Although the silkworm-baculovirus expression system (BES) is known as an excellent recombinant secreted protein expression system, some recombinant proteins are difficult to mass produce. One reason for this is that the protein structure itself is unstable and protein aggregation occurs. In this study, we used the chub mackerel leptin-A (cmLepA), a protein that has been shown to induce gonadotropin secretion in fish, as a model protein and examined the effects of eleven fusion peptides that are expected to enhance the solubility of recombinant proteins. Our results showed that soluble secretion levels of the recombinant LepA (rLepA) were significantly increased in the serum of baculovirus-infected silkworms when BmThymosin, ScSUMO, BmSUMO, GB1, or T7SET solubility tags were fused. The purified rLepA proteins were directly assayed in fish cells for the biological activity without cleavage of the fusion tags, revealing that the BmThymosin-fused protein exhibited comparable activity to that of tag-free LepA. Collectively, our findings provide a useful set of fusion tags designed to improve the secretion and solubility of proteins of interest when using the silkworm-baculovirus expression system.
虽然家蚕杆状病毒表达系统（BES）被认为是一种优秀的重组分泌蛋白表达系统，但一些重组蛋白难以大规模生产。其中一个原因是蛋白质结构本身不稳定，会发生蛋白质聚集。在本研究中，我们使用鲐鱼瘦素- a （cmLepA）作为模型蛋白，该蛋白已被证明可以诱导鱼类分泌促性腺激素，并检测了11种融合肽的作用，这些融合肽有望提高重组蛋白的溶解度。结果表明，融合BmThymosin、ScSUMO、BmSUMO、GB1或T7SET溶解度标签后，杆状病毒感染的家蚕血清中重组LepA （rLepA）的可溶性分泌水平显著升高。在不切割融合标签的情况下，直接在鱼细胞中检测纯化的rLepA蛋白的生物活性，结果表明bmthymosin融合蛋白与无标签的LepA具有相当的活性。总的来说，我们的发现提供了一套有用的融合标签，用于在使用家蚕-杆状病毒表达系统时改善感兴趣蛋白的分泌和溶解度。
{"title":"Comparative study of solubilization tags to improve protein secretion in a baculovirus expression system","authors":"Yin Zhang , Hiroaki Mon , Jae Man Lee , Jian Xu , Kyle Dominic Barnuevo , Tapas Chakraborty , Kohei Ohta , Michiya Matsuyama , Takahiro Kusakabe","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102456","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102456","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the silkworm-baculovirus expression system (BES) is known as an excellent recombinant secreted protein expression system, some recombinant proteins are difficult to mass produce. One reason for this is that the protein structure itself is unstable and protein aggregation occurs. In this study, we used the chub mackerel leptin-A (cmLepA), a protein that has been shown to induce gonadotropin secretion in fish, as a model protein and examined the effects of eleven fusion peptides that are expected to enhance the solubility of recombinant proteins. Our results showed that soluble secretion levels of the recombinant LepA (rLepA) were significantly increased in the serum of baculovirus-infected silkworms when BmThymosin, ScSUMO, BmSUMO, GB1, or T7SET solubility tags were fused. The purified rLepA proteins were directly assayed in fish cells for the biological activity without cleavage of the fusion tags, revealing that the BmThymosin-fused protein exhibited comparable activity to that of tag-free LepA. Collectively, our findings provide a useful set of fusion tags designed to improve the secretion and solubility of proteins of interest when using the silkworm-baculovirus expression system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102456"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144878564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102458
Wei Lin , Yanjun Gao , Qiaodi Wang , Zhengkun Xiao , Guo-Hua Huang
Ascoviruses, a family of large, double-stranded circular DNA viruses, exhibit high host specificity and pathogenicity, suggesting their significant potential in biocontrol. A hallmark characteristic of ascovirus infection in larvae is reduced feeding and retarded growth. However, the mechanisms by which ascoviruses regulate these effects remain largely unknown. Given their crucial role in regulating larval feeding, insect neuropeptides have attracted our attention in the context of ascovirus infection. During HvAV-3h infection in S. litura, the expression levels of neuropeptide F (NPF), including NPF1 and NPF2, which are integral to feeding regulation, were significantly reduced. HvAV-3h infection impaired NPF regulation in larvae, leading to reduced food intake and larval weight gain across different physiological states. Concurrently, significant up-regulation of the NPF receptor (NPFR) was observed in the head tissue. The observed dysregulation of the NPF/NPFR signaling pathway was associated with elevated juvenile hormone (JH) titers. In contrast, the expression levels of short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and the molting hormone ecdysone remained unchanged. Moreover, histopathological analysis of the midgut revealed no epithelial cell damage. Furthermore, RNA interference of NPF1 or NPF2 significantly increased the expression of NPFR and juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT), and tended to further reduce food intake and weight gain, which consequently increased the mortality during HvAV-3h infection. HvAV-3h infection disrupts the NPF/NPFR signaling pathway in S. litura larvae, subsequently elevating JH titers, ultimately leading to reduced food intake and larval weight gain. This study enhances our understanding of the interaction between HvAV-3h and its host, and provides a theoretical basis for the development of innovative pest management strategies.
