Pest Management Science最新文献

{"title":"Molecular co-assembly engineering towards natural tea saponin-based nanopesticides for synergistic enhanced foliar affinity.","authors":"Enguang Ma, Jun Ma, Ning Ma, Hui Li, Yekai Song, Longlong Geng, Hui Hu, Zhinan Fu, Jinwen Qin, Xinfang Wang, Baoyong Zhu, Xuhong Guo","doi":"10.1002/ps.70504","DOIUrl":"10.1002/ps.70504","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Emerging as transformative agricultural nanotechnologies, nanopesticides have brought unique opportunities for optimal pesticide efficacy because of their inherent properties. However, existing nanopesticides are often plagued by costly and toxic carrier materials, as well as limitations in preparation techniques.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Here, we report a facile and scalable flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) approach, based on molecular co-assembly engineering of natural tea saponin (TS) and tannic acid (TA), to synthesize abamectin (Abm) nanopesticides (Abm@TS/TA nanopesticides). The developed FNP approach circumvented the limitations of batch processing by enabling controllable and continuous production of Abm@TS/TA nanopesticides with a total flow rate of 8640 mL h^-1. More importantly, co-assembly of natural carriers with Abm has been harnessed to achieve synergistic nanopesticides of uniform spherical structure, excellent stability, favorable sustained-release properties, and comparable biological efficacy against Tetranychus urticae. Moreover, the synergistic interfacial properties of the engineered nanopesticides demonstrate improved leaf affinity and retention on plant surfaces compared with conventional formulations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This work establishes an expandable and efficacious approach for deploying eco-friendly nanopesticide systems for sustainable agricultural applications. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":" ","pages":"3907-3914"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145861742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular biology of insect ATPases: from physiology to pest management.","authors":"Azam Amiri,Ali R Bandani","doi":"10.1002/ps.70711","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70711","url":null,"abstract":"ATPases are indispensable molecular engines that couple ATP hydrolysis to ion transport and mechanical work, enabling pH regulation, ion homeostasis, neuronal excitability, and cellular energy production across insects. Three major families of ATPases (vacuolar-type H+-ATPases (V-ATPases), P-type ATPases, and F-type ATP synthases) exhibit distinct architectures, tissue localizations, and physiological roles, ranging from epithelial energization and calcium signaling to mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Recent structural and genomic studies have revealed extensive isoform diversity and lineage-specific adaptations, underscoring the central role of isoforms in insect physiology. Considering this functional framework, we appraise the growing evidence that these same ATPases provide strategic entry points for RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest management. Using RNAi of V-ATPase subunits consistently yields lethal or sterilizing phenotypes. In contrast, emerging data suggest that P- and F-type ATPases are involved in reproduction, osmoregulation, and energy metabolism, and are of scientific merit for RNAi. Advances in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) design, nanoparticle carriers, and plant-, microbe-, or spray-based delivery systems expand the practical reach of this approach, although species-specific barriers and ecological safeguards remain critical. Integrating physiological insights along with applied perspectives, this review highlights insect ATPases as both fundamental drivers of life processes and promising molecular targets. Such dual emphasis provides a roadmap for exploiting ATPase diversity while preserving ecological balance in next-generation pest-management strategies. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"45 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147502355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential patterns of fall armyworm seasonal migration in West Africa modeled with atmospheric trajectory analyses.","authors":"Fan-Qi Gao,Xue-Yan Zhang,Rosina Kyerematen,Gao Hu,Regan Early,Jason W Chapman","doi":"10.1002/ps.70732","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70732","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe migratory invasive species fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) has established year-round populations in several West African countries following its initial invasion of Africa in early 2016. However, its seasonal migratory dynamics within West Africa remain poorly understood. If FAW populations in West Africa were able to successfully cross the Sahara Desert and serve as a major source population in North Africa, this could increase the risk of further invasion into southern Europe. In this study, we used atmospheric data to perform trajectory simulations, predicting the seasonal migratory pathways of short-distance migratory FAW individuals within West African breeding habitats and assessing the monthly probabilities of long-distance migrants departing from West Africa successfully crossing the Sahara Desert.RESULTSThe results indicate that from May to September, the vast majority of short-distance migrants (>70%) remained within West African breeding habitats, whereas in other months, a larger proportion of individuals were blown into the Atlantic Ocean. Moreover, short-distance migrants exhibited clear seasonal movement patterns within West Africa: shifting southwestward from January to May, turning northeastward in June and July, and returning southwestward from August to December. Long-distance migrants had an extremely low success rate (≤0.3%) of crossing the Sahara Desert, which occurred only between February and April each year.CONCLUSIONThis study revealed the seasonal migration patterns of FAW within West Africa, providing important insights for predicting regional outbreak risks and optimizing management strategies in the region. