Biological Control最新文献_第2页

Role of tomato plant-derived food sources on Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris, parasitic wasp of Tuta absoluta

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105719

Angeliki Syropoulou , Joel González-Cabrera , Judit Arnó , Pablo Urbaneja-Bernat

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) poses a significant threat to tomato crops worldwide. Following its detection in the Mediterranean basin, considerable efforts have been made to develop biological control programs against this pest. The larval parasitoid Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris Marsh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is widely distributed in northeastern Spain and has shown promise as a natural enemy in this region. Recent studies have demonstrated that access to floral nectar can improve the biological parameters of this parasitic wasp. However, the effects of other plant-derived food sources available in tomato crops, such as plant guttation and honeydew, have yet to be explored. This study assessed the impact of plant guttation and the honeydew of two phloem-feeding insects, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae), on the fitness (longevity and fecundity) and performance (parasitism and sex ratio) of D. gelechiidivoris under controlled laboratory conditions. Our results demonstrated that both honeydews enhanced the fitness and performance of this parasitoid, while tomato plant guttation did not have an effect on its fitness and negatively impacted parasitism. These findings highlight honeydew as a potential food source in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Further research is recommended to explore the specific chemical composition of tomato plant guttation and its broader effects on beneficial insects in tomato systems.

{"title":"Role of tomato plant-derived food sources on Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris, parasitic wasp of Tuta absoluta","authors":"Angeliki Syropoulou , Joel González-Cabrera , Judit Arnó , Pablo Urbaneja-Bernat","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105719","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105719","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Tuta absoluta</em> (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) poses a significant threat totomato crops worldwide. Following its detection in the Mediterranean basin, considerable efforts have been made to develop biological control programs against this pest. The larval parasitoid <em>Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris</em> Marsh (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is widely distributed in northeastern Spain and has shown promise as a natural enemy in this region. Recent studies have demonstrated that access to floral nectar can improve the biological parameters of this parasitic wasp.However, the effects of other plant-derived food sources available in tomato crops, such as plant guttation and honeydew, have yet to be explored. This study assessed the impact of plant guttation and the honeydew of two phloem-feeding insects, <em>Myzus persicae</em> (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and <em>Bemisia tabaci</em> (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae), on the fitness (longevity and fecundity) and performance (parasitism and sex ratio) of <em>D. gelechiidivoris</em> under controlled laboratory conditions. Our results demonstrated that both honeydews enhanced the fitness and performance of this parasitoid, while tomato plant guttation did not have an effect on its fitness and negatively impacted parasitism. These findings highlight honeydew as a potential food source in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Further research is recommended to explore the specific chemical composition of tomato plant guttation and its broader effects on beneficial insects in tomato systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105719"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143165571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

A strain of Talaromyces assiutensis provides multiple protection effects against insect pests and a fungal pathogen after endophytic settlement in soybean plants

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105703

Li Sui , Yang Lu , Ke Cheng , Yifan Tian , Zhiming Liu , Zhao Xie , Zhengkun Zhang , Qiyun Li

Talaromyces assiutensis was reported as an endophytic fungi of plant, with antimicrobial and anticancer properties; however, it has never been reported as an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF). Herein, an EPF strain was isolated from diseased larvae of Spodoptera litura in a soybean field. The purified isolate was identified as T. assiutensis and designated TaS1GZL-1. Its pathogenicity towards five insect pests belonging to Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, as well as the effect of temperature on its growth and pathogenicity against insects were measured. In addition, its control efficiency against major soybean insect pests and phytopathogenicity were also evaluated after plant colonization. The results showed that TaS1GZL-1 had strong pathogenicity towards five insect pests, and there was no negative effect on the strain growth rate and the corrected mortality rate toward insect pests at 40 °C. Furthermore, this EPF strain could not only inhibit the growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro, but also colonized soybean plants as an endophyte via root irrigation. TaS1GZL-1 colonization upregulated the expression levels of 12 genes related to defense pathways in soybean lateral roots, thereby inducing plant tolerance against phytopathogen infection, as well as disrupting the feeding selectivity of S. litura larvae. Semi-field experiments verified that TaS1GZL-1 had practical control effects on S. litura larvae and sclerotinia disease. This is the first record of a natural infection of insect pests by T. assiutensis, providing new insights into its ecological function. Thus, TaS1GZL-1 is an EPF strain that directly kills a broad-spectrum of insect pests and induces plant tolerance against biotic stress caused by phytopathogens and insect pest after endophytic settlement in soybean plants.

