Efficiency of Botanical and Chemical Pesticides on the Control of Field Insect Pests under Cowpea Production

The pulse cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] holds a significant agricultural position in Uganda, ranking fourth among legume crops, following common beans, groundnuts, and soybeans. Known for its versatility, cowpeas are consumable at various developmental stages, from early seedling to maturity. However, the crop faces persistent pest challenges at each stage, leading to substantial yield losses. In Uganda, chemical insecticides are the primary pest control means, but their increased and excessive use raises environmental, health, and economic concerns. This has prompted a quest for alternative and sustainable solutions, prompting an exploration of botanical insecticides. This study, conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute (MUARIK), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of three selected botanical insecticides versus four established chemical insecticides for managing cowpea insect pests under field conditions. The treatments included: Carbofuran, Cypermethrin 10% EC, Dimethoate, Pestwin, Pyrethrum ewc , Pyrethrum 5ew, Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC mix, and Untreated, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The significant pests studied were aphids, thrips, pod-sucking bugs, and legume pod borer. Results indicated substantial impacts of the treatments on pest infestation, with Profenofos 40% Cypermethrin 4% EC being the most effective against most pests. The plant parameter, plant height, was significantly affected by treatments in 2016B, while the number of pods was impacted in 2017A. Pestwin, a botanical insecticide blend (containing Azadirachtin indica, Pongamia pinnata, and Ricinus communis extracts) demonstrated superior efficacy against cowpea aphids. Moreover, it positively influenced plant height, number of pods, and pod biomass, surpassing many chemical insecticides. Pestwin’s environmental friendliness positions it as a potential contributor to reducing environmental pollution, making it a promising candidate for inclusion in IPM programs. Overall, the study underscores the importance of exploring botanical alternatives to chemical insecticides for sustainable pest management in cowpea cultivation.

Advanced biosensing technologies for monitoring of agriculture pests and diseases:A review

The threat posed to crop production by pests and diseases is one of the key factors that could reduce global food security.Early detection is of critical importance to make accurate predictions,optimize control strategies and prevent crop losses.Recent technological advancements highlight the opportunity to revolutionize monitoring of pests and diseases.Biosensing methodologies offer potential solutions for real-time and automated monitoring,which allow advancements in early and accurate detection and thus support sustainable crop protection.Herein,advanced biosensing technologies for pests and diseases monitoring,including image-based technologies,electronic noses,and wearable sensing methods are presented.Besides,challenges and future perspectives for widespread adoption of these technologies are discussed.Moreover,we believe it is necessary to integrate technologies through interdisciplinary cooperation for further exploration,which may provide unlimited possibilities for innovations and applications of agriculture monitoring.

Acaricidal effect of the antimicrobial metabolite xenocoumacin 1 on spider mite control

The two-spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticae Koch,is one of the most harmful pests in many agroecosystems worldwide.To effectively manage this pest,there is an urgent need to develop novel bio-active acaricides that support integrated pest management strategies targeting T.urticae.In this study,we explored the acaricidal effects of xenocoumacin 1 (Xcn1) on T.urticae and its predator Neoseiulus californicus using the highly puri?ed compound.Xcn1 was extracted and purified from the cell-free supernatant of the Xenorhabdus nematophila CB6 mutant constructed by the easy promoter activated compound identi?cation (easyPACId) method.When the concentration of Xcn1 exceeded 100μg mL~(–1),the survival rate of spider mite adults declined to below 40%and the fecundity was decreased by 80%at six days post-application.At concentrations of 25 and 50μg mL~(–1),Xcn1 signi?cantly impeded spider mite development by inhibiting the molt.However,neither concentration had any adverse effects on the survival or reproduction of the predatory mite N.californicus.The results from laboratory and semi-?eld experiments consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of the antimicrobial metabolite Xcn1 in controlling pest mites at both the molecular and physiological levels.Our study offers a promising possibility that combines the compatible biocontrol agents of Xcn1 and predatory mites for integrated pest mite control.