{"title":"Ascovirus suppresses feeding and growth in Spodoptera litura larvae by targeting the neuropeptide F","authors":"Wei Lin , Yanjun Gao , Qiaodi Wang , Zhengkun Xiao , Guo-Hua Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ascoviruses, a family of large, double-stranded circular DNA viruses, exhibit high host specificity and pathogenicity, suggesting their significant potential in biocontrol. A hallmark characteristic of ascovirus infection in larvae is reduced feeding and retarded growth. However, the mechanisms by which ascoviruses regulate these effects remain largely unknown. Given their crucial role in regulating larval feeding, insect neuropeptides have attracted our attention in the context of ascovirus infection. During HvAV-3h infection in <em>S. litura</em>, the expression levels of <em>neuropeptide F</em> (<em>NPF</em>), including <em>NPF1</em> and <em>NPF2</em>, which are integral to feeding regulation, were significantly reduced. HvAV-3h infection impaired <em>NPF</em> regulation in larvae, leading to reduced food intake and larval weight gain across different physiological states. Concurrently, significant up-regulation of the <em>NPF</em> receptor (<em>NPFR</em>) was observed in the head tissue. The observed dysregulation of the <em>NPF</em>/<em>NPFR</em> signaling pathway was associated with elevated juvenile hormone (JH) titers. In contrast, the expression levels of <em>short neuropeptide F</em> (<em>sNPF</em>) and the molting hormone ecdysone remained unchanged. Moreover, histopathological analysis of the midgut revealed no epithelial cell damage. Furthermore, RNA interference of <em>NPF1</em> or <em>NPF2</em> significantly increased the expression of <em>NPFR</em> and <em>juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase</em> (<em>JHAMT</em>), and tended to further reduce food intake and weight gain, which consequently increased the mortality during HvAV-3h infection. HvAV-3h infection disrupts the <em>NPF</em>/<em>NPFR</em> signaling pathway in <em>S. litura</em> larvae, subsequently elevating JH titers, ultimately leading to reduced food intake and larval weight gain. This study enhances our understanding of the interaction between HvAV-3h and its host, and provides a theoretical basis for the development of innovative pest management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102458"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144852231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-08DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102454
Ramadan M. El–Ashry , Osama M.M. Kheder , Mohamed A.S. Ali , Fatemah AlMalki , Eman Kelabi , Mohammed Al-Shehri , Mahmoud Moustafa , Ahmed M.A. El-Deeb , Abdelhadi A.I. Ali
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Prime) cultivation in sandy soils of Egypt faces serious challenges due to infestations by root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita), which reduce yield and vine vigor. This study aimed to develop a sustainable management strategy using composted animal manures (CAMs) derived from poultry, cow, and sheep sources, along with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), including Pseudomonas spp. and Serratia spp. Laboratory assays confirmed the strong nematicidal activity of both bacterial strains, demonstrating pronounced ovicidal and juvenile-lethal effects against M. incognita. While greenhouse and field trials demonstrated their efficacy in reducing nematode reproduction, root galling, and egg mass formation. Moreover, the combined application of CAMs and PGPR not only enhanced plant growth and grapevine productivity but also promoted beneficial free-living nematodes (FLNs), such as Rhabditis spp., and predatory nematodes (PNs), including Mononchus spp., contributing to improved soil health and ecological balance. These findings support the integration of organic amendments and rhizobacteria as an eco-friendly and effective alternative to synthetic nematicides in nematode-infested vineyards.