{"title":"A strain of Talaromyces assiutensis provides multiple protection effects against insect pests and a fungal pathogen after endophytic settlement in soybean plants","authors":"Li Sui , Yang Lu , Ke Cheng , Yifan Tian , Zhiming Liu , Zhao Xie , Zhengkun Zhang , Qiyun Li","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105703","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105703","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Talaromyces assiutensis</em> was reported as an endophytic fungi of plant, with antimicrobial and anticancer properties; however, it has never been reported as an entomopathogenic fungus (EPF). Herein, an EPF strain was isolated from diseased larvae of <em>Spodoptera litura</em> in a soybean field. The purified isolate was identified as <em>T. assiutensis</em> and designated TaS1GZL-1. Its pathogenicity towards five insect pests belonging to <em>Lepidoptera</em> and <em>Hemiptera</em>, as well as the effect of temperature on its growth and pathogenicity against insects were measured. In addition, its control efficiency against major soybean insect pests and phytopathogenicity were also evaluated after plant colonization. The results showed that TaS1GZL-1 had strong pathogenicity towards five insect pests, and there was no negative effect on the strain growth rate and the corrected mortality rate toward insect pests at 40 °C. Furthermore, this EPF strain could not only inhibit the growth of <em>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in vitro</em>, but also colonized soybean plants as an endophyte via root irrigation. TaS1GZL-1 colonization upregulated the expression levels of 12 genes related to defense pathways in soybean lateral roots, thereby inducing plant tolerance against phytopathogen infection, as well as disrupting the feeding selectivity of <em>S. litura</em> larvae. Semi-field experiments verified that TaS1GZL-1 had practical control effects on <em>S. litura</em> larvae and sclerotinia disease. This is the first record of a natural infection of insect pests by <em>T. assiutensis</em>, providing new insights into its ecological function. Thus, TaS1GZL-1 is an EPF strain that directly kills a broad-spectrum of insect pests and induces plant tolerance against biotic stress caused by phytopathogens and insect pest after endophytic settlement in soybean plants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"201 ","pages":"Article 105703"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Effects of soil management strategies based on different principles on soil microbial communities and the outcomes for plant health

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105708

Xing Zhou , Qian Zhang , Yuanyuan Yan , Jisong Qu , Jun Zhou , Jun Zhao , Jinbo Zhang , Zucong Cai , Chuanchao Dai , Xinqi Huang

Various soil management strategies based on chemical, physical, and biological principles are used to manipulate soil microbial communities to improve plant health. However, how the microbial communities that are altered by these strategies respond to pathogen invasion and contribute to plant health remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of representative chemical, physical, and biological strategies, namely, chemical fumigation (CF), heat disinfestation (HE), and reductive soil disinfestation (RSD), on soil microbial communities, pathogen invasion, and plant performance. Our results revealed a strong relationship between variations in soil microbial communities and their impact on pathogen inhibition and plant health under the different strategies. Physicochemical management effectively decreased the density of Fusarium oxysporum, thereby suppressing the outbreak of Fusarium wilt. However, these strategies also decreased fungal density, bacterial diversity, network complexity, and core microbiome stability, resulting in diminished pathogen resistance and the recurrence of plant disease upon pathogen reinoculation. In contrast, biological management was the most effective strategy for the suppression of pathogen invasion and the improvement of plant health. Biological management optimized the bacterial and core microbiomes, leading to increased bacterial diversity and stimulated the growth of potential disease-suppressive agents, which contributed to resistance to F. oxysporum invasion and consistently prompted plant health. Taken together, our results reveal that physicochemical (CF and HE) and biological strategies (RSD) contribute to plant health via different mechanisms. In addition, this study provides empirical evidence for the significant impact of biological management on the manipulation of the core microbiome and its critical role in plant health.

