Microplastic pollution is a pressing global concern, yet its immunotoxicological impacts on invertebrates remain poorly understood. The Black Soldier Fly () larva has gained attention for its role in waste management and potential bioremediation, making it essential to evaluate its interactions with microplastics. In this study, fluorescent carboxylate-modified polystyrene microbeads were directly injected into the hemocoel of larvae to bypass gut-associated variables and investigate systemic immune responses. Experimental groups were analyzed at multiple time points (1 h, 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days) using histopathology, cytology, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results confirmed the persistence and systemic distribution of microplastics in hemolymph and tissues, with hemocytes exhibiting active phagocytosis of particles. Microplastics were retained within tissues for up to seven days, indicating long-term sequestration. Histological observations further highlighted their close association with metabolically active organs such as the fat body and Malpighian tubules, suggesting possible effects on detoxification and metabolism. These findings demonstrate that microplastics elicit measurable immune responses and are subject to cellular uptake and retention in insect larvae. The study provides novel insights into the immunological and histopathological consequences of microplastic contamination in larvae, with implications for their safe use in bioconversion and bioremediation applications.

Many insect and other arthropod species are maintained as non-model laboratory stocks and are used for fundamental and applied studies. Their biology may be affected by symbionts, such as and . Thirty stocks of different insect species that are maintained at the Laboratory of biological control of phytophagous and phytopathogens in the Siberian Federal Scientific Centre of Agro-BioTechnologies were screened to find /-host associations. We used rDNA and loci for characterization and five MLST genes for . Seven out of thirty stocks harbored symbionts. Five stocks were infected with only , one with only , and one with both symbionts. Two stocks were occasionally characterized by false-positive signals of infection that were explained by contamination from food sources, viz. infected insects. Five isolates belonged to supergroup B and one to supergroup A. Only the MLST haplotype of was previously known (ST-522), while the other haplotypes contained new alleles. One isolate was clustered in the Ixodetis clade and another was basal to the Apis clade. We noted the importance of non-model insects for fundamental studies of host-symbiont interactions and their significance for applied research and practice.

is a global quarantine pest, which is fatal to various tree species of the . Currently, this pest has landed and colonized Guangdong province, China. Previously, there was very limited research information on in China, which basically describes the taxonomic status. Field investigations found that the climatic ecological niche of the pest is continuing to expand. With global warming and the globalization of trade, signs of expansion may intensify the spread. In order to prevent any further spread of , it is important to clarify its geographic distribution in China. In this study, the algorithm Random Forests was used to project the potential geographic distribution of in China currently and in the future. Our results showed that temperature seasonality (Bio4) and the precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19) are key environmental factors limiting the current distribution of in China. Currently, has been found in Guangdong province, colonizing in the triangle zone composed of Zhanjiang City, Qingyuan City, and Jieyang City, with the projected potential suitable distribution area of 50.88 × 10 km. Under future climate scenarios, the total suitable distribution area is projected to increase, from Fujian province toward the north to Guangxi province toward the north. Building on these results, we predicted the potential future spread pattern of and developed priority measures for its management. These findings provide a theoretical basis for designing effective quarantine and control strategies against .

The aim of this study was to supplement current knowledge on the species diversity of Opostegidae in Central America and the Caribbean and to compare this diversity with that of other regions. We examined historical material and conducted fieldwork in Honduras during 2023-2025, a true in terms of Opostegidae diversity. Collected specimens were dissected, with genitalia photographed and analyzed. Molecular divergence was assessed using Neighbor-Joining and Maximum Likelihood methods, as well as Bayesian inference; creation of a mitotype network (TCS algorithm) and species delimitation (bPTP method) were also performed. The study of historical material revealed that (Walsingham) is not conspecific with taxa previously published under the same name, resulting in the description of one new species. Fieldwork in Honduras yielded 11 additional species-all new national records, six of which are new to science. The paper introduces 33 new molecular sequences, bringing the total to 114 mtDNA COI-5' sequences currently deposited in the National Genomics Data Center (China). With these discoveries, the number of Opostegidae in Central America and the Caribbean rises to 63 species, representing 30.9% of the global fauna. The Neotropical realm (103 spp.) exhibits markedly higher Opostegidae diversity than other biogeographical regions, underscoring its importance as a center of diversification. Our analysis also revealed an alarmingly high proportion of doubtful molecular barcodes-nearly one-third (27%) appear erroneous due to species misidentification in Neotropical Opostegidae.

