Vegetable fields are often contaminated by heavy metals,and Spodoptera exigua is a major vegetable pest which is stressed by heavy metals mainly by feeding.In this study,cadmium accumulation in the tissues of S.exigua...Vegetable fields are often contaminated by heavy metals,and Spodoptera exigua is a major vegetable pest which is stressed by heavy metals mainly by feeding.In this study,cadmium accumulation in the tissues of S.exigua exposed to cadmium and its effects on the growth and development of the parents and the offspring were investigated.Under the stress of different concentrations of cadmium(0.2,3.2,and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)),the cadmium content in each tissue of S.exigua increased in a dose-dependent manner.At the larval stage,the highest cadmium accumulation was found in midgut in all three cadmium treatments,but at the adult stage,the highest cadmium content was found in fat body.In addition,the cadmium content in ovaries was much higher than in testes.When F1S.exigua was stressed by cadmium and the F_(2)generation was not fed a cadmium-containing diet,the larval survival,pupation rate,emergence rate and fecundity of the F_(2)generation were significantly reduced in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment compared to the corresponding F1generation.Even in the F_(2)generation of the 3.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,the fecundity was significantly lower than in the parental generation.The fecundity of the only-female stressed treatment was significantly lower than that of the only-male stressed treatment at the 3.2 and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)cadmium exposure levels.When only mothers were stressed at the larval stage,the fecundity of the F_(2)generation was significantly lower than that of the F1generation in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,and it was also significantly lower than in the 3.2 and 0.2 mg kg^(-1)treatments.The results of our study can provide useful information for forecasting the population increase trends under different heavy metal stress conditions and for the reliable environmental risk assessment of heavy metal pollution.展开更多
It has been reported that C-type lectins(CTLs),which are pattern recognition receptors of the insect innate immunity response,may compete with Cry toxin for the receptor alkaline phosphatase to decrease its toxicity i...It has been reported that C-type lectins(CTLs),which are pattern recognition receptors of the insect innate immunity response,may compete with Cry toxin for the receptor alkaline phosphatase to decrease its toxicity in insects.However,to date,which CTLs affect larval susceptibility to Bt in Spodoptera exigua is not clear.In this study,33 CTL genes were identified from S.exigua.Based on the number of carbohydrate-recognition domains(CRDs)and the domain architectures,they were classified into three groups:(1)nineteen CTL-S(single-CRD),(2)eight immulectin(dual-CRD)and(3)six CTL-X(CRD with other domains).RT-qPCR analysis revealed that expression levels of SeCTL-S15,IML-4 and CTL-X6 were upregulated after challenge with Bt and Cry1Ab.Tissue and developmental stage expression analysis showed that only SeCTL-S15 was mainly expressed in the midgut and larva,respectively.Knockdown of SeCTL-S15 significantly increased Bt susceptibility,as indicated by reduced survival and larval weight.These results suggest that CTL-S15 might play a vital role in the low susceptibility of larvae to Bt in S.exigua.Our results provide new insights into CTL function in insects.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua (Hbner). [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK1...[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua (Hbner). [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK12 and SGK321 were used to feed S. exigua neonates respectively. Survival larvae and dead ones were counted on the 3rd,the 7th,the 10th,the 16th and the 19th day; meanwhile,the pupae amount was recorded,and the pupae weight was measured at the 24th h after pupation. [Result] The survival curves,pupation rates and pupae weights of S. exigua feeding on different tissues of transgenic cotton were not significantly different from those of S. exigua feeding on the corresponding tissues of conventional cotton; pupation rate of S. exigua feeding on different leaves of the same cotton variety were not significantly different from each other,but all higher than that of S. exigua feeding on the flowers of that cotton; and there were no differences among pupation weights of S. exigua feeding on different leaves or flowers of the same cotton variety. [Conclusion] Transgenic cotton showed weak resistance to S. exigua. Hence,in the transgenic cotton fields,more attention should be paid to occurrence trend of S. exigua and its control.展开更多
[Objective] The study was aimed to determine and evaluate control effect and security of 20% tebufenozide SC against Spodoptera exigua HObner, which would provide technical support for its promotion and utilization. [...[Objective] The study was aimed to determine and evaluate control effect and security of 20% tebufenozide SC against Spodoptera exigua HObner, which would provide technical support for its promotion and utilization. [ Method] By using foliar spray method, control effects of different concentration of 20% tebufenozide SC and 25 g/L deltamethrin EC against S. exigua were determined. [ Result] 20% tebufenozide SC had better control effects on S. exigua. After spraying for 3 and 7 d, control effects of 20% tebufenozide SC in each treatment could reach 81% and 84%, which was higher than 25 g/L deltamethdn EC treatment. [ Conclusion] 20% tebufenozide SC for controlling S. exigua had good effect, which had permanent effectiveness for over 7 d. It also caused less environmental pollution, and was safe to cabbage, being the ideal pesticide for controlling S. exigua in vegetables.展开更多
Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) are effective biological insecticides against certain insect species.In this study,bioassay results indicated that Cry1B and Cry1C were toxic to Spodoptera exigua.We...Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) are effective biological insecticides against certain insect species.In this study,bioassay results indicated that Cry1B and Cry1C were toxic to Spodoptera exigua.We also identified a cadherin-like gene in S.exigua that could enhance the toxicity of Cry1B and Cry1C.The cadherin-like gene identified from the larvae midgut tissue was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE).The full-length cDNA of the gene consisted of 5 220 bp encoding 1 740 amino acid with a predicted molecular mass of 196 kD.BLAST search analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence had a high sequence identity to the published sequences of cadherin-like proteins from other Lepidoptera insects.Spatial expression of the cadherin-like gene detected by qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the cadherin-like gene was mainly present in the gut of 4th instar larvae and during different life stages.The results suggested that the commercial development of this synergist has the potential to enhance Cry1B and Cry1C toxicity against Lepidoptera insects.展开更多
The beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae),is an economically important pest of crops worldwide,attacking plants from over 20 families including trans-continental agricultural cotton,corn and citru...The beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae),is an economically important pest of crops worldwide,attacking plants from over 20 families including trans-continental agricultural cotton,corn and citrus crops.In this study,performance and subsequent enzyme activity of beet armyworm reared on host plants from five families were investigated.Significant differences were found in development,fecundity and enzyme activity on different host plants.Survival rate was the highest (42.8%) on asparagus lettuce (Lactuca sativar var.asparagina) and the lowest (17.0%) on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum).Larval duration was the shortest on asparagus lettuce (12.0 d),and was 43.4% longer on sweet peppers (21.2 d).The activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CarE) in 3rd instar larvae,and soluble carbohydrate and crude protein contents in different host plants were determined.AChE activity was the highest in the larvae feeding on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa),but declined by nearly 60% on maize (Zea mays) seedlings.The ratio of soluble carbohydrate content to crude protein content in host plants was found to have a positive effect on oviposition and a negative correlation with larval duration and life time (from larval to adult stages) of the insect.展开更多
Joint toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and two insect growth regulators, methoxyfenozide and hexaflumuron, on beet annywonn larvae, Spodoptera exigua ( Htthner), were investigated. An obvious synergism effect of the t...Joint toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and two insect growth regulators, methoxyfenozide and hexaflumuron, on beet annywonn larvae, Spodoptera exigua ( Htthner), were investigated. An obvious synergism effect of the two insect growth regulators with B. beauveria was observed. When the insect growth regulators at LC50 concentrations (25 × 10^-6 g/L for methoxyfenozide and 1 000 × 10^ -6 g/L for hexaflumuren) were mixed with B. bassiana at the volume ratio of 4: 1, the mixtures achieved the best efficacy. The co-toxicity co-efficient (CTC) of methexyfenozide and B. bass/ana was 285, and that of hexaflumuron and B. bass/ana was 208. Scanning electron microscope observation of the longitudinal section of S. exigua revealed obviously different patterns of integument in different treatment groups.展开更多
A pair of degenerate primers was designed, based on the comparison of five insects' GOBP2 gene sequences reported previously. A specific band (about 400bp in length) was amplified from cDNA of Spodoptera exigua an...A pair of degenerate primers was designed, based on the comparison of five insects' GOBP2 gene sequences reported previously. A specific band (about 400bp in length) was amplified from cDNA of Spodoptera exigua antenna and another specific band (about 2kb in length) was amplified from genomic DNA. The two segments were cloned into T-easy vector, respectively. Results of sequencing and structural analysis showed that the full-length of GOBP2Sexi ORF is 426bp, 141 amino acid residues were encoded. The predicted MW and pI are 16.07ku and 5.09 .respectively. There are six conservative Cys locus in the sequence, which is the typical characteristic of OBPs. GOBP2Sexi gene was inserted by two introns between amino acid residue 22 and 23 and between 82 and 83. The length of two introns is 160bp and 1403bp. Results of Northern blot showed that GOBP2 gene expressed specifically in the antenna of Spodoptera exigua, and the expression level is nearly equal in the antenna of male and female moths. The sequence was deposited in GenBank/EMBL and the accession number is AJ294809.展开更多