{"title":"Integrated bio-based approaches for suppressing root-knot nematodes and enhancing grapevine performance in sandy soils","authors":"Ramadan M. El–Ashry , Osama M.M. Kheder , Mohamed A.S. Ali , Fatemah AlMalki , Eman Kelabi , Mohammed Al-Shehri , Mahmoud Moustafa , Ahmed M.A. El-Deeb , Abdelhadi A.I. Ali","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Grapevine (<em>Vitis vinifera</em> L. cv. Prime) cultivation in sandy soils of Egypt faces serious challenges due to infestations by root-knot nematodes (<em>Meloidogyne incognita</em>), which reduce yield and vine vigor. This study aimed to develop a sustainable management strategy using composted animal manures (CAMs) derived from poultry, cow, and sheep sources, along with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), including <em>Pseudomonas</em> spp. and <em>Serratia</em> spp. Laboratory assays confirmed the strong nematicidal activity of both bacterial strains, demonstrating pronounced ovicidal and juvenile-lethal effects against <em>M. incognita</em>. While greenhouse and field trials demonstrated their efficacy in reducing nematode reproduction, root galling, and egg mass formation. Moreover, the combined application of CAMs and PGPR not only enhanced plant growth and grapevine productivity but also promoted beneficial free-living nematodes (FLNs), such as <em>Rhabditis</em> spp., and predatory nematodes (PNs), including <em>Mononchus</em> spp., contributing to improved soil health and ecological balance. These findings support the integration of organic amendments and rhizobacteria as an eco-friendly and effective alternative to synthetic nematicides in nematode-infested vineyards.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102454"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-07DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102453
Ka Hee Cho , Ye Seon Won , Jeong-Yong Cho , Young Cheol Kim
Plutella xylostella (diamondback moth) is a major pest of cruciferous crops, causing substantial global economic losses. Therefore, this study aims to isolate natural antifeedant compounds from Camellia japonica seeds and evaluate their bioactivity against third-instar larvae of P. xylostella. Among the tested plant extracts, the ethanolic extract of C. japonica seeds exhibited strong antifeedant activity, with a 50 % antifeedant concentration (AFC50) of 128 ppm. LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract identified major constituents, including disaccharides (17 %), kaempferol glycosides (12 %), camelliasaponin A1 (10 %), camelliasaponin A2 (11 %), and other triterpenoid glycosides. Subsequent medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) fractionation of the extract produced five fractions, one of which showed antifeedant activity at 125.0 ppm. This active fraction contained high levels of camelliasaponins A1 (5,031 ± 286 ppm) and A2 (6,053 ± 185 ppm). Authentic camelliasaponin A1 and A2 also showed potent antifeedant activity against P. xylostella larvae, with AFC50 values of 5.4 ppm and 3.6 ppm, respectively—both lower than that of neem-derived Azadirachtin (AFC50 = 12.4 ppm). These findings confirm that camelliasaponins A1 and A2 are the principal active antifeedant constituents in C. japonica seed extracts. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of camellia seed extracts for development into environmentally friendly formulations for integrated pest management targeting lepidopteran larvae.