{"title":"Effects of soil management strategies based on different principles on soil microbial communities and the outcomes for plant health","authors":"Xing Zhou , Qian Zhang , Yuanyuan Yan , Jisong Qu , Jun Zhou , Jun Zhao , Jinbo Zhang , Zucong Cai , Chuanchao Dai , Xinqi Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105708","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105708","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Various soil management strategies based on chemical, physical, and biological principles are used to manipulate soil microbial communities to improve plant health. However, how the microbial communities that are altered by these strategies respond to pathogen invasion and contribute to plant health remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the effects of representative chemical, physical, and biological strategies, namely, chemical fumigation (CF), heat disinfestation (HE), and reductive soil disinfestation (RSD), on soil microbial communities, pathogen invasion, and plant performance. Our results revealed a strong relationship between variations in soil microbial communities and their impact on pathogen inhibition and plant health under the different strategies. Physicochemical management effectively decreased the density of <em>Fusarium oxysporum</em>, thereby suppressing the outbreak of Fusarium wilt. However, these strategies also decreased fungal density, bacterial diversity, network complexity, and core microbiome stability, resulting in diminished pathogen resistance and the recurrence of plant disease upon pathogen reinoculation. In contrast, biological management was the most effective strategy for the suppression of pathogen invasion and the improvement of plant health. Biological management optimized the bacterial and core microbiomes, leading to increased bacterial diversity and stimulated the growth of potential disease-suppressive agents, which contributed to resistance to <em>F. oxysporum</em> invasion and consistently prompted plant health. Taken together, our results reveal that physicochemical (CF and HE) and biological strategies (RSD) contribute to plant health via different mechanisms. In addition, this study provides empirical evidence for the significant impact of biological management on the manipulation of the core microbiome and its critical role in plant health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"201 ","pages":"Article 105708"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143136350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Efficacy of Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Alternaria destruens (Ascomycota: Pleosporaceae) for managing Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105701

Mohamed El Aalaoui , Said Rammali , Fatima Zahra Kamal , Alin Ciobică , Bouchaib Bencharki , Abdellatif Rahim , Luminita Diana Hritcu , Laura Romila , Vasile Burlui , Mohamed Sbaghi

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a major pest of potatoes and other crops, highlighting the need for effective management strategies. This study evaluated the efficacy of a predatory mite and an entomopathogenic fungus, both individually and in combination, against P. solenopsis on potato plants under greenhouse (24.6–35.2 °C) and field conditions (24.9–35.9 °C). The treatments included: untreated control, Tween 80 (TW), the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) (AS), the fungal pathogen Alternaria destruens (AD), AD + AS, and imidacloprid (ICP) (positive control). Treatment efficacy was evaluated weekly for five weeks, with predators released five days after fungal application. The AD + AS treatment significantly reduced P. solenopsis egg and motile stage counts compared to both initial levels and the individual treatments, reaching 9.88 eggs and 8.11 motile stages in greenhouse trials, and 9.22 eggs and 7.11 motile stages in field trials by week 5. The AD treatment alone caused the highest number of mummified mealybugs by week 5 (28.7 and 26.7 per plant in greenhouse and field trials, respectively), indicating strong pathogen-induced mortality. Amblyseius swirskii populations peaked at 34.8 and 26.7 mites per plant in the greenhouse and field, respectively, by week 3 in the AS alone treatment, with lower densities in the AD + AS treatment due to predator-fungus interactions. The AD + AS treatment effectively reduced P. solenopsis infestations while preserving the visual quality of treated plants (visual quality score > 9.50 by week 5), highlighting its potential for the management of P. solenopsis.