Climate change will have a noteworthy bearing on survival, development, and population dynamics of insect pests. Therefore, we contemplated the survival and development of beet army worm, <em>Spodoptera exigua&l...Climate change will have a noteworthy bearing on survival, development, and population dynamics of insect pests. Therefore, we contemplated the survival and development of beet army worm, <em>Spodoptera exigua</em> under different temperatures, (15<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, 35<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, and 45<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C), CO<sub>2</sub> (350, 550, 750 ppm) and relative humidity (55%, 65%, 75% and 85%) regimes. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. The growth of <em>S. exigua</em> was faster at 35<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C (larval period 7.4 days and pupal period 4.5 days) than at lower temperatures. At 15<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, the larval period was extended for 61.4 days and there was no adult emergence from the pupae till 90 days. The <em>S. exigua</em> hatchling was absent at 45<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. The larval survival ranged from 31.6% - 57.2%, maximum survival was recorded at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, and minimum at 45<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. The maximum (84.27%) and minimum adult emergence were recorded in insects reared at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C and 35<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C respectively. Maximum fecundity (384.3 eggs/female) and egg viability (51.97%) were recorded in insects reared at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. Larval and pupal periods increased with an increase in CO<sub>2</sub> concentration. The highest pupal weights (128.6 mg/larva) were recorded at 550 ppm. The highest larval survival (73.50%) was recorded at 550 ppm and minimum (37.00%) at 750 ppm CO<sub>2</sub>. Fecundity was the highest in insects reared at 550 ppm CO<sub>2</sub> (657.4 eggs/female), and the lowest at 750 ppm. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 75% relative humidity (RH). The growth rate of<em> S. exigua</em> was faster at 85% RH than at lower RH. The larval survival ranged between 40.0% - 58.5%. Maximum adult emergence (88.91%) was recorded in insects reared at 75% RH and minimum at 85% RH. Maximum fecundity (447.6 eggs/female) and the highest egg viability (72.95%) were recorded in insects reared at 75% and 65% RH respectively. Elevated temperatures and relative moistness will diminish the life cycle, while hoisted CO<sub>2</sub> will drag the life expectancy. Therefore, there is a need for thorough assessment of the impact of climatic factors on the population dynamics of insect pests, crop losses, and sustainability of crop production.展开更多
基金partially supported by the Open Project Program from the Key Laboratory of South Subtropical Fruit Biology and Genetic Resource Utilization(Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs),China(212103)。
文摘Vegetable fields are often contaminated by heavy metals,and Spodoptera exigua is a major vegetable pest which is stressed by heavy metals mainly by feeding.In this study,cadmium accumulation in the tissues of S.exigua exposed to cadmium and its effects on the growth and development of the parents and the offspring were investigated.Under the stress of different concentrations of cadmium(0.2,3.2,and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)),the cadmium content in each tissue of S.exigua increased in a dose-dependent manner.At the larval stage,the highest cadmium accumulation was found in midgut in all three cadmium treatments,but at the adult stage,the highest cadmium content was found in fat body.In addition,the cadmium content in ovaries was much higher than in testes.When F1S.exigua was stressed by cadmium and the F_(2)generation was not fed a cadmium-containing diet,the larval survival,pupation rate,emergence rate and fecundity of the F_(2)generation were significantly reduced in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment compared to the corresponding F1generation.Even in the F_(2)generation of the 3.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,the fecundity was significantly lower than in the parental generation.The fecundity of the only-female stressed treatment was significantly lower than that of the only-male stressed treatment at the 3.2 and 51.2 mg kg^(-1)cadmium exposure levels.When only mothers were stressed at the larval stage,the fecundity of the F_(2)generation was significantly lower than that of the F1generation in the 51.2 mg kg^(-1)treatment,and it was also significantly lower than in the 3.2 and 0.2 mg kg^(-1)treatments.The results of our study can provide useful information for forecasting the population increase trends under different heavy metal stress conditions and for the reliable environmental risk assessment of heavy metal pollution.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1401200)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172397).