{"title":"Camelliasaponins A1 and A2 extracted from camellia (Camellia japonica var. japonica) seeds are key antifeedant compounds against the larvae of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella L.)","authors":"Ka Hee Cho , Ye Seon Won , Jeong-Yong Cho , Young Cheol Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Plutella xylostella</em> (diamondback moth) is a major pest of cruciferous crops, causing substantial global economic losses. Therefore, this study aims to isolate natural antifeedant compounds from <em>Camellia japonica</em> seeds and evaluate their bioactivity against third-instar larvae of <em>P. xylostella</em>. Among the tested plant extracts, the ethanolic extract of <em>C. japonica</em> seeds exhibited strong antifeedant activity, with a 50 % antifeedant concentration (AFC<sub>50</sub>) of 128 ppm. LC-MS/MS analysis of the extract identified major constituents, including disaccharides (17 %), kaempferol glycosides (12 %), camelliasaponin A1 (10 %), camelliasaponin A2 (11 %), and other triterpenoid glycosides. Subsequent medium-pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC) fractionation of the extract produced five fractions, one of which showed antifeedant activity at 125.0 ppm. This active fraction contained high levels of camelliasaponins A1 (5,031 ± 286 ppm) and A2 (6,053 ± 185 ppm). Authentic camelliasaponin A1 and A2 also showed potent antifeedant activity against <em>P. xylostella</em> larvae, with AFC<sub>50</sub> values of 5.4 ppm and 3.6 ppm, respectively—both lower than that of neem-derived Azadirachtin (AFC<sub>50</sub> = 12.4 ppm). These findings confirm that camelliasaponins A1 and A2 are the principal active antifeedant constituents in <em>C. japonica</em> seed extracts. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of camellia seed extracts for development into environmentally friendly formulations for integrated pest management targeting lepidopteran larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102453"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144827507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-06DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102452
Elizabete Artus Berte , Cristiane Lurdes Paloschi , Fernanda Raulino Domanski , Edgar de Souza Vismara , Erivelto Folhato Tolfo , Leticia da Silva Ribeiro , Natália Ramos Mertz , Vitória Alves Pereira , Silvane Zancanaro de Oliveira , Raiza Abati , Fabiana Martins Costa , Everton Ricardi Lozano da Silva , Michele Potrich
Africanized honey bee Apis mellifera is a social insect that plays a vital role in agriculture and the economy through pollination, an essential ecosystem service, and the production of several bee products. However, the sharp decline in honey bee colonies, often associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), especially due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, represents a significant threat to ecosystems and global food security. Among the alternatives under investigation to replace synthetic pesticides, essential oils or botanical insecticides stand out, although the effects on A. mellifera remain poorly understood and require further studies. This study evaluated the toxicity of essential oils from Eugenia uniflora and Pogostemon cablin on forager bees of known age (K) and unknown age (U). Three bioassays were conducted at a concentration of 0.75 % (v/v): (1) direct contact on treated surfaces; (2) spraying on bees; (3) Ingestion of food with essential oil; and analysis of flight behavior. Essential oils significantly reduced bee survival over 12 h, with more lethal effects in the group exposed to E. uniflora oil. They negatively affected flight behavior (vertical movement and recovery free fall). The toxic effects were evident regardless of honey bee age or exposure method, highlighting that although botanical insecticides are often considered safer alternatives to synthetic products, they can still pose substantial risks to pollinators. This study provides important information on pollinator conservation and may inform future regulations on botanical pesticides and guide safer integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, promoting a balance between pest control and biodiversity protection.