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引用次数: 0

Can the African weaver ant be used as a vector of entomopathogenic fungi to bolster the biological control of tephritid fruit fly pests?

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-01-31 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105722

Thibault Nève de Mévergnies , Samba Diop , Massamba Diakhaté , Claire Detrain , Frédéric Bouvery , Thierry Brévault , Anaïs Chailleux

Entomovectoring is an environmentally friendly pest control strategy where insects act as precision vectors of a biocide to target pest populations through phoretic dispersal. While bumblebees are the only insects used commercially for this purpose, other insect species, including ants, offer untapped potential. The arboreal weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, known for its beneficial predatory role in production crops, could be used as a vector of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae to bolster control of the invasive oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis. In this study, we set up a series of experiments under laboratory and mesocosm conditions to investigate the feasibility of using this ant as an entomovector. Results showed that while M. anisopliae was intrinsically pathogenic to the weaver ants, they were able to detect its presence and adjust their behavior according to its concentration. Despite exposure, the ants effectively protected themselves through social immunity behaviors. Furthermore, weaver ants auto-inoculated themselves with conidia by walking over contaminated areas and subsequently dispersed conidia along their trails. Although the density of dispersed conidia declined over time and distance from the inoculation zone, up to 36% of fruit flies were killed when left to roam on mango trees where conidia had been disseminated by the weaver ants. While the integration of weaver ants as pathogen entomovectors could enhance pest fruit fly control when combined with other strategies, several challenges are yet to overcome before field applications.

{"title":"Can the African weaver ant be used as a vector of entomopathogenic fungi to bolster the biological control of tephritid fruit fly pests?","authors":"Thibault Nève de Mévergnies , Samba Diop , Massamba Diakhaté , Claire Detrain , Frédéric Bouvery , Thierry Brévault , Anaïs Chailleux","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105722","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Entomovectoring is an environmentally friendly pest control strategy where insects act as precision vectors of a biocide to target pest populations through phoretic dispersal. While bumblebees are the only insects used commercially for this purpose, other insect species, including ants, offer untapped potential. The arboreal weaver ant, <em>Oecophylla longinoda</em>, known for its beneficial predatory role in production crops, could be used as a vector of the entomopathogenic fungus, <em>Metarhizium anisopliae</em> to bolster control of the invasive oriental fruit fly <em>Bactrocera dorsalis.</em> In this study, we set up a series of experiments under laboratory and mesocosm conditions to investigate the feasibility of using this ant as an entomovector. Results showed that while <em>M. anisopliae</em> was intrinsically pathogenic to the weaver ants, they were able to detect its presence and adjust their behavior according to its concentration. Despite exposure, the ants effectively protected themselves through social immunity behaviors. Furthermore, weaver ants auto-inoculated themselves with conidia by walking over contaminated areas and subsequently dispersed conidia along their trails. Although the density of dispersed conidia declined over time and distance from the inoculation zone, up to 36% of fruit flies were killed when left to roam on mango trees where conidia had been disseminated by the weaver ants. While the integration of weaver ants as pathogen entomovectors could enhance pest fruit fly control when combined with other strategies, several challenges are yet to overcome before field applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105722"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143164682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Comparative responses of two congeneric larval parasitoids of emerald ash borer to ambient temperatures: Implications for biocontrol introduction

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-01-30 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105718

