Journal of Applied Entomology最新文献

Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius), also known as the cowpea beetle or pulse beetle, is the most important pest of stored cowpea. The beetle causes both qualitative and quantitative losses in the grains, all of which result in low crop yields. The objective of this work was to investigate the insecticidal effect of rose essential oil (REO) on adult Callosobruchus maculatus in terms of mortality and oviposition. In addition, the viable mesophilic aerobic bacteria of C. maculatus were evaluated, and surface molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps were examined to determine the interaction domains of the bioactive components of REO. The interaction mechanism between the AChE enzyme (PDB ID: 6XXY, 4EY6, 4EY7 and 6O4W) and the REO components was investigated using the molecular docking method. The highest mortality of 92.40 ± 0.03% was obtained at 16 μL within 72 h of exposure. Higher concentrations of the essential oil decreased the laying performance of C. maculatus. A significant decrease of 91.33% in the number of eggs laid was observed. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) results showed that the major constituents of Rosa damascena Miller essential oil (REO) were citronellol (46.15%), geraniol (16.19%), nonadecane (8.80%) and nerol (7.43%). Treatments of 4, 8, 12 and 16 μL of REO significantly reduced the viable mesophilic aerobic bacteria of C. maculatus samples compared with the control. It was found that the most effective binding was between the REO components and the 4EY7 protein, with binding energies ranging from −6.9 to −8.9 kcal/mol. Although the major component of REO was citronellol (46.15%), the best interaction was observed with farnesol isomer B (0.80%). Overall, these results suggest that REO has the potential to control C. maculatus as an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides.

Globalization has facilitated the introduction and establishment of organisms beyond their natural ranges, leading to significant ecological and economic consequences. While many non-native species are well documented, others remain understudied, either due to their unknown impact or morphological similarities with native species. This study addresses such a case, focusing on synanthropic cockroaches within the order Blattodea. Despite the order's diversity, less than 1% of known species are recorded in urban environments. While certain species like Periplaneta americana, Blatta orientalis and Blattella germanica are well distributed and studied, others remain largely unknown. This research unveils the first established population of Nauphoeta cinerea in Europe, specifically in Spain (Asturias, northern Iberian Peninsula), with specific genetic and morphological confirmation. This study also explores potential pathways of introduction for N. cinerea. Long-distance transport by ships or escape/release from captivity are proposed as potential pathways for the newly established populations in Asturias. The species' high fecundity and parthenogenetic reproduction raise concerns about its potential invasiveness. Additionally, this study includes unpublished data on various synanthropic cockroaches in Asturias (with the first records of P. lateralis and Supella longipalpa for this area), drawn from specimens deposited in biological collections and some extra collections. An identification key for all Spanish non-native synanthropic cockroach species is provided to assist in future detections. This research emphasizes the imperative need for robust monitoring systems, highlights the scarcity of scientific information regarding synanthropic cockroach distribution and underscores the pivotal role of biological collections in advancing our understanding of invasive species.

Life-history traits and population size of organisms may be affected by fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance. In this study, we examined the insecticide resistance and life-history traits of Paederus fuscipes (Curtis), a common generalist predator, in field populations from Taiwan (high-latitude region; 22° N–25° N) and Malaysia (low-latitude region; 3° N–5° N). The results showed that Malaysian populations had higher imidacloprid resistance compared with Taiwanese populations. The fitness costs associated with imidacloprid resistance resulted in reduced fecundity, longer adult pre-oviposition period, shorter egg length, and lighter pupal weight in the Malaysian populations, in contrast to the Taiwanese populations. However, the immature developmental time of the Malaysian populations was relatively short compared with the Taiwanese populations. The longevity of the Taiwanese populations was significantly shorter compared with the Malaysian populations. The fecundity of the adult populations increased in inverse proportion to longevity. The intrinsic rate of increase was significantly lower in the Malaysian populations compared with the Taiwanese populations. This regional-scale study provided insights into the differences in life-history traits and population growth of P. fuscipes as a result of fitness cost. However, it is worth noting that despite the high intrinsic rate of increase observed in the Taiwanese populations, among other factors, cannibalism may serve as a density-dependent compensatory mechanism in regulating population size.

The Drosophilid family comprises over 4000 species, with several species posing potential threats to agriculture, as identified by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO). Among these species, Drosophila suzukii, Zaprionus tuberculatus and Z. indianus have received attention due to their geographic expansion and potential risks to crops. This research aims to consolidate global data on Z. tuberculatus hosts, with a specific focus on this species' presence in Brazil's Federal District, its first reported location in the Americas. Reviewing existing literature and conducting fieldwork, we identified 61 plant species from 25 botanical families as potential hosts for Z. tuberculatus worldwide, from which 23 species are new hosts. It was noted that Z. tuberculatus had a high density on certain fruits, raising concerns about its potential as a pest. The presence of Z. tuberculatus alongside other pest species, such as Z. indianus and Drosophila suzukii, highlights the complexity of invasive species' interactions and their ecological impacts. These findings emphasize the need for standardized methodologies to evaluate invasive drosophilids' ecological and economic implications, enabling informed management strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on agriculture and ecosystems.