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance and associated side effects underscores the need for exploring novel therapeutic strategies. The utilization of insect resources is being investigated as one potential avenue in this context. The effective utilization of insect resources represents a promising pathway to this end. This study focuses on investigating the glycerolysis of black soldier fly () larvae (BSFL) oil, which is rich in lauric acid, to optimize the production of antimicrobial monoglycerides. Response surface optimization yielded the following optimal conditions: 35.5 min, 219 °C, 0.72% sodium methoxide catalyst, and a 1:4 molar ratio of triglyceride to glycerol. Under these conditions, monoglycerides accounted for 55.86% of the product, specifically glycerol monolaurate, accounting for 29.47%; this mixture showed notable antimicrobial activity against , methicillin-resistant (MRSA), , , and . After purification via the solvent crystallization method, the monoglyceride content rose to 69.64%, while the glycerol monolaurate content increased to 35.24%, resulting in enhanced antimicrobial efficacy. Notably, monoglycerides were more effective against Gram-positive than Gram-negative bacteria, consistent with their known membrane-targeting specificity. Importantly, the potent activity against MRSA highlights the potential of these MAGs to combat antibiotic-resistant strains. These findings indicate that BSFL oil is a sustainable feedstock for producing antimicrobial agents with in vitro efficacy. This work supports the further investigation of MAGs derived from BSFL oil as potential candidates to complement existing antibiotics, particularly against resistant strains such as MRSA.

is a key hazelnut pest, causing the swelling of mixed buds during the autumn-winter period and a compromised nut yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of commercial biopesticides based on and in controlling this pest. Specific laboratory and field protocols were developed. In the laboratory, bud galls were disinfected, dissected, immersed for 30 s in a water suspension of the products and in water (control), dried in a laminar flow hood, incubated for 7 days and inspected to assess mite mortality. Intermediate observations were also recorded. Significantly higher mortality was recorded in the treatment with . Infection with was confirmed by a culture in medium and slide-mounting of infected mites. The orchard assay was performed by immersing buds and nuts in the fungal suspensions applied in the laboratory without separating any organ from the plant. Two weeks after application, the treated plant organs were removed and examined to assess mite mortality. The organs treated with showed higher mite mortality than the control for both buds and nuts. Treatments with arthropod pathogenic fungi appear to be promising for inclusion in the control strategy of .

The genus (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) includes several agricultural pests that cause major losses in global crop production and threaten food security, notably (J.E. Smith, 1797), an invasive pest that is difficult to manage. Mating disruption through the application of synthetic sexual pheromones has emerged as a viable alternative method for lepidopteran pest management. However, the successful application of this method requires knowledge of the pest under various environmental conditions and the evaluation of pheromone effectiveness. This systematic review aims to highlight advances and knowledge gaps in the genetic characterization and pheromone-based mating disruption of species, with implications for management. A literature search following PRISMA guidelines identified 4523 articles, of which 107 met the inclusion criteria, 84 focused on genetic analysis, 16 focused on pheromone-based control, and only 7 integrated both approaches. The gene is the main genetic marker used for species identification (76%), but inconsistencies remain in the strain identification of . Pheromone-based control studies reported variable efficacy, with many not evaluating their impact on pest populations or crop damage. Overall, this review highlights the need to standardize pheromone formulations and adapt management strategies tailored to local agroecological conditions. It also underscores the importance of integrating genetic identification to improve our knowledge of pests and support the sustainable management of .

To evaluate the impact of secondary host selection by the autoparasitoid on the fitness and biological control potential of its offspring, we compared the demographic traits, parasitism capacity, and host-feeding rates of populations reared on different secondary hosts: the heterospecific and the conspecific . Analyses conducted with TWOSEX-MSChart, CONSUME-MSChart, and TIMING-MSChart showed that the population reared on and as secondary hosts. The population reared on exhibited significantly shorter developmental times, extended adult longevity, and enhanced female reproductive output, characterized by higher fecundity and longer oviposition periods than the conspecific-reared group. This group also displayed superior host consumption, accelerated population growth, a shorter mean generation time, and improved biocontrol efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of secondary host optimization in mass rearing and offer a theoretical basis for improving the field performance of .