Yingqiao Dang , Mitchell A. Green , Xiaoyi Wang , Jian J. Duan

Understanding how climate influences the establishment of introduced species is critical to classical biological control programs against insect pests. Even closely related species with similar life histories may establish and perform differently in new environments due to different responses to ambient temperature. Here we compared the host attack rate and immature development of two congeneric larval parasitoids of emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, Spathius agrili Yang and S. galinae Belokobylskij and Strazenac, under a range of temperatures from 17.2 to 32.8 ℃. We found significant differences between the two parasitoids in host attack rates and progeny development. Spathius agrili could parasitize EAB larvae across the temperature range of 17.2 ℃ to 32.8 ℃ and caused the highest parasitism rate (∼90.0 %) at 28.9 ℃. In contrast, S. galinae did not attack any host larvae at 32.8 ℃ and caused the highest parasitism rate (∼92 %) at 25 ℃. From 21.1 ℃ to 28.9 ℃, S. agrili emerged on average nine days earlier than S. galinae and had a higher low-temperature threshold for development. Both species arrested their development as mature (5^th) instars inside their cocoons at 17.2 ℃, suggesting facultative diapause that may be induced by exposure to cool temperatures. These findings suggest that S. agrili may perform better in warmer climates than S. galinae and could be an effective biocontrol agent in the southern U.S., whereas S. galinae is better suited to be released in the northern U.S.

{"title":"Comparative responses of two congeneric larval parasitoids of emerald ash borer to ambient temperatures: Implications for biocontrol introduction","authors":"Yingqiao Dang , Mitchell A. Green , Xiaoyi Wang , Jian J. Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105718","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105718","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding how climate influences the establishment of introduced species is critical to classical biological control programs against insect pests. Even closely related species with similar life histories may establish and perform differently in new environments due to different responses to ambient temperature. Here we compared the host attack rate and immature development of two congeneric larval parasitoids of emerald ash borer (EAB) <em>Agrilus planipennis</em> Fairmaire, <em>Spathius agrili</em> Yang and <em>S. galinae</em> Belokobylskij and Strazenac, under a range of temperatures from 17.2 to 32.8 ℃. We found significant differences between the two parasitoids in host attack rates and progeny development. <em>Spathius agrili</em> could parasitize EAB larvae across the temperature range of 17.2 ℃ to 32.8 ℃ and caused the highest parasitism rate (∼90.0 %) at 28.9 ℃. In contrast, <em>S. galinae</em> did not attack any host larvae at 32.8 ℃ and caused the highest parasitism rate (∼92 %) at 25 ℃. From 21.1 ℃ to 28.9 ℃, <em>S. agrili</em> emerged on average nine days earlier than <em>S. galinae</em> and had a higher low-temperature threshold for development. Both species arrested their development as mature (5<sup>th</sup>) instars inside their cocoons at 17.2 ℃, suggesting facultative diapause that may be induced by exposure to cool temperatures. These findings suggest that <em>S. agrili</em> may perform better in warmer climates than <em>S. galinae</em> and could be an effective biocontrol agent in the southern U.S., whereas <em>S. galinae</em> is better suited to be released in the northern U.S.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105718"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143164794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Conservation biological control in forest: A case study with the pine processionary moth

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105702

Nattan Plat , Lucas Moreews , Laura Schillé , Jean-Baptiste Rivoal , Hervé Jactel

In forest ecosystems, the damage caused to trees by insect pests is increasing as a result of global change. Classical biological control has proven effective in managing exotic pests by introducing natural enemies from the pest’s native range. For native pests, however, conservation biological control, which aims to improve the habitats and resources for native natural enemies, is more appropriate. While widely studied in agricultural systems, this method has been rarely, if ever, tested in forest. In this study, we aimed to test whether broadleaved hedgerows could improve the control of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) in adjacent pine stands by providing a favorable habitat for an insectivorous bird, the great tit (Parus major). To this end, we assessed PPM infestations on the edges of pine plantations adjacent to broadleaved hedgerows or mature pine plantation, recorded the vocal activity of great tit using sound recorders, and experimentally measured bird predation using dummy caterpillars. The density of processionary caterpillar nests was lower at the edge of pine stands adjacent to hedgerows than at the edge adjacent to mature pine stands. We showed that bird predation was more frequent on pine edges adjacent to hedgerows. Predation by birds was also positively correlated with the vocal activity of the great tit, the main predator of pine processionary caterpillars in winter. In conifer monocultures, broadleaved hedgerows not only help to control the pest but could also promote biodiversity and protect pine plantations from abiotic hazards, thereby enhancing the multifunctionality of plantation landscapes.

