Pub Date : 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105976
Yi Chen , Yujian He , Shitou Xia
Pectobacterium carotovorum (Pcc) is the causative organism of bacterial soft rot disease, one of the most hazardous diseases affecting Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott. Currently, chemical fungicides are still useful in controlling soft rot disease, but their constant usage not only makes bacteria more resistant but also poses risks to the ecosystem. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), however, provide an alternative for disease control and sustainable development. In this investigation, we obtained an isolate of Bacillus velezensis (TX2) from the soil of the taro rhizosphere. In C. esculenta, TX2 root-irrigation was then shown to stimulate auxin production and plant growth. More interestingly, it was discovered that taro developed resistance to Pcc following this TX2 root-irrigation treatment. Through whole genome sequencing, we found 13 homologous genes related to biosynthesis of plant growth-promoting and resistant secondary metabolite. Furthermore, TX2 application was confirmed to enhance the expression of resistant marker genes PDF1.2, PR1 and PR2 by transcriptomic analysis as well as qRT-PCR verification. The concentrations of JA, JA-Ile, and SA were also raised significantly in taro plants with the application of TX2. Collectively, our results showed that TX2 enhances taro plant resistance to soft rot by strengthening the SA and JA pathways and may serve as a promising biocontrol agent.
{"title":"Root-irrigation with Bacillus velezensis TX2 induces systemic resistance to soft rot disease via jasmonic acid and salicylic acid dependent pathways in Colocasia esculenta","authors":"Yi Chen , Yujian He , Shitou Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Pectobacterium carotovorum</em> (<em>Pcc</em>) is the causative organism of bacterial soft rot disease, one of the most hazardous diseases affecting <em>Colocasia esculenta</em> (L.) Schott. Currently, chemical fungicides are still useful in controlling soft rot disease, but their constant usage not only makes bacteria more resistant but also poses risks to the ecosystem. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), however, provide an alternative for disease control and sustainable development. In this investigation, we obtained an isolate of <em>Bacillus velezensis</em> (TX2) from the soil of the taro rhizosphere. In <em>C. esculenta</em>, TX2 root-irrigation was then shown to stimulate auxin production and plant growth. More interestingly, it was discovered that taro developed resistance to <em>Pcc</em> following this TX2 root-irrigation treatment. Through whole genome sequencing, we found 13 homologous genes related to biosynthesis of plant growth-promoting and resistant secondary metabolite. Furthermore, TX2 application was confirmed to enhance the expression of resistant marker genes <em>PDF1.2, PR1</em> and <em>PR2</em> by transcriptomic analysis as well as qRT-PCR verification. The concentrations of JA, JA-Ile, and SA were also raised significantly in taro plants with the application of TX2. Collectively, our results showed that TX2 enhances taro plant resistance to soft rot by strengthening the SA and JA pathways and may serve as a promising biocontrol agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"214 ","pages":"Article 105976"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146135745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105975
Marie Bourel , Eva Faustin , Bernard Raymond Abufera , Capucine Perrey , Camille Stasiolojc , Anaïs Chailleux , Felix Wäckers , Philippe Tixier , Dominique Carval
Honeydew-producing hemipterans establish mutualistic interactions with ants, which collect honeydew while providing protection against natural enemies and other services. Although this association benefits hemipterans, it often exacerbates crop damage by increasing pest abundance. Providing alternative sugar resources has been proposed as a strategy to disrupt these associations, but its effectiveness remains poorly tested in tropical agrosystems. Here, we investigated whether sugar feeders could reduce ant-mealybug mutualism in pineapple (Ananas comosus) fields on La Réunion, where the mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes, a vector of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated viruses (PMWaVs), poses a major threat to production. We deployed sugar feeders in replicated field plots and monitored ant, mealybug and predator abundances over eleven months, complemented by sentinel prey assays to quantify ant-mealybug interaction rates and mealybug removal. Mealybug abundance was positively associated with ant presence, while sugar supplementation reduced ant abundance by 42% on pineapple plants compared to controls. Predator abundance was 105% higher in supplemented zones, likely due to both direct nutritional benefits and lower ant interference, but declined with distance from feeders. Three ant species, Solenopsis geminata, Pheidole megacephala and Brachymyrmex cordemoyi accounted for most interactions with mealybugs, with species-specific temporal dynamics but no response to sugar supplementation. Sugar supplementation represents a promising management lever, but its effect on mealybug remains context-dependent. Integrating sugar provisioning with complementary agroecological practices, such as biological control and habitat diversification, may maximize its impact and contribute to sustainable management of pineapple mealybug wilt disease.