{"title":"Toxicity of the essential oils of Eugenia uniflora and Pogostemon cablin on field bees of Africanized Apis mellifera L., 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)","authors":"Elizabete Artus Berte , Cristiane Lurdes Paloschi , Fernanda Raulino Domanski , Edgar de Souza Vismara , Erivelto Folhato Tolfo , Leticia da Silva Ribeiro , Natália Ramos Mertz , Vitória Alves Pereira , Silvane Zancanaro de Oliveira , Raiza Abati , Fabiana Martins Costa , Everton Ricardi Lozano da Silva , Michele Potrich","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102452","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102452","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Africanized honey bee <em>Apis mellifera</em> is a social insect that plays a vital role in agriculture and the economy through pollination, an essential ecosystem service, and the production of several bee products. However, the sharp decline in honey bee colonies, often associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), especially due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, represents a significant threat to ecosystems and global food security. Among the alternatives under investigation to replace synthetic pesticides, essential oils or botanical insecticides stand out, although the effects on <em>A. mellifera</em> remain poorly understood and require further studies. This study evaluated the toxicity of essential oils from <em>Eugenia uniflora</em> and <em>Pogostemon cablin</em> on forager bees of known age (K) and unknown age (U). Three bioassays were conducted at a concentration of 0.75 % (v/v): (1) direct contact on treated surfaces; (2) spraying on bees; (3) Ingestion of food with essential oil; and analysis of flight behavior. Essential oils significantly reduced bee survival over 12 h, with more lethal effects in the group exposed to <em>E. uniflora</em> oil. They negatively affected flight behavior (vertical movement and recovery free fall). The toxic effects were evident regardless of honey bee age or exposure method, highlighting that although botanical insecticides are often considered safer alternatives to synthetic products, they can still pose substantial risks to pollinators. This study provides important information on pollinator conservation and may inform future regulations on botanical pesticides and guide safer integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, promoting a balance between pest control and biodiversity protection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102452"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102451
Moïse Pierre Exélis , Rosli Ramli , Azarae Hj Idris , Rabha W. Ibrahim , Gemma Maria Clemente-Orta , Camilo Ayra-Pardo , Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah Sani
The Asian weaver ant (Oecophylla smaragdina F.) is an effective natural predator of key pests affecting economically important crops across Southeast Asia. This study presents a large-scale assessment of its spatial distribution in oil palm plantations (200,000 ha surveys). Geographic coordinates and colony-level data were recorded to investigate spatial structure, the occupation pattern, nesting behaviour, and typology. To distinguish functional nest types (brood versus barracks), 26 samples were analysed using discriminant analysis (DA). The vertical positioning within the palm canopy emerged as a reliable visual indicator (nest morphology, internal content proved insufficient). Brood nests were located at heights averaging 8.0 ± 1.3 m (barracks ± 4.0 m). Colonies exhibited polydomous structure, forming irregular, interconnected spatial patches, with the first documented cases of monodomy observed in shorter palms. The antagonist ant species Odontoponera denticulata is suggested as a potential disruptor vector. Colony age, estimated from the number of nests and occupied palms, was modelled using negative binomial and Poisson distribution. Mature colonies occupied 10–12 palms within an area of 800–2500 m2, separated by consistent ant-free buffer zones (∼20 m2). Colonisation progressed gradually, with colonies occupying an average of 3–4 palms per year, reaching maturity within 3–4 years. Poisson modelling predictive estimation of colony age based on nesting parameters shows a strong correlation. O. smaragdina colonies’ widespread, stable presence throughout oil palm landscapes underscores the species’ potential as a sustainable biological control agent against the invasive bagworm Metisa plana Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), a major threat to oil palm yields.