{"title":"Conservation biological control in forest: A case study with the pine processionary moth","authors":"Nattan Plat , Lucas Moreews , Laura Schillé , Jean-Baptiste Rivoal , Hervé Jactel","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In forest ecosystems, the damage caused to trees by insect pests is increasing as a result of global change. Classical biological control has proven effective in managing exotic pests by introducing natural enemies from the pest’s native range. For native pests, however, conservation biological control, which aims to improve the habitats and resources for native natural enemies, is more appropriate. While widely studied in agricultural systems, this method has been rarely, if ever, tested in forest. In this study, we aimed to test whether broadleaved hedgerows could improve the control of the pine processionary moth (<em>Thaumetopoea pityocampa</em>) in adjacent pine stands by providing a favorable habitat for an insectivorous bird, the great tit (<em>Parus major</em>). To this end, we assessed PPM infestations on the edges of pine plantations adjacent to broadleaved hedgerows or mature pine plantation, recorded the vocal activity of great tit using sound recorders, and experimentally measured bird predation using dummy caterpillars. The density of processionary caterpillar nests was lower at the edge of pine stands adjacent to hedgerows than at the edge adjacent to mature pine stands. We showed that bird predation was more frequent on pine edges adjacent to hedgerows. Predation by birds was also positively correlated with the vocal activity of the great tit, the main predator of pine processionary caterpillars in winter. In conifer monocultures, broadleaved hedgerows not only help to control the pest but could also promote biodiversity and protect pine plantations from abiotic hazards, thereby enhancing the multifunctionality of plantation landscapes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105702"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143164792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

The biological control agent for bacterial canker of kiwifruit, in Aureo® Gold, is a strain of Aureobasidium pullulans identifiable by novel SCAR marker primers

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105709

Deirdre A. Cornish, Magan M. Schipper, Jenny M. Oldham, Janet Yu, Joel L. Vanneste

The yeast-like fungus strain CG163, also known as YBCA5, is the active ingredient in Aureo® Gold, a biological control agent sold for control of bacterial canker of kiwifruit caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae. Analysis of the whole genome sequence of CG163 as well as a multi locus sequence analysis based on the ITS, ELO, EF-1α and β-tubulin genes indicate that CG163 is a strain of Aureobasidium pullulans. None of the published PCR primers developed for the identification of other strains of A. pullulans led to an amplicon when using CG163 total DNA. Following PCR using 14 random amplified polymorphic DNA primers by themselves or in combination, we identified a Sequence Characterised Amplified Region (SCAR) marker specific to CG163. One set of primers designed on this SCAR marker gave a unique amplicon only with CG163 and not with any of the 164 strains of A. pullulans tested. In addition, an in silico analysis revealed that none of the 75 strains of A. pullulans for which the whole genome sequence is available had the same sequence as either one of those primers. To prevent the detection of false negatives, we developed a duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on those primers and primers which amplify a segment of the ITS. The limit of detection of this duplex PCR assay was 1 pg. This assay can be used for quality control; however, for detection and quantification of CG163 we developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Using this assay, we positively identified CG163 and followed its establishment on kiwifruit leaves for seven days post treatment with Aureo Gold. Therefore, the primers designed in this project can be used to study the establishment and colonisation of plant tissues by CG163 and allow the development of a robust set of recommendations on how and when to best use Aureo Gold.