A new genus and species of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea), Tomaszewska and Arriaga-Varela ., were described, diagnosed, and illustrated from the south-eastern Palaearctic. In order to test the systematic placement of the new taxon within the subfamily Danascelinae and of Danascelinae within Endomychidae, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. A dataset of 35 morphological characters scored for 16 species, members of each Endomychidae subfamily and a representative of Coccinellidae as a distant outgroup, was analyzed using maximum parsimony. The results of the analysis unequivocally indicated as a new, monotypic genus and the most basal taxon within Danascelinae. At the same time, this study formally confirmed, for the first time, the subfamily Danascelinae as a member and the basal clade of the monophyletic 'merophysiine complex' of the Endomychidae.

The following six new species are described and illustrated: () sp. nov. (Portugal), () sp. nov. (Portugal, Spain), () sp. nov. (Portugal), () sp. nov. (Bulgaria), () sp. nov. (Spain), and () sp. nov. (Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Italy). Diagnostic characters are discussed. The key to all West Palaearctic species of () group is provided.

The Diamondback moth (DBM), (L.), the most significant worldwide pest of crops, is notorious for resistance to a diverse number of insecticides. Field populations bioassayed in Georgia and Florida, USA, in 2018 were resistant to chlorantraniliprole but susceptible to cyantraniliprole. Subsequently, populations assayed in 2021, 2022, and 2023 were cross-resistant to both diamides. We used NextSeq analysis of the ryanodine receptor , the target of diamides, to quantify target site mutations associated with resistance. Three populations sampled in 2018 had a high prevalence (75.0-98.3% of total reads) of the G4946E mutation, associated with resistance to chlorantraniliprole, and additionally, in one population, a very low (2.7%) prevalence of another mutation, I4790K, was associated with diamide cross-resistance. Populations sampled in 2021 had a decreased prevalence of G4946E (0.7 and 8.4%) and increased prevalence of I4790K (9.3 and 18.0%). The G4946E allele was almost absent (0.2% to 3.9%) in populations sampled in 2022 and 2023, while I4790K was present at frequencies from 34.1% to 84.0%. These data suggest a remarkable shift in target site mutations, replacing G4946E with I4790K, which occurred between 2018 and 2022, and were associated with the recent occurrence of cross-resistance in DBM populations in the Southeastern USA.

Insecticide resistance is increasing globally, and tools must be developed to combat this issue facing mosquito control programs that protect public health and inform operational decisions. Field trials to assess insecticide formulated products (FPs) are logistically demanding and weather-dependent and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassays are optimized to test technical active ingredient (AI) residue, not aerosolized FP. Here, the methodological gap between AI and FP efficacy testing is addressed. The current study assessed the knockdown/mortality of laboratory and wild populations of and to four FPs (Biomist, Duet, AquaDuet, ReMoa Tri) in wind tunnel experiments. The number of FP droplets on mosquitoes was analyzed. Regression analyses showed that droplet counts on mosquitoes were significantly ( < 0.05) related to mosquito mortality for some FPs. The wild population was resistant to all FPs in the wind tunnel. Here, when wind tunnel experiments resulted in a relatively low mortality rate (<90%), this indicates mosquito resistance to the FP. In these situations, a field trial would likely not achieve good results and may not be necessary. Alternatively, when wind tunnel experiments resulted in a nearly perfect mortality rate, a confirmatory field trial could be conducted, if needed.

In this study, the invasive orange spiny whitefly ("OSW"; ) and a species of parasitising its puparia were studied in three different areas of the province of Modena (Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy): a pear orchard in Bomporto, an organic pear orchard in Carpi, and the semi-natural botanical garden "La Pica" in San Felice sul Panaro. The material of both species was collected for taxonomic and molecular studies. The abundance of OSW and parasitoid activity were surveyed in whitefly puparia, with a focus on the botanical garden. A total of 1800 leaves of , and were sampled to assess whitefly infestation. The results showed a significant variation in the abundance of puparia, with the highest infestation observed in . Morphological and molecular analyses, including mitochondrial COI and rRNA 16S for whiteflies and COI and 28S for parasitoids, confirmed the identity of and identified the parasitoid as . Molecular data also revealed the presence of three haplotypes of , including a haplotype from China, new to Europe. The parasitisation rate by was low (0.015%). Our results provide the first European record of and new genetic data on the invasion pathways of . Collectively, these findings offer a critical baseline for monitoring their ecological interactions and developing future pest management strategies.