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"20 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147495049","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rational discovery of chitin deacetylase inhibitors against Botrytis cinerea via integrated computational approaches.","authors":"Donglin Xie,Juan Du","doi":"10.1002/ps.70734","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70734","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDGray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, leading to great economic loss in agricultural production worldwide. Chemical fungicides represent one of the most effective strategies for preventing and controlling B. cinerea, while confronting increasingly severe resistance and environmental concerns. It is urgent to discover novel environment-friendly fungicides. Chitin deacetylase (CDA), an enzyme involved in chitin deacetylation, represents a promising novel target due to its role in helping pathogens evade plant immunity.RESULTSIn this work, we employed the AlphaFold3 server to predict the three-dimensional structure of B. cinerea chitin deacetylase (BcCDA). Structure based virtual screening identified the top eight compounds that bind to Zn2+ binding pocket of BcCDA. Then, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculations confirmed the stable interaction of candidate compounds with BcCDA and identified the residues crucial for the binding. Some of the candidates exhibited ecological safety and low environmental risk. Bioassays demonstrated that 105 244 924 and F0915-6107 showed inhibitory activity against BcCDA and effective prevention of B. cinerea invasion. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis confirmed the binding of 105 244 924 and F0915-6107 to residues Asp203 and His366 in the Zn2+ binding pocket of BcCDA, with KD values of 2.37 × 10-6 and 2.84 × 10-6 mol L-1, respectively.CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that compounds 105 244 924 and F0915-6107 are promising candidates for developing antifungal agents against B. cinerea. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147495050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of Brassica oleracea germplasm resources resistant to Plutella xylostella (L.).","authors":"Peixuan Li,Liuhong Zhu,Hanchi Yang,Lina Dong,Shang Zhao,Honghao Lv,Sen Li,Neil Crickmore,Youjun Zhang,Zhaojiang Guo","doi":"10.1002/ps.70740","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70740","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDBrassica oleracea includes many highly nutritious and widely consumed vegetable crops, yet it is severely threatened by Plutella xylostella, a notorious pest in agriculture. The insect-resistant traits developed by host plants over hundreds of millions of years provide one of the most promising methods for pest control, which is why we have screened germplasm for resistance to P. xylostella. Among 50 B. oleracea germplasm resources, we identified a key variety, DM187, that caused 53% mortality in larvae and inhibited the development and reproduction of this moth species.RESULTSIn this study, we collected and cultivated 50 B. oleracea germplasm resources and evaluated their resistance to P. xylostella. Among these germplasm resources, larvae feeding on DM187 caused the least leaf damage and exhibited the highest mortality rate. Moreover, DM187 significantly inhibited the larval length, larval weight, pupation rate, pupal weight, and adult egg production of surviving P. xylostella. Furthermore, ovarian anatomy showed that DM187 resulted in incomplete ovarian development and a reduced egg count in adult females.CONCLUSIONOur findings indicate that the B. oleracea germplasm DM187 significantly impairs the survival, development, and reproductive capacity of P. xylostella. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the identification and utilization of natural insect-resistant resources in vegetables, as well as for research on insect-resistant breeding, and offer a strategy for the effective management of pests in agricultural settings. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"50 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147483706","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification and field evaluation of sex pheromone components in the pine tip moth, Dioryctria sylvestrella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).","authors":"Zheng Wang,Yuge Zhao,Jiaxing Fang,Sufang Zhang,Jiayue Liu,Niannian Zhang,Fu Liu,Dafeng Chen,Xiangbo Kong","doi":"10.1002/ps.70714","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70714","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDThe pine tip moth Dioryctria sylvestrella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a cambium miner of Mongolian Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica) and Korean pine (P. koraiensis), exerting devastating effects on forests throughout Eurasia. Larval galleries girdle the phloem, causing crown die-back and stand-scale mortality during outbreaks. Because larvae feed cryptically beneath the bark, contact insecticides seldom reach the target stage; consequently, infestations are usually detected only after economic injury has occurred. Therefore, a species-specific, early warning tool is urgently needed to effectively forecast population build-up and trigger precise interventions to avoid large-scale losses.RESULTSDioryctria sylvestrella pheromone gland profiling was performed by coupled gas chromatography (GC)-electroantennographic detection (EAD) and GC-mass spectrometry, and