{"title":"The biological control agent for bacterial canker of kiwifruit, in Aureo® Gold, is a strain of Aureobasidium pullulans identifiable by novel SCAR marker primers","authors":"Deirdre A. Cornish, Magan M. Schipper, Jenny M. Oldham, Janet Yu, Joel L. Vanneste","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The yeast-like fungus strain CG163, also known as YBCA5, is the active ingredient in Aureo® Gold, a biological control agent sold for control of bacterial canker of kiwifruit caused by <em>Pseudomonas syringae</em> pv. <em>actinidiae</em>. Analysis of the whole genome sequence of CG163 as well as a multi locus sequence analysis based on the ITS, ELO, EF-1α and β-tubulin genes indicate that CG163 is a strain of <em>Aureobasidium pullulans</em>. None of the published PCR primers developed for the identification of other strains of <em>A. pullulans</em> led to an amplicon when using CG163 total DNA. Following PCR using 14 random amplified polymorphic DNA primers by themselves or in combination, we identified a Sequence Characterised Amplified Region (SCAR) marker specific to CG163. One set of primers designed on this SCAR marker gave a unique amplicon only with CG163 and not with any of the 164 strains of <em>A. pullulans</em> tested. In addition, an <em>in silico</em> analysis revealed that none of the 75 strains of <em>A. pullulans</em> for which the whole genome sequence is available had the same sequence as either one of those primers. To prevent the detection of false negatives, we developed a duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on those primers and primers which amplify a segment of the ITS. The limit of detection of this duplex PCR assay was 1 pg. This assay can be used for quality control; however, for detection and quantification of CG163 we developed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Using this assay, we positively identified CG163 and followed its establishment on kiwifruit leaves for seven days post treatment with Aureo Gold. Therefore, the primers designed in this project can be used to study the establishment and colonisation of plant tissues by CG163 and allow the development of a robust set of recommendations on how and when to best use Aureo Gold.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105709"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143164681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Harnessing Chelonus inanitus for efficient Spodoptera spp. management: Learning about production to explore roles in Baculovirus transmission

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-01-25 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105707

Beatriz Dáder , Ariel Morel , Delia Muñoz , Primitivo Caballero , Pilar Medina

Control of Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) crop pests has traditionally relied on heavy insecticide use. Baculoviruses (BV) from the genera Alphabaculovirus and Betabaculovirus offer effective, species-specific alternatives for managing their outbreaks. Joint use of BVs with natural enemies, such as parasitoids, could further enhance control of Spodoptera spp. by contributing to virus dispersion. In a series of experiments, we studied the optimal host age and parasitization duration of the endoparasitoid Chelonus inanitus L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for parasitoid production, as well as the parasitoid preference and mechanical transmission of Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis multiple nucleopolyhedroviruses (SeMNPV and SpliMNPV). We found that parasitoid progeny production was significantly lower when parasitized eggs were either too young (24 h) or too old (96 h), highlighting the importance of host egg age. Additionally, there was an increasing trend in parasitoid offspring production with longer parasitization exposure times, particularly at 6 and 24 h compared to shorter durations. Chelonus inanitus did not discriminate between SpliMNPV-contaminated and non-contaminated eggs, but had a remarkable preference for SeMNPV-contaminated eggs. The parasitoid effectively dispersed BVs, not only from BV-treated eggs to heathy ones by parasitization, but also, and even more efficiently, by the sole contact with a contaminated surface without eggs. Understanding complex BV-parasitoid interactions is crucial for developing integrated pest management strategies that maximize the efficacy of both parasites.

{"title":"Harnessing Chelonus inanitus for efficient Spodoptera spp. management: Learning about production to explore roles in Baculovirus transmission","authors":"Beatriz Dáder , Ariel Morel , Delia Muñoz , Primitivo Caballero , Pilar Medina","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Control of <em>Spodoptera</em> spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) crop pests has traditionally relied on heavy insecticide use. Baculoviruses (BV) from the genera Alphabaculovirus and Betabaculovirus offer effective, species-specific alternatives for managing their outbreaks. Joint use of BVs with natural enemies, such as parasitoids, could further enhance control of <em>Spodoptera</em> spp. by contributing to virus dispersion. In a series of experiments, we studied the optimal host age and parasitization duration of the endoparasitoid <em>Chelonus inanitus</em> L. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) for parasitoid production, as well as the parasitoid preference and mechanical transmission of Spodoptera exigua and Spodoptera littoralis multiple nucleopolyhedroviruses (SeMNPV and SpliMNPV). We found that parasitoid progeny production was significantly lower when parasitized eggs were either too young (24 h) or too old (96 h), highlighting the importance of host egg age. Additionally, there was an increasing trend in parasitoid offspring production with longer parasitization exposure times, particularly at 6 and 24 h compared to shorter durations. <em>Chelonus inanitus</em> did not discriminate between SpliMNPV-contaminated and non-contaminated eggs, but had a remarkable preference for SeMNPV-contaminated eggs. The parasitoid effectively dispersed BVs, not only from BV-treated eggs to heathy ones by parasitization, but also, and even more efficiently, by the sole contact with a contaminated surface without eggs. Understanding complex BV-parasitoid interactions is crucial for developing integrated pest management strategies that maximize the efficacy of both parasites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105707"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143164791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Evaluation of persistent versus commercial nematode strains for management of Curculio caryae (Horn) and other weevils in pecan