The domesticated silkworm, , is a highly valued biodiversity and economic asset, acclaimed for its silk production, besides making important contributions to various scientific disciplines. However, the sericulture industry faces ongoing threats from bacterial and viral infections, which severely impact silkworm health and silk yield. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the innate immune response of against bacterial and viral pathogens, emphasizing the fundamental molecular and cellular defense mechanisms. We explore the humoral and cellular immune response using antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), and glucan recognition protein (GRP), which activate canonical signaling pathways. The review further highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying the silkworm's defense against viruses, incorporating RNA interference (RNAi), apoptosis, and distinct signaling pathways such as Toll and Imd, JAK/STAT, and STING. We also discussed the viral suppression strategies and modulation of host metabolism during infection. Furthermore, the review explores the recent use of CRISPR-Cas gene editing to enhance disease resistance, presenting a promising avenue for mitigating pathogen-induced losses in sericulture. By elucidating these mechanisms, the work provides a synthesis that is critical in terms of developing particular interventions and developing more resistant silkworm strains to ensure that the industry of sericulture becomes viable and productive.

Rice production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces significant challenges due to insect pest infestations, which threaten food security and farmer livelihoods. This review examines the major insect pests affecting rice in SSA and highlights sustainable management strategies, drawing on successful case studies. It explores successful methods, including the use of biological control agents in Nigeria; neem-based pesticides in Tanzania; push-pull technology in Kenya; agroecological practices in Mali; resistant rice varieties in Ghana and Nigeria; integrated farming systems in Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Nigeria, Kenya and Madagascar; and farmer field schools in Zambia. Emerging technologies such as biotechnology and precision agriculture offer further additional opportunities to enhance pest control when effectively integrated within existing IPM frameworks. However, financial constraints, limited awareness, policy-related challenges, and inadequate infrastructure continue to limit widespread adoption. In this context, the review identifies critical research gaps, including the need for region-specific solutions, improved biopesticides, and long-term assessment of sustainable practices. Policy recommendations call for greater government investments, capacity-building programs, supportive regulatory environments, and stronger collaboration among researchers, development partners, and local stakeholders. Addressing these challenges can foster resilient and sustainable rice production systems across SSA.

Haliday, 1833 (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Mymaridae), one of the most species-rich genera in the family, comprises egg parasitoids with diverse hosts across multiple insect orders, some serving as biological control agents for agricultural and forestry pests. The subgenus ( Foerster, 1847), characterized by pronounced morphological conservatism, has historical taxonomic challenges due to reliance on external morphological characteristics. This study employed an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological and molecular analyses, to investigate () diversity in the Oriental region of China. Eight species were identified, including three new species- () Wang & Aishan, sp. nov., () Wang & Aishan, sp. nov., and () Wang & Aishan, sp. nov.-and five species newly recorded from China: () Rehmat & Anis, 2016, () Rehmat & Anis, 2016, () Mani & Saraswat, 1973, () Hayat & Anis, 1999, and () Irfan & Anis, 2023. Comprehensive morphological descriptions and diagnostic illustrations are provided for all new taxa, with key diagnostic features detailed for the newly recorded species. Molecular analysis of COI sequences using both the Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) and Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) models yielded congruent species delimitation results, with genetic distances between delimited species showing maximum intraspecific divergence of 1.51% and interspecific divergences of 3-12% within the 470 bp COI barcode region. The deposition of 32 novel COI sequences in GenBank significantly enhances molecular resources for Mymaridae systematics.