{"title":"Sugar supplementation affects ant-mealybug mutualism and promotes natural enemies for mealybug control in pineapple systems","authors":"Marie Bourel , Eva Faustin , Bernard Raymond Abufera , Capucine Perrey , Camille Stasiolojc , Anaïs Chailleux , Felix Wäckers , Philippe Tixier , Dominique Carval","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Honeydew-producing hemipterans establish mutualistic interactions with ants, which collect honeydew while providing protection against natural enemies and other services. Although this association benefits hemipterans, it often exacerbates crop damage by increasing pest abundance. Providing alternative sugar resources has been proposed as a strategy to disrupt these associations, but its effectiveness remains poorly tested in tropical agrosystems. Here, we investigated whether sugar feeders could reduce ant-mealybug mutualism in pineapple (<em>Ananas comosus</em>) fields on La Réunion, where the mealybug <em>Dysmicoccus brevipes</em>, a vector of Pineapple Mealybug Wilt-associated viruses (PMWaVs), poses a major threat to production. We deployed sugar feeders in replicated field plots and monitored ant, mealybug and predator abundances over eleven months, complemented by sentinel prey assays to quantify ant-mealybug interaction rates and mealybug removal. Mealybug abundance was positively associated with ant presence, while sugar supplementation reduced ant abundance by 42% on pineapple plants compared to controls. Predator abundance was 105% higher in supplemented zones, likely due to both direct nutritional benefits and lower ant interference, but declined with distance from feeders. Three ant species, <em>Solenopsis geminata</em>, <em>Pheidole megacephala</em> and <em>Brachymyrmex cordemoyi</em> accounted for most interactions with mealybugs, with species-specific temporal dynamics but no response to sugar supplementation. Sugar supplementation represents a promising management lever, but its effect on mealybug remains context-dependent. Integrating sugar provisioning with complementary agroecological practices, such as biological control and habitat diversification, may maximize its impact and contribute to sustainable management of pineapple mealybug wilt disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105975"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105957
Yuanyuan Cheng , Hongmei Li , Xianming Yang , Suqin Shang , Abdul Aziz Bukero , Feng Zhang
Biological control is regarded as the most important green measures to control agricultural pests. It is valuable to understand the compatibility between microbial pesticides and natural enemies. This study aimed to assess the non-target effects on Trichogramma chilonis, a predominant egg parasitoid of the major maize pest Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm, FAW) by two commonly used maize field biopesticides: Bacillus thuringiensis G033A (Bt) and Metarhizium anisopliae CQMa421. In laboratory and semi-field experiments guided by IOBC protocols, neither biopesticide interfered with the parasitism efficiency or developmental duration of T. chilonis when applied before parasitism. Similarly, post-parasitism application didn’t affect the parasitoid’s host-seeking behavior. However, Bt application on parasitized eggs resulted in a 23.5 % reduction in adult parasitoid emergence rate, though the magnitude of this effect remained below the IOBC safety threshold (<30 %). There was no harm found on the parasitoids by M. anisopliae under all tested conditions. Thus, both biopesticides are largely compatible with T. chilonis for FAW control. The study disclosed that it is necessary to consider the optimal timing for the use of microbial pesticides and the release of natural enemies to enhance their synergistic pest control efficacy in field conditions. Bt application should be avoided immediately after parasitoids release.