{"title":"Distribution and nest occupancy patterns of Oecophylla smaragdina (hymenoptera: formicidae) colonies in Southeast Asian oil palm plantations","authors":"Moïse Pierre Exélis , Rosli Ramli , Azarae Hj Idris , Rabha W. Ibrahim , Gemma Maria Clemente-Orta , Camilo Ayra-Pardo , Muhamad Shirwan Abdullah Sani","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102451","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102451","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Asian weaver ant (<em>Oecophylla smaragdina</em> F.) is an effective natural predator of key pests affecting economically important crops across Southeast Asia. This study presents a large-scale assessment of its spatial distribution in oil palm plantations (200,000 ha surveys). Geographic coordinates and colony-level data were recorded to investigate spatial structure, the occupation pattern, nesting behaviour, and typology. To distinguish functional nest types (brood versus barracks), 26 samples were analysed using discriminant analysis (DA). The vertical positioning within the palm canopy emerged as a reliable visual indicator (nest morphology, internal content proved insufficient). Brood nests were located at heights averaging 8.0 ± 1.3 m (barracks ± 4.0 m). Colonies exhibited polydomous structure, forming irregular, interconnected spatial patches, with the first documented cases of monodomy observed in shorter palms. The antagonist ant species <em>Odontoponera denticulata</em> is suggested as a potential disruptor vector. Colony age, estimated from the number of nests and occupied palms, was modelled using negative binomial and Poisson distribution. Mature colonies occupied 10–12 palms within an area of 800–2500 m<sup>2</sup>, separated by consistent ant-free buffer zones (∼20 m<sup>2</sup>). Colonisation progressed gradually, with colonies occupying an average of 3–4 palms per year, reaching maturity within 3–4 years. Poisson modelling predictive estimation of colony age based on nesting parameters shows a strong correlation. <em>O. smaragdina</em> colonies’ widespread, stable presence throughout oil palm landscapes underscores the species’ potential as a sustainable biological control agent against the invasive bagworm <em>Metisa plana</em> Walker (Lepidoptera: Psychidae), a major threat to oil palm yields.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102451"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-30DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102450
Hanyu Jiang , Jiacheng Zhong , Cheng Wang
Pests in cotton fields significantly impact the normal growth and development of cotton plant, resulting in a decline in both quality and yield, subsequently affecting the productivity of farmers. In addressing the prevalent elongated structures found in insects, this study extends the YOLOv8n algorithm by introducing dynamic snake convolution. This addition facilitates efficient learning of the elongated features of cotton insects. Our algorithm achieved a F1-score value of 92.71 %, an mAP50 value of 97.50 %,an mAP50-95 value of 80.13 %.Additionally, we conducted comparative experiments with well-known object detection algorithms, including Efficientdet, Retinanet, SSD, YOLOv5, YOLOv8n, and YOLOv8s. The results demonstrate that our algorithm exhibits higher accuracy and precision.Furthermore, we evaluated our approach on additional publicly available insect datasets, revealing that our Snake-YOLO algorithm outperforms in detecting insects with elongated features.
{"title":"Detection of cotton pests using an enhanced deep learning model","authors":"Hanyu Jiang , Jiacheng Zhong , Cheng Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102450","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102450","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pests in cotton fields significantly impact the normal growth and development of cotton plant, resulting in a decline in both quality and yield, subsequently affecting the productivity of farmers. In addressing the prevalent elongated structures found in insects, this study extends the YOLOv8n algorithm by introducing dynamic snake convolution. This addition facilitates efficient learning of the elongated features of cotton insects. Our algorithm achieved a F1-score value of 92.71 %, an mAP50 value of 97.50 %,an mAP50-95 value of 80.13 %.Additionally, we conducted comparative experiments with well-known object detection algorithms, including Efficientdet, Retinanet, SSD, YOLOv5, YOLOv8n, and YOLOv8s. The results demonstrate that our algorithm exhibits higher accuracy and precision.Furthermore, we evaluated our approach on additional publicly available insect datasets, revealing that our Snake-YOLO algorithm outperforms in detecting insects with elongated features.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102450"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study characterized the venom of the Algerian honeybee, Apis mellifera intermissa, and evaluated its key biological activities. Biochemical analysis by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that melittin, the main component of bee venom, constituted approximately 38 % of its dry weight. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) confirmed the presence of major components, including melittin (∼3–5 kDa), phospholipase A2 (∼15–20 kDa), and hyaluronidase (∼44 kDa). The venom exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. Potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Acinetobacter baumannii, yielding low minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC). The anti-inflammatory potential was evidenced by the inhibition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation. Furthermore, the venom exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 17.17 µg/mL and 11.90 µg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight venom as a rich source of bioactive compounds with multifaceted therapeutic potential for pharmacological development.