文摘It has been reported that C-type lectins(CTLs),which are pattern recognition receptors of the insect innate immunity response,may compete with Cry toxin for the receptor alkaline phosphatase to decrease its toxicity in insects.However,to date,which CTLs affect larval susceptibility to Bt in Spodoptera exigua is not clear.In this study,33 CTL genes were identified from S.exigua.Based on the number of carbohydrate-recognition domains(CRDs)and the domain architectures,they were classified into three groups:(1)nineteen CTL-S(single-CRD),(2)eight immulectin(dual-CRD)and(3)six CTL-X(CRD with other domains).RT-qPCR analysis revealed that expression levels of SeCTL-S15,IML-4 and CTL-X6 were upregulated after challenge with Bt and Cry1Ab.Tissue and developmental stage expression analysis showed that only SeCTL-S15 was mainly expressed in the midgut and larva,respectively.Knockdown of SeCTL-S15 significantly increased Bt susceptibility,as indicated by reduced survival and larval weight.These results suggest that CTL-S15 might play a vital role in the low susceptibility of larvae to Bt in S.exigua.Our results provide new insights into CTL function in insects.
基金Supported by National Transgenic Major Project ( Safe Monitoring Technique of Transgenic Organism 2008ZX08012-004)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua (Hbner). [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK12 and SGK321 were used to feed S. exigua neonates respectively. Survival larvae and dead ones were counted on the 3rd,the 7th,the 10th,the 16th and the 19th day; meanwhile,the pupae amount was recorded,and the pupae weight was measured at the 24th h after pupation. [Result] The survival curves,pupation rates and pupae weights of S. exigua feeding on different tissues of transgenic cotton were not significantly different from those of S. exigua feeding on the corresponding tissues of conventional cotton; pupation rate of S. exigua feeding on different leaves of the same cotton variety were not significantly different from each other,but all higher than that of S. exigua feeding on the flowers of that cotton; and there were no differences among pupation weights of S. exigua feeding on different leaves or flowers of the same cotton variety. [Conclusion] Transgenic cotton showed weak resistance to S. exigua. Hence,in the transgenic cotton fields,more attention should be paid to occurrence trend of S. exigua and its control.
基金Supported by Hunan Nature Foundation(07JJ6055)Hunan Provincial Department of Education Foundation(07C362)Hunan Agricultural University Talent Foundation(2006WD026)~~
文摘[Objective] The study was aimed to determine and evaluate control effect and security of 20% tebufenozide SC against Spodoptera exigua HObner, which would provide technical support for its promotion and utilization. [ Method] By using foliar spray method, control effects of different concentration of 20% tebufenozide SC and 25 g/L deltamethrin EC against S. exigua were determined. [ Result] 20% tebufenozide SC had better control effects on S. exigua. After spraying for 3 and 7 d, control effects of 20% tebufenozide SC in each treatment could reach 81% and 84%, which was higher than 25 g/L deltamethdn EC treatment. [ Conclusion] 20% tebufenozide SC for controlling S. exigua had good effect, which had permanent effectiveness for over 7 d. It also caused less environmental pollution, and was safe to cabbage, being the ideal pesticide for controlling S. exigua in vegetables.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2012CB114104)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31071694 and 31171858)
文摘Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt) are effective biological insecticides against certain insect species.In this study,bioassay results indicated that Cry1B and Cry1C were toxic to Spodoptera exigua.We also identified a cadherin-like gene in S.exigua that could enhance the toxicity of Cry1B and Cry1C.The cadherin-like gene identified from the larvae midgut tissue was cloned by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends(RACE).The full-length cDNA of the gene consisted of 5 220 bp encoding 1 740 amino acid with a predicted molecular mass of 196 kD.BLAST search analysis showed that the predicted amino acid sequence had a high sequence identity to the published sequences of cadherin-like proteins from other Lepidoptera insects.Spatial expression of the cadherin-like gene detected by qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the cadherin-like gene was mainly present in the gut of 4th instar larvae and during different life stages.The results suggested that the commercial development of this synergist has the potential to enhance Cry1B and Cry1C toxicity against Lepidoptera insects.
基金supported by the Chongqing Science & Technology Commission,China (2005BA1014)the Chongqing Education Commission,China (KJ060302)
文摘The beet armyworm,Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae),is an economically important pest of crops worldwide,attacking plants from over 20 families including trans-continental agricultural cotton,corn and citrus crops.In this study,performance and subsequent enzyme activity of beet armyworm reared on host plants from five families were investigated.Significant differences were found in development,fecundity and enzyme activity on different host plants.Survival rate was the highest (42.8%) on asparagus lettuce (Lactuca sativar var.asparagina) and the lowest (17.0%) on sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum).Larval duration was the shortest on asparagus lettuce (12.0 d),and was 43.4% longer on sweet peppers (21.2 d).The activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and carboxylesterase (CarE) in 3rd instar larvae,and soluble carbohydrate and crude protein contents in different host plants were determined.AChE activity was the highest in the larvae feeding on Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa),but declined by nearly 60% on maize (Zea mays) seedlings.The ratio of soluble carbohydrate content to crude protein content in host plants was found to have a positive effect on oviposition and a negative correlation with larval duration and life time (from larval to adult stages) of the insect.