{"title":"Non-target effects of Bacillus thuringiensis and Metarhizium anisopliae on egg parasitoids of Spodoptera frugiperda","authors":"Yuanyuan Cheng , Hongmei Li , Xianming Yang , Suqin Shang , Abdul Aziz Bukero , Feng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105957","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105957","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biological control is regarded as the most important green measures to control agricultural pests. It is valuable to understand the compatibility between microbial pesticides and natural enemies. This study aimed to assess the non-target effects on <em>Trichogramma chilonis</em>, a predominant egg parasitoid of the major maize pest <em>Spodoptera frugiperda</em> (fall armyworm, FAW) by two commonly used maize field biopesticides: <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> G033A (<em>Bt</em>) and <em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em> CQMa421. In laboratory and semi-field experiments guided by IOBC protocols, neither biopesticide interfered with the parasitism efficiency or developmental duration of <em>T. chilonis</em> when applied before parasitism. Similarly, post-parasitism application didn’t affect the parasitoid’s host-seeking behavior. However, <em>Bt</em> application on parasitized eggs resulted in a 23.5 % reduction in adult parasitoid emergence rate, though the magnitude of this effect remained below the IOBC safety threshold (<30 %). There was no harm found on the parasitoids by <em>M. anisopliae</em> under all tested conditions. Thus, both biopesticides are largely compatible with <em>T. chilonis</em> for FAW control. The study disclosed that it is necessary to consider the optimal timing for the use of microbial pesticides and the release of natural enemies to enhance their synergistic pest control efficacy in field conditions. <em>Bt</em> application should be avoided immediately after parasitoids release.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105957"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105974
Xinjuan Yuan , Zhiqiang Xie , Yiming Du, Changying Zheng, Lijuan Sun
A cold-adapted strain of Harmonia axyridis was previously cultured under constant 15 °C for biological control of aphids in winter greenhouses and found had poor adaptation to fluctuating greenhouse temperatures. In this study, we transferred part eggs from the cold-adapted strain to a simulated winter greenhouse fluctuant temperature regime (5–33 °C) to construct a new population (the low-fluctuant-temperature-population, LF population) and compared its life history traits and predation performance with the population constructed under a constant of 15 °C (the low-constant-temperature-population, LC population) using two-sex life table and predation experiments. The results showed that, compared to the LC population, the pre-adult period was reduced by 5.3 days, the female and male longevity increased by 152.2 and 73.2 days, the survival of 3rd-instar and 4th-instar larvae increased by 6.32% and 14.10%, and the fecundity raised by 39.78%, respectively, despite a 14.3-day delay in oviposition. The net reproductive rate (R0) of the LF population (125.39 eggs per individual) was significantly higher than that of LC population (70.76 eggs per individual), though the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) did not differ. The key predation parameters including the finite predation rate (ω), the net consumption rate (C0), and the conversion rate (Qp) were all higher than those of LC population, and the predation to Aphis gossypii Glover by adults of LF population was improved by 62.5% compared to that of LC population in a light-controlled winter greenhouse. These findings demonstrate that rearing under fluctuant temperatures improved both the adaption and predatory performance of cold-adapted H. axyridis, and is supporting the use of this ladybird for improved aphid control in winter greenhouses.
{"title":"Rearing under simulated fluctuant winter greenhouse temperatures improved the population parameters of cold-adapted Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and its predation ability to Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)","authors":"Xinjuan Yuan , Zhiqiang Xie , Yiming Du, Changying Zheng, Lijuan Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105974","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A cold-adapted strain of <em>Harmonia axyridis</em> was previously cultured under constant 15 °C for biological control of aphids in winter greenhouses and found had poor adaptation to fluctuating greenhouse temperatures. In this study, we transferred part eggs from the cold-adapted strain to a simulated winter greenhouse fluctuant temperature regime (5–33 °C) to construct a new population (the low-fluctuant-temperature-population, LF population) and compared its life history traits and predation performance with the population constructed under a constant of 15 °C (the low-constant-temperature-population, LC population) using two-sex life table and predation experiments. The results showed that, compared to the LC population, the pre-adult period was reduced by 5.3 days, the female and male longevity increased by 152.2 and 73.2 days, the survival of 3rd-instar and 4th-instar larvae increased by 6.32% and 14.10%, and the fecundity raised by 39.78%, respectively, despite a 14.3-day delay in oviposition. The net reproductive rate (<em>R<sub>0</sub></em>) of the LF population (125.39 eggs per individual) was significantly higher than that of LC population (70.76 eggs per individual), though the intrinsic rate of increase (<em>r</em>) and finite rate of increase (<em>λ</em>) did not differ. The key predation parameters including the finite predation rate (<em>ω</em>), the net consumption rate (<em>C</em><sub>0</sub>), and the conversion rate (<em>Q<sub>p</sub></em>) were all higher than those of LC population, and the predation to <em>Aphis gossypii</em> Glover by adults of LF population was improved by 62.5% compared to that of LC population in a light-controlled winter greenhouse. These findings demonstrate that rearing under fluctuant temperatures improved both the adaption and predatory performance of cold-adapted <em>H. axyridis</em>, and is supporting the use of this ladybird for improved aphid control in winter greenhouses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105974"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105973
