying densities of <em>A. nerii</em>. In contrast, both <em>M. angulatus</em> and <em>P. quatuordecimpunctata</em> exhibited a Type II functional response. Among these, the brown lacewing (<em>M. angulatus</em>) demonstrated superior predatory efficiency, with a higher attack rate and a shorter handling time compared to the lady beetle (<em>P. quatuordecimpunctata</em>). Although further studies are needed to understand the complex predator–prey dynamics, this study identifies promising candidates as biological control agents of <em>A. nerii</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105847"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144653849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Life history attributes of Anastatus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) are regulated by nutrition and temperature","authors":"Muhammad Yasir Ali ,&nbsp;Zi-Jian Song ,&nbsp;Abdul Aziz Bukero ,&nbsp;Dilawar Abbas ,&nbsp;Khalid Ali Khan ,&nbsp;Jin-Ping Zhang ,&nbsp;Feng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105848","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105848","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Anastatus japonicus</em> Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is an effective egg parasitoid of <em>Halyomorpha halys</em> Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). In nature, parasitoids often depend on biotic and abiotic factors such as supplementary nutritional sources (e.g. sugars) and optimum temperature to maximize their life-expectancy and reproductive potential. Our field release trials of <em>A. japonicus</em> against <em>H. halys</em> showed limited efficacy, potentially due to suboptimal nutritional resources and inappropriate ambient thermal conditions during the release period. Thus, the present study aims to understand the impact of 14 distinct naturally occurring sugars and different temperature treatments with respect to their effects on <em>A. japonicus</em> life attributes. Longevity of <em>A. japonicus</em> males and females fed with 1 M stachyose sugar solution was comparatively longer while numbers of total progeny and females’ proportion were relatively highest with provision of maltose, glucose or fructose, respectively. <em>Anastatus japonicus</em> male and female progeny had significantly lengthier and shorter longevity and development time at low (15 °C) and high temperatures (35 °C), respectively. Female development time were found to be longer when fed maltose and water, while shorter with melibiose. <em>Anastatus japonicus</em> performs better on mono- and di- saccharide sugars compared to tri- and tetra- saccharides. In addition, 20–25 °C is the most suitable temperature range to optimize mass rearing. We are assuming that field release efficacy could be improved by planting buckwheat strips providing adequate amounts of maltose, glucose and fructose alongside shelter for <em>A. japonicus</em> in unfavorable harsh environmental conditions. This study opens up opportunities to select food supplements and optimum rearing temperature for inundative biocontrol by using <em>A. japonicus</em> against <em>H. halys</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105848"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144703909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Weekly pollen supply optimises the control of the tomato russet mite (Aculops lycopersici) by Pronematus ubiquitus","authors":"Dylan Maret ,&nbsp;Lindsey Norgrove ,&nbsp;Louis Sutter","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105846","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105846","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biological control using natural predators offers a sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides in agriculture. However, the successful use of biological control agents is often hindered by factors such as food availability and environmental conditions. This study investigated the role of the predatory mite <em>Pronematus ubiquitus</em> in the biological control of <em>Aculops lycopersici</em>, the tomato russet mite, in a controlled greenhouse environment. The effect of different pollen feeding frequencies on <em>P. ubiquitus</em> populations and its ability to suppress <em>A. lycopersici</em> infestation and damage were examined. Our results show that weekly pollen feeding maintained higher <em>P. ubiquitus</em> populations than feeding once every two or three weeks, by 60<!--> <!-->% and 90<!--> <!-->%, respectively. Consequently, it effectively limited <em>A. lycopersici</em> damage to tomato plants. However, a rapid decline in predator populations was observed after reaching peak levels, probably due to factors such as cannibalism and resource quality. While the treatment with weekly pollen supply resulted in minimal plant damage, lower pollen frequencies (once every two or three weeks) also provided some level of control. These findings highlight the importance of balancing predator population growth with sustainable food sources to optimize biological control strategies. This study contributes to the ongoing development of integrated pest management techniques in crop production systems, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to predator food supply and population management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105846"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antifungal activity of Bacillus velezensis HY13 against anthracnose disease of Buxus bodinieri caused by Colletotrichum fructicola","authors":"Ruiqi Peng ,&nbsp;Aiting Zhou ,&nbsp;Jianxin Chen ,&nbsp;Mingjia Wen ,&nbsp;Fang Wang ,&nbsp;Jianrong Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105845","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105845","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anthracnose, caused by <em>Colletotrichum fructicola</em>, is a serious disease of <em>Buxus bodinieri</em>. Microbial antagonists provide a novel approach for sustainable plant disease management. This study investigated the biocontrol efficacy of <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> HY13 against anthracnose in <em>B. bodinieri</em> and elucidated its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that <em>B. velezensis</em> HY13 significantly inhibited <em>C. fructicola</em> growth suppressed lesion expansion on <em>B. bodinieri</em> leaves <em>in vitro</em>. HY13 exhibited the ability to secrete extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, including chitinase (CHI) and β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), synthesize lipopeptides exhibiting antimicrobial, as well as form robust biofilms. Furthermore, HY13 treatment disrupted the cell membrane integrity of <em>C. fructicola</em>, leading to increased leakage of cellular contents from the fungal mycelium. In addition, anatomical examination of <em>B. bodinieri</em> leaves indicated that HY13 application enhanced leaf blade thickness (TLB), palisade parenchyma thicknesses (TPP), spongy parenchyma thicknesses (TSP) and lower epidermis thickness (TLE), thereby strengthening the physical barrier against pathogen invasion. Therefore, it is concluded that <em>B. velezensis</em> HY13 is a potent biocontrol agent for managing anthracnose in <em>B. bodinieri</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105845"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144631763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative assessment of a Chinese indigenous entomopathogenic nematode versus a commercial strain for the biological control of Spodoptera frugiperda","authors":"ShuoCheng Zeng ,&nbsp;Haiting Zhang ,&nbsp;Jun Yi ,&nbsp;Huijuan Fu ,&nbsp;Zhengyu Ji ,&nbsp;Cheng Chen ,&nbsp;David Shapiro-Ilan ,&nbsp;Xingyue Li","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105844","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105844","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have gained recognition for their effectiveness as environmentally friendly biological control agents and have seen widespread commercialization worldwide. Research into screening local EPN strains with high virulence and resistance is important due to the challenges posed by the expanding range of pests from invasive species and complex environmental conditions. We have recently discovered a native population of <em>Heterorhabditis indica</em> (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) in Chongqing, an area that has not been previously surveyed for EPN resources, which we have designated as CQ7-2. Notably, the domestic commercial EPN market in China is currently limited, with <em>Steinernema feltiae</em> being the primary commercial product available; therefore, we selected this commercialized species as the benchmark for comparing our newly isolated <em>H. indica</em> strain. We assessed its heat tolerance and biocontrol potential against the invasive pest <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and compared its performance with that of this commercially relevant comparator. This population CQ7-2 can maintain a survival rate of over 88 % for over 40 h at 36 °C and more than 75 % at 38 °C up to 8 h. The results of bioassays demonstrated that the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) value of this particular EPN strain against <em>Galleria mellonella</em> (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae was corresponding to a dose of 2.92 IJs/larva, while it exhibited LC₅₀ values corresponding to doses of 5.79 IJs/larva and 6.65 IJs/larva against third and sixth instar larvae of <em>S. frugiperda</em> respectively. Overall, the newly isolated indigenous EPN <em>H. indica</em> population (CQ7-2) showed excellent control efficacy against the invasive pest <em>S. frugiperda</em>, and when combined with its exceptional heat resistance, it has the potential to be an effective tool for integrated pest management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105844"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144614434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Synergistic biocontrol of Phthorimaea operculella: solvent-dependent interactions between entomopathogenic nematodes and Achillea millefolium extracts","authors":"Davoud Mohammadi,&nbsp;Nazila Mahin Allahverdizadeh,&nbsp;Hasan Valizadeh,&nbsp;Naser Eivazian Kary","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105836","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105836","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The potato tuber moth, <em>Phthorimaea operculella</em> is a highly destructive pest of potato crops, causing significant losses in both field and storage conditions. Due to the environmental and health risks posed by synthetic pesticides, as well as increasing insecticide resistance, sustainable alternatives for integrated pest management (IPM) are urgently needed. This study investigates the synergistic potential of <em>Achillea millefolium</em> (yarrow) extracts and three entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) species including <em>Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora</em> against <em>P. operculella</em> larvae. Bioassays were conducted on first-instar (3-day-old) larvae reared on potato tubers under controlled conditions. Yarrow aerial parts were extracted via maceration using hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water solvents. The insecticidal effects of individual and combined treatments were assessed, with LC₅₀ values calculated for each. Key findings revealed that the methanol extract exhibited the highest larvicidal activity (LC₅₀ = 9.030 g/L), while the ethyl acetate extract was least effective (LC₅₀ = 24.898 g/L). Among EPNs, <em>S. carpocapsae</em> was the most virulent (LC₅₀ = 34.88 IJ/100 µL), whereas <em>H. bacteriophora</em> showed the lowest efficacy (LC₅₀ = 114.3 IJ/100 µL). Notably, the methanol extract negatively impacted all three EPN species, exhibiting complete antagonism in combined treatments. In contrast, ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the strongest synergistic effect with EPNs. Greenhouse trials, conducted at 10 × LC₅₀ concentrations, confirmed that combined treatments significantly reduced larval mining damage compared to individual applications. These findings highlight the potential of <em>A. millefolium</em>-EPN combinations as a sustainable IPM strategy against <em>P. operculella</em>, with solvent selection critically influencing compatibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105836"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent responses of the fall armyworm and a parasitoid to rising temperature","authors":"Shannon Alary ,&nbsp;Manuel Massot ,&nbsp;Véronique Jouan ,&nbsp;Isabelle Darboux","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Temperature is a key factor influencing insect performance and host-parasitoid interactions. Knowing how hosts and parasitoids respond to temperature variations is crucial for predicting the success of biological control strategies, especially in the context of climate change. This study aimed to assess how developmental temperature affects the interaction between the fall armyworm (FAW) <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em>, a major invasive pest, and the larval endoparasitoid <em>Hyposoter didymator</em>. FAW caterpillars were reared under three fluctuating temperature regimes centered at 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C (± 5°C of daily variation), and were either left unexposed or exposed to <em>H. didymator</em>. We analyzed host survival, developmental time, and body mass, as well as the success of the parasitoid. In unparasitized FAW, higher temperatures accelerated development and increased pupal survival but reduced larval survival and adult body mass. In parasitized FAW, the proportion of individuals that survived increased at 30 °C, suggesting that higher temperatures may undermine the biological control of this pest. For <em>H. didymator</em>, temperature accelerated development but had negative effects at 30 °C, leading to reduced survival during the endoparasitic phase and impaired cocoon formation. These contrasting responses led to opposite trends: the multiplication rate of FAW increased with temperature, while that of the parasitoid decreased at the highest temperature. This study underscores the importance of considering the thermal sensitivity of both FAW and its potential parasitoids when designing effective and sustainable pest management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105843"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reduced-risk insecticides can effectively manage thrips without compromising Orius predation in pepper production","authors":"Arnol Ariel Gomez-Santos,&nbsp;Ashley Leach","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The western flower thrips (WFT), <em>Frankliniella occidentalis</em> (Pergande) is a key pest in fruiting vegetables worldwide, causing significant yield losses in peppers via feeding on leaves, flowers and fruits. While pepper growers rely heavily on insecticides for WFT management, some insecticide products may compromise natural enemies, like minute pirate bugs (<em>Orius</em> spp., Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), crucial predators of thrips. To assess the performance of insecticides in bell pepper production, we conducted field trials and laboratory bioassays. Field trials were conducted to assess the impact of six insecticides (isocycloseram, cyantraniliprole, spinetoram, spirotetramat, λ-cyhalothrin and imidacloprid) on densities of WFT and Orius and yield. In a follow-up bioassay, we exposed minute pirate bugs (<em>Orius insidiosus</em> (Say)), to insecticide residues and measured their mortality and predation of WFT. Results indicate that broad-spectrum insecticides significantly reduced field Orius populations by up to 80 %, while reduced-risk insecticides like cyantraniliprole and spirotetramat had minimal impact. Furthermore, while insecticide management contributed to WFT suppression, its impact on yield was minimal, indicating that factors beyond WFT management may play a more significant role in determining productivity in pepper production systems. Laboratory insecticide residual bioassays further demonstrated that exposure to broad-spectrum insecticide residues significantly increased mortality of <em>O. insidiosus</em> and decreased predation of WFT. In contrast, the residues of selective insecticides did not significantly impact mortality and overall predation of WFT. These findings support the use of cyantraniliprole, spirotetramat and spinetoram as effective insecticides in sustainable pest management programs that effectively reduce WFT while preserving Orius populations and their predatory function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"208 ","pages":"Article 105835"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144653848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}