these results were reinforced by microderivatization with dimethyl disulfide and 4-methyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione. A four-component sex pheromone released by calling D. sylvestrella females was identified comprising (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14:OAc). (9Z,11E)-tetradecadienyl acetate (Z9,E11-14:OAc), (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:OAc), and (3Z,6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)-pentacosapentaene (C25 pentaene) at a 1:2:10:10 ratio. The double-bond positions and geometries were determined according to retention times and diagnostic adduct ions. Field assays identified an optimal lure loading of 100:200:2000:1000 μg/dispenser of the four components. Heterospecific acetates (Z)-7-dodecenyl acetate (Z7-12:OAc) and (Z)-9-dodecenyl acetate (Z9-12:OAc), which are strong EAD stimulants, eliminated the trap efficacy, confirming their role as behavioral antagonists.CONCLUSIONWe report the first fully optimized, species-specific four-component sex pheromone for D. sylvestrella. The optimal formulation can be immediately deployed for region-wide monitoring, mass-trapping, and future mating-disruption programs against this cryptic forest pest. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"23 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147490143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Azaspiromycin and pentalenolactone derivatives with insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella from Streptomyces huasconensis NA10.","authors":"Yan Bai,Meiyan Tan,Hailiang Sun,Xiaoke Wang,Xiaoyu Song,Jiangchun Hu,Huaqi Pan","doi":"10.1002/ps.70751","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70751","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUNDPlutella xylostella larvae constitute the most destructive pest of cruciferous crops globally and have caused huge economic losses. However, chemical pesticides for their control are toxic to the ecological environment and there is pest resistance against them. Searching for compounds with insecticidal activity that are environmentally friendly has become imperative.RESULTSCrude extracts of Streptomyces huasconensis NA10 showed significant insecticidal activities against P. xylostella larvae, and genomic mining was used to predict that this bacterial strain could produce potentially undescribed insecticidal compounds. To discover new natural biopesticides, three new compounds, azaspiromycin, pentalenolactone J and neopentalenolactone G, along with one known compound, pentalenolactone O, were isolated from marine-derived S. huasconensis NA10, guided by insecticidal activity screening. Their structures were identified through comprehensive spectroscopic data analysis and quantum chemical calculations. Remarkably, azaspiromycin contains a unique spiro-tetrahydropyran-γ-lactam bicyclic skeleton, previously unreported in natural products. Furthermore, plausible biosynthetic pathways of four compounds were deduced. In the insecticidal activity assay, these compounds showed moderate-to-strong insecticidal effects [median lethal dose (LD50) = 5.1-25.5 μm]. Among them, azaspiromycin and pentalenolactone O demonstrated significant insecticidal effects (LD50 = 8.3 and 5.1 μm), comparable to the positive control abamectin (LD50 = 4.2 μm). The result of acute toxicity further indicated that these compounds were safe for a nontarget organism (silkworm). This is the first report on the insecticidal efficacy of azaspiromycin and pentalenolactone derivatives against P. xylostella larvae.CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates the potential of azaspiromycin and pentalenolactone derivatives as novel biopesticides for effective P. xylostella control. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"12 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147483705","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thirty years of glyphosate-resistant crops and weeds: Current situation and future prospects.","authors":"Ricardo Alcántara-de la Cruz,Yure Marin Guidi,Mariana Ramirez-Castillo,Fernando Storniolo Adegas,Caio Antonio Carbonari,Edivaldo Domingues Velini,Rafael De Prado,Stephen O Duke","doi":"10.1002/ps.70742","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70742","url":null,"abstract":"Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum herbicide targeting 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, was first commercialized in 1974. Its use increased significantly following the introduction of glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops in 1996 and the expiration of its patent in 2000, making it the most used herbicide worldwide. Intensive reliance on glyphosate has selected for GR weed populations, with the first documented case reported also in 1996. Glyphosate resistance now has evolved in 62 weed species across 31 countries, often involving multiple other herbicide modes of action and thereby complicating chemical control. The highest incidence has occurred in regions with extensive GR crop cultivation, particularly the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, where glyphosate has been used for years as the sole or major herbicide. Apparent disparities among countries largely reflect differences in the timing and reporting of first unique resistance cases, rather than actual differences in the overall prevalence of GR weeds. GR weeds possess the greatest diversity of resistance mechanisms described for any herbicide, encompassing both target-site and non-target-site resistance mechanisms, frequently in combination. In many cases, resistance traits that provide low resistance levels have combined over time to provide more robust resistance (creeping resistance). Evolution and spread of glyphosate resistance are influenced by frequency of use, herbicide dose, phenological stage, pollination biology, gene flow, and dissemination of GR seeds or propagules via contaminated seed/grain lots and machinery. Glyphosate resistance and controversies regarding environmental and health issues have so far not resulted in marked reductions in glyphosate use nor in the introduction of a herbicide or other technology that is as effective and economical as glyphosate in managing weeds. This review synthesizes current knowledge of glyphosate resistance and its mechanisms, highlighting existing gaps, and discusses potential scenarios for the future of glyphosate and GR crops. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147483709","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seedling resistance and chemical defenses against Psylliodes chrysocephala : the roles of seed age and sinapinic acid in Sinapis alba and Brassica napus ","authors":"Daniel Rüde, Samantha M Cook, Bernd Ulber, Tobias Pöhnl, Michael Rostás","doi":"10.1002/ps.70724","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70724","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND The cabbage stem flea beetle, <jats:italic>Psylliodes chrysocephala</jats:italic> , is a major pest of winter oilseed rape ( <jats:italic>Brassica napus</jats:italic> ) in Europe. Adults feed on cotyledons and young leaves, threatening the establishment and vigor of the crop. With no insect‐resistant cultivars of <jats:italic>B. napus</jats:italic> currently available, farmers must rely primarily on synthetic insecticides for pest control. This study investigated the resistance of <jats:italic>Brassica napus</jats:italic> and <jats:italic>Sinapis alba</jats:italic> seedlings to adult <jats:italic>P. chrysocephala</jats:italic> feeding and explored the underlying chemical defense mechanisms. Seedlings from three <jats:italic>B. napus</jats:italic> accessions, including two with contrasting seed ages, and three <jats:italic>S. alba</jats:italic> accessions were evaluated for feeding damage in controlled laboratory conditions, while a subset of two <jats:italic>B. napus</jats:italic> and two <jats:italic>S. alba</jats:italic> accessions was further evaluated in semi‐field assays. Central metabolomic and glucosinolate profiling was conducted to identify resistance‐linked compounds. RESULTS Under controlled conditions, <jats:italic>S. alba</jats:italic> seedlings exhibited substantially less feeding damage compared to a standard <jats:italic>B. napus</jats:italic> cultivar under controlled conditions. Notably, older <jats:italic>B. napus</jats:italic> seeds stored for 6 or 9 years produced seedlings with significantly reduced susceptibility to herbivory, coinciding with changes in central and specialized metabolite profiles, compared to freshly harvested seeds (younger than one year). Glucosinolate analyses revealed species‐specific profiles, while dual‐choice bioassays identified sinapinic acid as a feeding deterrent to <jats:italic>P. chrysocephala</jats:italic> adults. CONCLUSION We successfully identified variation in cotyledon‐stage resistance to <jats:italic>P. chrysocephala</jats:italic> among Brassicaceae species. These findings highlight the potential of <jats:italic>S. alba</jats:italic> as a source of resistance traits and suggest that seed physiology influences seedling resistance, offering new avenues for breeding insect‐resistant oilseed crops, which are needed for integrated pest management. © 2026 The Author(s). <jats:italic>Pest Management Science</jats:italic> published by John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"44 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147478704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Edge effects, tree cover and soil properties linked to the distribution of Diaprepes abbreviatus in a Florida citrus orchard","authors":"Homan Regmi, Alexandros Dritsoulas, Shokoofeh Kamali, Lukasz L. Stelinski, Lauren M. Diepenbrock, Larry Duncan","doi":"10.1002/ps.70723","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.70723","url":null,"abstract":"BACKGROUND Diaprepes root weevil (DRW, <jats:italic>Diaprepes abbreviatus</jats:italic> ) is a major economic pest of citrus trees in Florida and the Caribbean Basin. To identify potential drivers of local patterns of weevil abundance and tree condition, we measured relationships between DRW and edaphic properties in a Florida orchard in which half the trees were initially protected from herbivores by individual protective covers (IPCs) of fabric mesh. Weevils were monitored for 2 years in 94 plots arranged in a grid pattern. Soil samples were processed for physicochemical properties, and DNA from soil organisms was subjected to metabarcoding for ITS2 rDNA, 16S rDNA, and COI mtDNA. RESULTS Weevils aggregated each summer along plot boundaries adjacent to a natural area of alternate hosts, consistent with an edge‐biased distribution reflecting seasonal weevil migration. Fourteen months after the covers were removed, 93% of 484 prokaryote species (dominated by Bacilli, Actinobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, and Cyanobacteria) that were most closely associated with IPC use were less abundant beneath the trees that were formerly covered than under previously uncovered trees. Soil moisture, <jats:italic>Paenibacillus</jats:italic> spp. diversity, and IPCs were associated with DRW patterns and tree condition including mortality. CONCLUSIONS Early season, edge‐biased distribution of DRW should be exploited for monitoring and management efficacy. The relationship here between tree mortality and microbiome species deficits associated with IPCs supports the need for research to resolve the role of tree covers in potential trophic cascades that affect plant health. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.","PeriodicalId":218,"journal":{"name":"Pest Management Science","volume":"6 2 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147478097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}