Jorge Frias , Hugo R. Monteiro , Margarida Borges , Beatriz C. Garcia , Anna Garriga , Mário Teixeira , Duarte Toubarro , Nelson Simões
Popillia japonica is a highly destructive pest that is spreading across Europe and feeds on a wide range of economically valuable plants. In this study, we conducted metabarcoding and incidence analyses to characterise pathomycobiome communities in soil and larval samples from two distinct P. japonica populations. We report the presence of native entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) strains as biomarkers of low-density (LD) stations from São Miguel Island, compared to those of high-density (HD) stations on São Jorge Island in the Azores archipelago. The soil mycobiome at the LD site had a significantly higher Shannon index than that at the HD site. The increased abundance of insect pathogen guilds at the LD site compared to that at the HD site was consistent in both the soil and larval mycobiomes. The most abundant EPF species found in larvae and soil at both stations were Metarhizium anisopliae, Metarhizium frigidum, Cordyceps bassiana, and Metacordyceps chlamydosporia. Statistical analysis showed that four EPF were significantly more abundant in the soil from LD stations than in the soil from HD stations, including M. frigidum, which was also the only taxon significantly enriched in the grubs from the LD station. PCR detection of the biomarker M. frigidum aligns with the higher abundance of this species in both larval and soil samples from the LD site. The results provide promising clues regarding the use of new EPF in pest management, highlighting the necessity for further research into their ecological interactions and application strategies for pest control of the Japanese beetle.
日本菊是一种极具破坏性的害虫，正在欧洲蔓延，以多种有经济价值的植物为食。在这项研究中，我们对两个不同粳稻种群的土壤和幼虫样本进行了元条形码和发病率分析，以表征病原菌群落。我们报道了本地昆虫病原真菌（EPF）菌株作为生物标志物存在于 o Miguel岛的低密度（LD）站，与亚速尔群岛 o Jorge岛的高密度（HD）站进行了比较。土壤真菌群落的Shannon指数显著高于土壤真菌群落的Shannon指数。在土壤和幼虫真菌群落中，LD位点的昆虫病原体群落丰度比HD位点的增加是一致的。在两站的幼虫和土壤中发现的EPF种类最多的是绿僵菌绿僵菌、冷僵菌绿僵菌、球孢虫草和衣孢元虫草菌。统计分析表明，4种EPF在LD站土壤中含量显著高于HD站土壤，其中冷芽孢杆菌（M. frigidum）也是LD站蛴螬中唯一显著富集的分类群。生物标志物M. frigidum的PCR检测与该物种在LD站点的幼虫和土壤样品中的高丰度一致。该结果为新型EPF在害虫防治中的应用提供了有希望的线索，强调了进一步研究它们的生态相互作用和应用策略对日本甲虫害虫防治的必要性。
{"title":"Molecular insights into entomopathogenic fungal biomarkers associated with low-density Popillia japonica populations in the Azores","authors":"Jorge Frias , Hugo R. Monteiro , Margarida Borges , Beatriz C. Garcia , Anna Garriga , Mário Teixeira , Duarte Toubarro , Nelson Simões","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105973","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105973","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Popillia japonica</em> is a highly destructive pest that is spreading across Europe and feeds on a wide range of economically valuable plants. In this study, we conducted metabarcoding and incidence analyses to characterise pathomycobiome communities in soil and larval samples from two distinct <em>P. japonica</em> populations. We report the presence of native entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) strains as biomarkers of low-density (LD) stations from São Miguel Island, compared to those of high-density (HD) stations on São Jorge Island in the Azores archipelago. The soil mycobiome at the LD site had a significantly higher Shannon index than that at the HD site. The increased abundance of insect pathogen guilds at the LD site compared to that at the HD site was consistent in both the soil and larval mycobiomes. The most abundant EPF species found in larvae and soil at both stations were <em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em>, <em>Metarhizium frigidum</em>, <em>Cordyceps bassiana,</em> and <em>Metacordyceps chlamydosporia</em>. Statistical analysis showed that four EPF were significantly more abundant in the soil from LD stations than in the soil from HD stations, including <em>M. frigidum</em>, which was also the only taxon significantly enriched in the grubs from the LD station. PCR detection of the biomarker <em>M. frigidum</em> aligns with the higher abundance of this species in both larval and soil samples from the LD site. The results provide promising clues regarding the use of new EPF in pest management, highlighting the necessity for further research into their ecological interactions and application strategies for pest control of the Japanese beetle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105973"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105971
G.A. Desurmont , M. Tannières , N.C. Manoukis