基金Supported by National Key Technology Support Program(2012BAD19B01)
文摘Joint toxicity of Beauveria bassiana and two insect growth regulators, methoxyfenozide and hexaflumuron, on beet annywonn larvae, Spodoptera exigua ( Htthner), were investigated. An obvious synergism effect of the two insect growth regulators with B. beauveria was observed. When the insect growth regulators at LC50 concentrations (25 × 10^-6 g/L for methoxyfenozide and 1 000 × 10^ -6 g/L for hexaflumuren) were mixed with B. bassiana at the volume ratio of 4: 1, the mixtures achieved the best efficacy. The co-toxicity co-efficient (CTC) of methexyfenozide and B. bass/ana was 285, and that of hexaflumuron and B. bass/ana was 208. Scanning electron microscope observation of the longitudinal section of S. exigua revealed obviously different patterns of integument in different treatment groups.
文摘A pair of degenerate primers was designed, based on the comparison of five insects' GOBP2 gene sequences reported previously. A specific band (about 400bp in length) was amplified from cDNA of Spodoptera exigua antenna and another specific band (about 2kb in length) was amplified from genomic DNA. The two segments were cloned into T-easy vector, respectively. Results of sequencing and structural analysis showed that the full-length of GOBP2Sexi ORF is 426bp, 141 amino acid residues were encoded. The predicted MW and pI are 16.07ku and 5.09 .respectively. There are six conservative Cys locus in the sequence, which is the typical characteristic of OBPs. GOBP2Sexi gene was inserted by two introns between amino acid residue 22 and 23 and between 82 and 83. The length of two introns is 160bp and 1403bp. Results of Northern blot showed that GOBP2 gene expressed specifically in the antenna of Spodoptera exigua, and the expression level is nearly equal in the antenna of male and female moths. The sequence was deposited in GenBank/EMBL and the accession number is AJ294809.
文摘Climate change will have a noteworthy bearing on survival, development, and population dynamics of insect pests. Therefore, we contemplated the survival and development of beet army worm, <em>Spodoptera exigua</em> under different temperatures, (15<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, 35<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, and 45<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C), CO<sub>2</sub> (350, 550, 750 ppm) and relative humidity (55%, 65%, 75% and 85%) regimes. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. The growth of <em>S. exigua</em> was faster at 35<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C (larval period 7.4 days and pupal period 4.5 days) than at lower temperatures. At 15<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, the larval period was extended for 61.4 days and there was no adult emergence from the pupae till 90 days. The <em>S. exigua</em> hatchling was absent at 45<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. The larval survival ranged from 31.6% - 57.2%, maximum survival was recorded at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C, and minimum at 45<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. The maximum (84.27%) and minimum adult emergence were recorded in insects reared at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C and 35<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C respectively. Maximum fecundity (384.3 eggs/female) and egg viability (51.97%) were recorded in insects reared at 25<span style="white-space:nowrap;">°</span>C. Larval and pupal periods increased with an increase in CO<sub>2</sub> concentration. The highest pupal weights (128.6 mg/larva) were recorded at 550 ppm. The highest larval survival (73.50%) was recorded at 550 ppm and minimum (37.00%) at 750 ppm CO<sub>2</sub>. Fecundity was the highest in insects reared at 550 ppm CO<sub>2</sub> (657.4 eggs/female), and the lowest at 750 ppm. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 75% relative humidity (RH). The growth rate of<em> S. exigua</em> was faster at 85% RH than at lower RH. The larval survival ranged between 40.0% - 58.5%. Maximum adult emergence (88.91%) was recorded in insects reared at 75% RH and minimum at 85% RH. Maximum fecundity (447.6 eggs/female) and the highest egg viability (72.95%) were recorded in insects reared at 75% and 65% RH respectively. Elevated temperatures and relative moistness will diminish the life cycle, while hoisted CO<sub>2</sub> will drag the life expectancy. Therefore, there is a need for thorough assessment of the impact of climatic factors on the population dynamics of insect pests, crop losses, and sustainability of crop production.