IF 3.7 2区农林科学 Q2 BIOTECHNOLOGY & APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Biological Control

Pub Date : 2025-01-22 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105705

Eddie K. Slusher , Elson Shields , Will Harges , Jermaine D. Perier , David Shapiro-Ilan

Pecan weevil is a key pest of pecans. In addition, weevils such as Fuller rose beetle (FRB) and two-banded Japanese weevil (TJW) feed on pecan foliage and roots. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have previously been shown to be effective tools for pecan weevil management. However, EPNs need frequent reapplication. Thus, there is a need to develop persistent strains of EPNs that can be applied less frequently and at lower rates. In this study, we compared two persistent strains of EPNs, NY01′ (Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser) and NY04′ (Steinernema feltiae Filipjev), against two commercial EPN strains, ScAll (S. carpocapsae) and SfSn (S. feltiae), in the lab and field. For the field study, the suppressive ability of each pair of EPNs on pecan weevil, FRB, and TJW was compared alongside a water only control. EPNs were only applied in the first year of the study (2022) and insect populations were monitored in 2022 and 2023. For the field study in Georgia, significantly fewer TJW were caught in trees treated with either nematode type in both study years. For the field study in Oklahoma, significantly fewer pecan weevils were caught in trees treated with commercial nematodes compared to the persistent nematodes and control in both study years. In lab trials, there was a lack of consistency in survival of the four strains. The results of this study indicate that commercial nematodes can have substantial carryover across two field seasons and can be applied at a significantly lower rate and still provide pest suppression.

{"title":"Evaluation of persistent versus commercial nematode strains for management of Curculio caryae (Horn) and other weevils in pecan","authors":"Eddie K. Slusher , Elson Shields , Will Harges , Jermaine D. Perier , David Shapiro-Ilan","doi":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105705","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.biocontrol.2025.105705","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pecan weevil is a key pest of pecans. In addition, weevils such as Fuller rose beetle (FRB) and two-banded Japanese weevil (TJW) feed on pecan foliage and roots. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have previously been shown to be effective tools for pecan weevil management. However, EPNs need frequent reapplication. Thus, there is a need to develop persistent strains of EPNs that can be applied less frequently and at lower rates. In this study, we compared two persistent strains of EPNs, NY01′ (<em>Steinernema carpocapsae</em> Weiser) and NY04′ (<em>Steinernema feltiae</em> Filipjev), against two commercial EPN strains, ScAll (<em>S. carpocapsae</em>) and SfSn (<em>S. feltiae</em>), in the lab and field. For the field study, the suppressive ability of each pair of EPNs on pecan weevil, FRB, and TJW was compared alongside a water only control. EPNs were only applied in the first year of the study (2022) and insect populations were monitored in 2022 and 2023. For the field study in Georgia, significantly fewer TJW were caught in trees treated with either nematode type in both study years. For the field study in Oklahoma, significantly fewer pecan weevils were caught in trees treated with commercial nematodes compared to the persistent nematodes and control in both study years. In lab trials, there was a lack of consistency in survival of the four strains. The results of this study indicate that commercial nematodes can have substantial carryover across two field seasons and can be applied at a significantly lower rate and still provide pest suppression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8880,"journal":{"name":"Biological Control","volume":"202 ","pages":"Article 105705"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143164793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0