Sustainable agricultural practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides by including environmentally friendly pest control strategies. A promising but overlooked example of such a strategy is the augmentorium, a tent-like structure designed to trap pests while allowing their natural enemies to escape and multiply. Augmentoria have been successfully deployed to control fruit flies in tropical crops and are particularly effective in small-scale farming due to their simplicity and low cost. Here we explore the potential of expanding the augmentorium strategy to olive production and management of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, among other pests. We examine the biological and practical requirements for successful implementation, including the presence of effective natural enemies and integration into farming practices, and investigate size differences between B. oleae and its main parasitoids for optimal net design. Data indicate that the parasitoids present in different regions of olive production worldwide share a similar size difference with the olive fruit fly, suggesting that augmentoria would be applicable across regions. The biggest challenge to implementation may be harvesting infested olive fruits, which is time and labor intensive. We also propose a novel conceptual approach based on the use of companion trees in olive orchards as natural augmentoria, acting in concert with or as an alternative to creating and maintaining tent-like structures. We then discuss further application of the augmentorium strategy for other olive pests, highlighting its adaptability and potential for sustainable pest management across diverse systems. By complementing existing IPM strategies, augmentoria could enhance the effectiveness and persistence of natural enemies in the field.
{"title":"Application of the augmentorium strategy for management of olive fruit fly and other olive pests: Potential and challenges","authors":"G.A. Desurmont , M. Tannières , N.C. Manoukis","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105971","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105971","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sustainable agricultural practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can minimize reliance on synthetic pesticides by including environmentally friendly pest control strategies. A promising but overlooked example of such a strategy is the augmentorium, a tent-like structure designed to trap pests while allowing their natural enemies to escape and multiply. Augmentoria have been successfully deployed to control fruit flies in tropical crops and are particularly effective in small-scale farming due to their simplicity and low cost. Here we explore the potential of expanding the augmentorium strategy to olive production and management of the olive fruit fly, <em>Bactrocera oleae</em>, among other pests. We examine the biological and practical requirements for successful implementation, including the presence of effective natural enemies and integration into farming practices, and investigate size differences between <em>B. oleae</em> and its main parasitoids for optimal net design. Data indicate that the parasitoids present in different regions of olive production worldwide share a similar size difference with the olive fruit fly, suggesting that augmentoria would be applicable across regions. The biggest challenge to implementation may be harvesting infested olive fruits, which is time and labor intensive. We also propose a novel conceptual approach based on the use of companion trees in olive orchards as natural augmentoria, acting in concert with or as an alternative to creating and maintaining tent-like structures. We then discuss further application of the augmentorium strategy for other olive pests, highlighting its adaptability and potential for sustainable pest management across diverse systems. By complementing existing IPM strategies, augmentoria could enhance the effectiveness and persistence of natural enemies in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105971"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105972
Carly A. Demers , D. Catalina Fernández , Paige Desloges-Baril , Lauren E. Des Marteaux , Sherah L. VanLaerhoven , Roselyne M. Labbé
Greenhouse crop production is an important and growing component of Canada’s horticultural sector, ensuring year-round food availability. Arthropod pest management in these protected environments is a continuous challenge. While biological control is often employed as a first response, new agents are needed to mitigate pressure from multiple pest species in diverse crops. In this study, we examined the life histories of two native generalist predatory insects, Dicyphus discrepans and Dicyphus famelicus (Hemiptera: Miridae), as a first step towards their development as greenhouse biocontrol agents. We measured developmental time, longevity, and fecundity of both species on tomato, with eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) provided as a dietary supplement. Additionally, we measured longevity and fecundity of D. famelicus on strawberry with E. kuehniella eggs, as well as on tomato leaflets and mullein (a potential banker plant) with and without E. kuehniella eggs. Dicyphus famelicus reached adulthood after 45 days and five instars, while D. discrepans matured after 41 days and four instars. Provisional prey increased D. famelicus longevity on tomato by ∼900% (+109 days) in males and ∼500% (+ 60 days) in females, and was necessary for reproduction. Dicyphus famelicus persisted on mullein albeit with reduced male lifespan and required prey to reproduce. Dicyphus famelicus also persisted on strawberry with prey. Overall, the ability of these mirids to establish on various plant species in the presence of prey shows promise for their biocontrol potential on greenhouse crops.