{"title":"Chemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity assessments of Apis mellifera intermissa venom collected in Northeast Algeria","authors":"Faouzi Dahdouh , Gizem Kursunluoglu , Amira Bourouba , Amina Bourouba , Mukerrem Betul Yerer , Houria Djebar-Berrebbah","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102449","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102449","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study characterized the venom of the Algerian honeybee, Apis mellifera intermissa, and evaluated its key biological activities. Biochemical analysis by High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that melittin, the main component of bee venom, constituted approximately 38 % of its dry weight. Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) confirmed the presence of major components, including melittin (∼3–5 kDa), phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> (∼15–20 kDa), and hyaluronidase (∼44 kDa). The venom exhibited strong antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. Potent, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity was observed against <em>Pseudomonas</em> aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Enterococcus faecalis, and Acinetobacter baumannii, yielding low minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC). The anti-inflammatory potential was evidenced by the inhibition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation. Furthermore, the venom exhibited significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC<sub>50</sub>) of 17.17 µg/mL and 11.90 µg/mL, respectively. These findings highlight venom as a rich source of bioactive compounds with multifaceted therapeutic potential for pharmacological development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102449"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144695293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-22DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102448
Rameesha Amjad Ali , Mansoor-ul-Hasan , Eman Fayad , Seham Sater Alhelaify , Saqer S. Alotaibi , Anam Moosa , Faisal Zulfiqar
Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the insecticidal potential of zeolite (ZeoFeed) and spinetoram alone and in combination against the adults of lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Bostrichidae: Coleoptera). Bioassays were carried out at 15, 25, and 35 °C and 55 and 75 % relative humidity (R.H.) on wheat, rice, and maize. Efficacy of zeolite was determined at 2500, 500, and 700 ppm in first bioassay, followed by efficacy of spinetoram at 0.25, 0.50 and 1 ppm in second bioassay, and combined effectiveness of zeolite and spinetoram at 750 and 1 ppm doses in third bioassay. Adult mortality in all bioassays was recorded 1-, 3-, 7- and 14-days post-exposure. Results showed that mortality was positively related with dose and exposure interval. More insects died with increasing temperature and decreasing R.H. Wheat was more susceptible followed by rice and maize. Mortality was more in combined treatments (750 ppm + 1 ppm) with complete control of insects at 35 °C + 55 % R.H., 14 days of post-exposure in all tested commodities. This is the first report on the use of zeolite combined with insecticide to combat R. dominica under these conditions. The study suggests that zeolite in combination with spinetoram can effectively protect grains from this species, considering factors such as temperature and relative humidity.
{"title":"Individual and combined efficacy of zeolite and spinetoram for controlling Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Bostrichidae: Coleoptera); impact of temperature, relative humidity and grain types","authors":"Rameesha Amjad Ali , Mansoor-ul-Hasan , Eman Fayad , Seham Sater Alhelaify , Saqer S. Alotaibi , Anam Moosa , Faisal Zulfiqar","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the insecticidal potential of zeolite (ZeoFeed) and spinetoram alone and in combination against the adults of lesser grain borer, <em>Rhyzopertha dominica</em> (F.) (Bostrichidae: Coleoptera). Bioassays were carried out at 15, 25, and 35 °C and 55 and 75 % relative humidity (R.H.) on wheat, rice, and maize. Efficacy of zeolite was determined at 2500, 500, and 700 ppm in first bioassay, followed by efficacy of spinetoram at 0.25, 0.50 and 1 ppm in second bioassay, and combined effectiveness of zeolite and spinetoram at 750 and 1 ppm doses in third bioassay. Adult mortality in all bioassays was recorded 1-, 3-, 7- and 14-days post-exposure. Results showed that mortality was positively related with dose and exposure interval. More insects died with increasing temperature