DNA barcoding is an effective method for species identification, but its practical application, as implemented in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), faces numerous challenges. In our work, we conducted an empirical test of this approach using butterflies of the Volga River region in eastern Europe as a model system. We demonstrate that DNA barcoding is a powerful tool for identifying species clusters of the local fauna studied. However, assigning the identified clusters to scientific species names using BOLD was problematic for more than half of the species analyzed. The reasons for these problems are numerous errors in (1) species and even (2) generic identifications of DNA barcodes in the BOLD database (30% and 26% of all problematic cases, respectively), (3) similarity of DNA barcodes in different species (22%), (4) unresolved taxonomic problems associated with the species names that BOLD suggests as identifications (18%), (5) anomalous barcodes (2%), and (6) incompleteness of the BOLD database (2%). Solving problems 1, 2 and 5 requires improving the DNA barcode curation system and minimization of the identification errors in the BOLD database. Problems 3 and 6 can be partly solved by accumulating DNA barcodes, especially barcodes of local faunas, since populations of different species with identical DNA barcodes often have non-overlapping areas. Problem 4 is the most difficult and requires further intensive taxonomic research to solve it.

Novel agro-ecosystem management practices are necessary to sustain biodiversity. In low- and middle-income countries, profitable marketable habitat enhancement plants (MHEPs) associated with a single main crop may be more efficient at supporting insect diversity and farmer income compared to monoculture fields. An approach known as "Farming with Alternative Pollinators" (FAP), which uses marketable habitat enhancement plants, was tested in Morocco. To date, the FAP approach has achieved success in fields measuring approximately 300 square meters, supporting the diversity and abundance of pollinators, natural enemies of pests, and farmer net income. However, the question remains: how efficient would this approach be in large fields of one hectare or more? We present a case study conducted using faba bean as the main crop and compared the development of the FAP approach in 300 square meter and one-hectare fields in Morocco. At the field level, compared to the control fields (i.e., monoculture), the diversity and abundance of pollinators and natural enemies were higher in FAP fields of both field sizes, but the difference was less in large fields. The difference in net income (108% vs. 36% in small vs. large fields) was significant, indicating a potential incentive for the farmers of small and large fields. A questionnaire conducted with farmers confirmed their recognition of the value of marketable habitat enhancement plants as a cost-efficient solution that can offer multiple benefits.

(Meyrick, 1917), commonly known as the tomato pinworm, is a destructive pest of tomato and other solanaceous crops worldwide that leads to large yield losses. Because of the increasing resistance to chemical insecticides, alternative means of control are required. This review is focused on the actual integrated management with regard to natural, chemical, and advanced biotechnological control systems for . Traditional chemical methods of control, most commonly insecticides, have become less efficient as resistance develops. On the other hand, natural enemies such as predatory mirids, parasitoids, and microbial organisms seem to be promising in suppressing them. Moreover, biotechnology tools, such as RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR/Cas9, and the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), provide targeted and durable strategies against pests. Nano-bio-insecticides prepared using nanotechnological tools can enhance pest control through optimizing stability, toxicity, and release of active molecules. These improvements not only optimize pesticide monitoring but also contribute to sustainable farming. Integrated into a holistic IPM system, such innovative tools decrease dependence on chemical pesticides and offer environmentally friendly and effective solutions for control. This multi-modal approach outlines the need for further studies and the harnessing of these advanced techniques to suppress the emerging hazardous consequences posed by this invasive pest.

is well known for causing extensive postharvest losses and threatening food security in tropical and subtropical regions. The reliance on synthetic insecticides has raised concerns about the development of resistance, environmental safety, food contamination, and human health, emphasizing the need for alternative management strategies. Thus, the present study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the Protector formula alone and in combination with spinosad, abamectin, or the entomopathogenic fungus against adults and their progeny production on maize under two temperatures (25 and 30 °C) at low concentrations. Bioassays revealed that DE or alone induced low mortality, while spinosad and abamectin single applications resulted in high mortality rates, achieving 100% after 21 days of exposure at 30 °C at the higher concentrations. The combined applications of spinosad or abamectin with DE resulted in complete mortality and progeny suppression at lower concentrations at 25 °C. Temperature had a significant influence in some cases. Overall, these findings demonstrate that DE, when combined with other natural insecticidal agents at low concentrations, especially spinosad and abamectin at specific temperatures, can provide highly effective control of , offering a promising strategy for integrated pest management (IPM) in stored maize.

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