{"title":"Developing native biocontrol agents: Life histories of predatory mirids Dicyphus famelicus and Dicyphus discrepans on common North American greenhouse plants","authors":"Carly A. Demers , D. Catalina Fernández , Paige Desloges-Baril , Lauren E. Des Marteaux , Sherah L. VanLaerhoven , Roselyne M. Labbé","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Greenhouse crop production is an important and growing component of Canada’s horticultural sector, ensuring year-round food availability. Arthropod pest management in these protected environments is a continuous challenge. While biological control is often employed as a first response, new agents are needed to mitigate pressure from multiple pest species in diverse crops. In this study, we examined the life histories of two native generalist predatory insects, <em>Dicyphus discrepans</em> and <em>Dicyphus famelicus</em> (Hemiptera: Miridae), as a first step towards their development as greenhouse biocontrol agents. We measured developmental time, longevity, and fecundity of both species on tomato, with eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth <em>Ephestia kuehniella</em> (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) provided as a dietary supplement<em>.</em> Additionally, we measured longevity and fecundity of <em>D. famelicus</em> on strawberry with <em>E. kuehniella</em> eggs, as well as on tomato leaflets and mullein (a potential banker plant) with and without <em>E. kuehniella</em> eggs. <em>Dicyphus famelicus</em> reached adulthood after 45 days and five instars, while <em>D. discrepans</em> matured after 41 days and four instars. Provisional prey increased <em>D. famelicus</em> longevity on tomato by ∼900% (+109 days) in males and ∼500% (+ 60 days) in females, and was necessary for reproduction. <em>Dicyphus famelicus</em> persisted on mullein albeit with reduced male lifespan and required prey to reproduce. <em>Dicyphus famelicus</em> also persisted on strawberry with prey. Overall, the ability of these mirids to establish on various plant species in the presence of prey shows promise for their biocontrol potential on greenhouse crops.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105972"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105969
Jinsong Leng , Bin Duan , Wenhua Li , Xiaoya Huang , Cheng Chang , Lei Wang , Shixian Zeng , Yuru Wang , Michael Wisniewski , Yong Wang
The ability of a biocontrol agent to survive on or in a host and compete against pathogenic fungi is an important attribute, especially when used on fruit. Enhancing the oxidative stress tolerance of some yeast antagonists increases their fitness in the microenvironment of fruit wounds and improves biocontrol efficacy. In the present study, the effect of melatonin (ML) on the ability of the biocontrol yeast Debaryomyces hansenii to survive and inhibit pathogenic fungi in wounds of kiwifruit were investigated. An application of 5 µM ML pretreatment to D. hansenii increased its survival and growth rate in kiwifruit wounds, relative to the control. Compared to the non-ML-treated (NML) D. hansenii cells, ML cells recovered from kiwifruit wounds exhibited lower levels of oxidative injury, an indicator of increased adaptability to the wound environment, which would have enhanced their competitive ability. Notably, ML yeast exhibited a faster growth in fruit wounds and enhanced control of the fungal pathogens, Botrytis cinerea, Penicillium expansum, and Alternaria alternata, compared to NML yeast. ML induced the expression of several genes in D. hansenii associated with stress tolerance, including catalase 1, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, and mitogen-activated protein kinase HOG1. The ability of ML to enhance the antioxidant capacity of D. hansenii may contribute to its enhanced competitive ability in kiwifruit wounds, which was reflected by its faster growth rate and increased ability to control postharvest fungal decays.