and decreasing R.H. Wheat was more susceptible followed by rice and maize. Mortality was more in combined treatments (750 ppm + 1 ppm) with complete control of insects at 35 °C + 55 % R.H., 14 days of post-exposure in all tested commodities. This is the first report on the use of zeolite combined with insecticide to combat <em>R. dominica</em> under these conditions. The study suggests that zeolite in combination with spinetoram can effectively protect grains from this species, considering factors such as temperature and relative humidity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102448"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144702643","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-20DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102447
Yi-Kuan Wu, Jia-Qing Yu, Lin Jin, Guo-Qing Li
Two transcriptional repressors Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) and Hairy have been confirmed mediating juvenile hormone (JH) signaling in Dipterans. To date, nevertheless, whether the two repressors transduce the JH signal has not been explored in any Coleopteran species. Here we found that HvKr-h1 exhibited a temporal expression pattern opposite to that of HvHairy in Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, an herbivorous ladybird mainly damaging potato. Moreover, HvKr-h1 showed opposite expression profiles to that of HvHairy in the larval fore and hindguts. RNA interference (RNAi) against Kr-h1 at the second larval instar stage caused premature pupae and adults, and abnormal prepupae. Knockdown of HvKr-h1 at the third and fourth (final) larval instar stages led to deformed prepupae and misshapen pupae; the phenotypic defects were more severe when injection of dsRNA at the final instar stage. Moreover, RNAi for HvKr-h1 disrupted JH and 20E signaling, indicating by abnormal expression levels of JH signaling pathway genes (Met, Tai, Hairy, Groucho) and upregulated BrC and E93. Conversely, depletion of either HvHairy or HvGroucho did not affect larval developing. Both dsHairy- or dsGroucho-treated and control larvae exhibited steady weight gain and normal transitions through the third and fourth instars, prepupal, and pupal stages. It appears that Kr-h1, rather than Hairy/Groucho, exerts an anti-metamorphic role during larva developing in H. vigintioctomaculata.
{"title":"Krüppel-homolog 1 is critical for larval metamorphosis in an herbivorous ladybird","authors":"Yi-Kuan Wu, Jia-Qing Yu, Lin Jin, Guo-Qing Li","doi":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102447","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102447","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Two transcriptional repressors Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) and Hairy have been confirmed mediating juvenile hormone (JH) signaling in Dipterans. To date, nevertheless, whether the two repressors transduce the JH signal has not been explored in any Coleopteran species. Here we found that <em>HvKr-h1</em> exhibited a temporal expression pattern opposite to that of <em>HvHairy</em> in <em>Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata</em>, an herbivorous ladybird mainly damaging potato. Moreover, <em>HvKr-h1</em> showed opposite expression profiles to that of <em>HvHairy</em> in the larval fore and hindguts. RNA interference (RNAi) against <em>Kr-h1</em> at the second larval instar stage caused premature pupae and adults, and abnormal prepupae. Knockdown of <em>HvKr-h1</em> at the third and fourth (final) larval instar stages led to deformed prepupae and misshapen pupae; the phenotypic defects were more severe when injection of dsRNA at the final instar stage. Moreover, RNAi for <em>HvKr-h1</em> disrupted JH and 20E signaling, indicating by abnormal expression levels of JH signaling pathway genes (<em>Met</em>, <em>Tai</em>, <em>Hairy, Groucho</em>) and upregulated <em>BrC</em> and <em>E93</em>. Conversely, depletion of either <em>HvHairy</em> or <em>HvGroucho</em> did not affect larval developing. Both ds<em>Hairy</em>- or ds<em>Groucho</em>-treated and control larvae exhibited steady weight gain and normal transitions through the third and fourth instars, prepupal, and pupal stages. It appears that Kr-h1, rather than Hairy/Groucho, exerts an anti-metamorphic role during larva developing in <em>H. vigintioctomaculata</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15094,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asia-pacific Entomology","volume":"28 3","pages":"Article 102447"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772384","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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