{"title":"Melatonin increases the competitive ability of Debaryomyces hansenii in wounded kiwifruit and enhances postharvest decay biocontrol","authors":"Jinsong Leng , Bin Duan , Wenhua Li , Xiaoya Huang , Cheng Chang , Lei Wang , Shixian Zeng , Yuru Wang , Michael Wisniewski , Yong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105969","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105969","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The ability of a biocontrol agent to survive on or in a host and compete against pathogenic fungi is an important attribute, especially when used on fruit. Enhancing the oxidative stress tolerance of some yeast antagonists increases their fitness in the microenvironment of fruit wounds and improves biocontrol efficacy. In the present study, the effect of melatonin (ML) on the ability of the biocontrol yeast <em>Debaryomyces hansenii</em> to survive and inhibit pathogenic fungi in wounds of kiwifruit were investigated. An application of 5 µM ML pretreatment to <em>D. hansenii</em> increased its survival and growth rate in kiwifruit wounds, relative to the control. Compared to the non-ML-treated (NML) <em>D. hansenii</em> cells, ML cells recovered from kiwifruit wounds exhibited lower levels of oxidative injury, an indicator of increased adaptability to the wound environment, which would have enhanced their competitive ability. Notably, ML yeast exhibited a faster growth in fruit wounds and enhanced control of the fungal pathogens, <em>Botrytis cinerea</em>, <em>Penicillium expansum</em>, and <em>Alternaria alternata</em>, compared to NML yeast. ML induced the expression of several genes in <em>D. hansenii</em> associated with stress tolerance, including <em>catalase 1</em>, <em>copper-zinc superoxide dismutase</em>, and <em>mitogen-activated protein kinase HOG1</em>. The ability of ML to enhance the antioxidant capacity of <em>D. hansenii</em> may contribute to its enhanced competitive ability in kiwifruit wounds, which was reflected by its faster growth rate and increased ability to control postharvest fungal decays.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105969"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105970
Matheus Rakes , Maíra Chagas Morais , Maria Eduarda Sperotto , Odimar Zanuzo Zanardi , Gabriel Rodrigues Palma , Luana Floriano , Renato Zanella , Osmar Damian Prestes , Daniel Bernardi , Anderson Dionei Grützmacher , Leandro do Prado Ribeiro
Given the operational advantages and temporal coincidence of diseases and pests, tank mixtures of fungicides with mycoinsecticides are commonly verified in cornfields practices in Brazil. Thus, we examined the compatibility of Beauveria bassiana isolates IBCB66 and Simbi BB15 and Cordyceps javanica isolate Esalq-1296, which are used in the management of corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), with synthetic fungicides used in maize crops in Brazil. All tested fungicides completely inhibited colony-forming units (CFUs), growth, conidiogenesis, and conidial viability of the isolates. However, the formulated mycoinsecticides reduced the negative effects of some fungicides, with FlyControl® (B. bassiana isolate Simbi BB15) showing the least sensitivity to propiconazole + difenoconazole-, bixafem + prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin- and trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole-based fungicides. An increased in exposure time from 1.5 to 3 h generally increases fungicide toxicity to entomopathogens. However, binary mixtures of these products showed little change in pH and electrical conductivity (EC), but some mixtures exhibited phase separation after 10 min stirring. In vivo bioassays with D. maidis adults showed increased mortality in some mixtures, yet no cadavers displayed fungal extrusion, potentially compromising their secondary cycles of epizootic at cornfields. Additionally, UHPLC/MS/MS analyses indicated that the degradation kinetics (k) of the same active ingredient varied significantly among fungicide formulations, with high differences in the half-life times (DT50) of tested fungicides. Consequently, in light of persistence of these synthetic fungicides and behavioral aspects of D. maidis, mycoinsecticides should be applied in isolation preferebly before fungicides in the phytosanitary management of maize crops.
{"title":"Physicochemical, in vitro, and in vivo compatibilities of fungicides and mycoinsecticides used in maize crops","authors":"Matheus Rakes , Maíra Chagas Morais , Maria Eduarda Sperotto , Odimar Zanuzo Zanardi , Gabriel Rodrigues Palma , Luana Floriano , Renato Zanella , Osmar Damian Prestes , Daniel Bernardi , Anderson Dionei Grützmacher , Leandro do Prado Ribeiro","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105970","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105970","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Given the operational advantages and temporal coincidence of diseases and pests, tank mixtures of fungicides with mycoinsecticides are commonly verified in cornfields practices in Brazil. Thus, we examined the compatibility of <em>Beauveria bassiana</em> isolates IBCB66 and Simbi BB15 and <em>Cordyceps javanica</em> isolate Esalq-1296, which are used in the management of corn leafhopper (<em>Dalbulus maidis</em>), with synthetic fungicides used in maize crops in Brazil. All tested fungicides completely inhibited colony-forming units (CFUs), growth, conidiogenesis, and conidial viability of the isolates. However, the formulated mycoinsecticides reduced the negative effects of some fungicides, with FlyControl® (<em>B. bassiana</em> isolate Simbi BB15) showing the least sensitivity to propiconazole + difenoconazole-, bixafem + prothioconazole + trifloxystrobin- and trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole-based fungicides. An increased in exposure time from 1.5 to 3 h generally increases fungicide toxicity to entomopathogens. However, binary mixtures of these products showed little change in pH and electrical conductivity (EC), but some mixtures exhibited phase separation after 10 min stirring. <em>In vivo</em> bioassays with <em>D. maidis</em> adults showed increased mortality in some mixtures, yet no cadavers displayed fungal extrusion, potentially compromising their secondary cycles of epizootic at cornfields. Additionally, UHPLC/MS/MS analyses indicated that the degradation kinetics (<em>k</em>) of the same active ingredient varied significantly among fungicide formulations, with high differences in the half-life times (DT<sub>50</sub>) of tested fungicides. Consequently, in light of persistence of these synthetic fungicides and behavioral aspects of <em>D. maidis</em>, mycoinsecticides should be applied in isolation preferebly before fungicides in the phytosanitary management of maize crops.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105970"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035566","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105968
Wenjin Hu , Yuying Huang , Xiaochun Wang , Jinling Qin , Wenjun Li , Baoshen Li , Xinli Pan
Our previous study revealed that a mangrove-sediments derived actinomycete, Streptomyces sp. B2008, could produce antibiotic actinomycin D and effectively inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4), the most destructive pathogen of banana worldwide. Here, the growth rate of banana plants was significantly accelerated after the application of strain B2008. Actinomycin D isolated from the strain displayed potent antifungal activity against Foc TR4 with an EC50 value of 26 μg mL−1 that may contribute to its antagonist activity. Transcriptomic and molecular docking analysis revealed that actinomycin D was able to regulate gene expressions of FOIG_09283, FOIG_02707 and FOIG_05942 in Foc TR4. Deletion of these genes led to phenotype featured with severe defects in hyphae growth and colony morphology, while weakening environmental stress tolerance. Furthermore, lack of FOIG_02707 and FOIG_05942 showed a defect in conidiation and remarkably affected the pathogenicity of Foc TR4. These findings suggested that actinomycin D inhibited Foc TR4 by affecting expression of FOIG_02707 and FOIG_05942, further confirming the application potential of Streptomyces sp. B2008 as a biological control agent.
{"title":"Exploring the biocontrol potential of Streptomyces sp. B2008 through mechanistic insights into the antifungal effect of actinomycin D","authors":"Wenjin Hu , Yuying Huang , Xiaochun Wang , Jinling Qin , Wenjun Li , Baoshen Li , Xinli Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105968","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2026.105968","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our previous study revealed that a mangrove-sediments derived actinomycete, <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. B2008, could produce antibiotic actinomycin D and effectively inhibit the growth of <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em> f. sp. <em>cubense</em> tropical race 4 (<em>Foc</em> TR4)<em>,</em> the most destructive pathogen of banana worldwide. Here, the growth rate of banana plants was significantly accelerated after the application of strain B2008. Actinomycin D isolated from the strain displayed potent antifungal activity against <em>Foc</em> TR4 with an EC<sub>50</sub> value of 26 μg mL<sup>−1</sup> that may contribute to its antagonist activity. Transcriptomic and molecular docking analysis revealed that actinomycin D was able to regulate gene expressions of <em>FOIG_09283, FOIG_02707</em> and <em>FOIG_05942</em> in <em>Foc</em> TR4<em>.</em> Deletion of these genes led to phenotype featured with severe defects in hyphae growth and colony morphology, while weakening environmental stress tolerance. Furthermore, lack of <em>FOIG_02707</em> and <em>FOIG_05942</em> showed a defect in conidiation and remarkably affected the pathogenicity of <em>Foc</em> TR4. These findings suggested that actinomycin D inhibited <em>Foc</em> TR4 by affecting expression of <em>FOIG_02707</em> and <em>FOIG_05942</em>, further confirming the application potential of <em>Streptomyces</em> sp. B2008 as a biological control agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 105968"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146035562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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