DNA Barcoding of Insects and Its Direct Application for Plant Protection

The introduction of invasive insect pests across national borders has become a major concern in crop production. Accordingly, national plant protection organizations are challenge to reinforce their monitoring strategies, which are hampered by the weight and size of inspection equipment, as well as the taxonomic extensiveness of interrupted species. Moreover, some insect pests that impede farmer productivity and profitability are difficult for researchers to address on time due to a lack of appropriate plant protection measures. Farmers’ reliance on synthetic pesticides and biocontrol agents has resulted in major economic and environmental ramifications. DNA barcoding is a novel technology that has the potential to improve Integrated Pest Management decision-making, which is dependent on the ability to correctly identify pest and beneficial organisms. This is due to some natural traits such as phenology or pesticide susceptibility browbeaten by IPM strategies to avert pest establishment. Specifically, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence information was applied effectively for the identification of some micro-organisms. This technology, DNA barcoding, allows for the identification of insect species by using short, standardized gene sequences. DNA barcoding is basically based on repeatable and accessible technique that allows for the mechanisation or automation of species discrimination. This technique bridges the taxonomic bio-security gap and meets the International Plant Protection Convention diagnostic standards for insect identification. This review therefore discusses DNA barcoding as a technique for insect pests’ identification and its potential application for crop protection.

Thrips: Pests of Concern to China and the United States

Thrips are among the most important agricultural pests globally because of the damage inflicted by their oviposition, feeding, and ability to transmit plant viruses. Because of their invasiveness, a number of pest species are common to both China and the United States and present significant challenges to growers of a wide range of crops in both countries. Among the pest thrips common to both countries are four of the major global thrips pests, Frankliniella occidentalis （Pergande）, Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood, Thrips palmi Karny, and Thrips tabaci Lindeman. This review addresses characteristics that enable thrips to be such damaging pests and how biological attributes of thrips create challenges for their management. Despite these challenges, a number of successful management tactics have been developed for various cropping systems. We discuss some of these tactics that have been developed, including the use of cultural controls, biological controls, and judicious use of insecticides that do not disrupt overall pest management programs. The exchange of this type of information will help to facilitate management of pest thrips, especially in regions where species have recently invaded. A prime example is F. occidentalis, the western flower thrips, which is native to the United States, but has recently invaded China. Therefore, management tactics developed in the United States can be adapted to China. Because further success in management of thrips requires a thorough understanding of thrips ecology, we discuss areas of future research and emphasize the importance of collaboration among different countries to enhance our overall understanding of the biology and ecology of thrips and to improve management programs for these widespread pests.

Control of cotton pests and diseases by intercropping:A review

Cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)is a globally important crop that is often damaged by pests and diseases.Current cotton pests and diseases management is dependent on chemical pesticides.Although chemical pesticides are usually effective,long-term application of these pesticides often leads to increased insecticide resistance in the pests,fewer natural enemies,reduced natural control,and a degraded environment.Because of increased environmental awareness and the need for sustainable cotton production,the control of cotton pests and diseases using biological means like intercropping is increasingly receiving attention.Intercropping of cotton with other crops can often boost the total yield and output of the intercropping system and provide significant economic benefits without sacrificing cotton quality.Intercropping also increases the number of natural enemies,and reduces the occurrence of cotton pests and diseases by altering the ecological structure and environmental conditions in the fields.Cotton-based intercropping is an effective strategy to reduce the competition between cotton and grain or other economic crops for arable land.It is also an important way to increase the populations of natural enemies in cotton fields for the management of pests and diseases.However,inappropriate intercropping can also increase labor requirements and even result in inadequate control of pests and diseases.This review focuses on the performance and the mechanisms of intercropping for reducing cotton pests and disease as well as on the effective management of intercropping systems.The risks and limitations,as well as the study approaches needed and the prospects of intercropping for the control of cotton pests and diseases,are also discussed.This information is intended to aid researchers and growers in designing economically viable and ecologically friendly pest and disease management strategies that will reduce the use of chemicals and the cost of cotton production.

Potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans:From molecular interactions to integrated management strategies

Over 170 years after the infamous Irish Potato Famine,potato late blight(PLB)caused by Phytophthora infestans remains the single most devastating disease of global potato production,causing up to 10 billion USD in yield loss and management costs.Through decades of research,growers and agronomists in the field as well as laboratory scientists have made significant progress in understanding the molecular pathogenesis process of this critical pathosystem and effective management strategies to control PLB.Yet,the need to feed an ever-increasing global population under changing climate demands continued improvement in efficient and sustainable PLB management schemes that can be implemented across a broad economic spectrum.In this review,we briefly summarize the current understanding of the molecular interaction between P.infestans and its host plants,highlight the current integrated pest management strategy to control PLB on local and continental scales,and discuss the potential of further improvement of sustainable PLB control through genetic enhancement of crop resistance and emerging crop protection technologies.

An integrated pest management program for managing fusarium head blight disease in cereals

Fusarium head blight(FHB)is a worldwide devastating disease of small grain cereals and Fusarium graminearum species complex(FGSC)is the major pathogen causing the disease.The epidemics of FHB lead to the reduction of grain yield and economic losses.Additionally,mycotoxins produced by the FHB pathogens are hazardous to the health of human and livestock.In this review,we summarize the epidemiology of FHB,and introduce effects of this disease on economy,environment and food safety.We focus on the integrated management approaches for controlling FHB including agronomic practices,resistant cultivars,chemical control,and biocontrol.In addition,we also discuss the potential novel management strategies against FHB and mycotoxin.

Integrated pest management programme for cereal blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

Magnaporthe oryzae,the causal agent of blast diseases,is a destructive filamentous fungus that infects many plants including most economically important food crops,rice,wheat,pearl millet and finger millet.Magnaporthe oryzae has numerous pathotypes because of its high host-specificity in the field.The Oryza pathotype(MoO)of M.oryzae is the most devastating pathogen of rice,causing 10–30%yield loss in the world.On the other hand,the Triticum pathotype(MoT)causes blast disease in wheat,which is now a serious threat to wheat production in some South American countries,Bangladesh and Zambia.Because of low fungicide efficacy against the blast diseases and lack of availability of resistant varieties,control of rice and wheat blast diseases is difficult.Therefore,an integrated management programme should be adopted to control these two diseases in the field.Here,we introduced and summarized the classification,geographical distribution,host range,disease symptoms,biology and ecology,economic impact,and integrated pest management(IPM)programme of both rice and wheat blast diseases.

Recent progress in maize lethal necrosis disease:From pathogens to integrated pest management

Maize(Zea mays),as a staple food and an important industrial raw material,has been widely cultivated for centuries especially by smallholder farmers.Maize lethal necrosis disease(MLND)is a serious disease infecting maize,which caused devastating damage in the African region recently.MLND is induced by co-infection of maize chlorotic mottle virus and one of several cereal-infecting viruses in the Potyviridae family,with the symptoms ranging from chlorotic mottle to plant death at different infection stages.Integrated pest management for MLND needs strengthening detection,focusing on prevention and effective control.Early detection system of MLND has been successfully established by serological methods,nucleic acid-based methods,next-generation sequencing,etc.The practices,such as using certified seeds,sanitary measures,crop rotation,tolerant or resistant varieties etc.,have been considered as the effective,economical and eco-friendly way to prevent and control MLND.

Toward the efficient use of Beauveria bassiana in integrated cotton insect pest management

Background:For controlling the resistance to insects,in particular carpophagous and phyllophagous caterpillars,using chemical pesticides has led to contamination of cotton area in Benin.Facing this problem,alternative methods including the use of entomopathogenic fungi as biopesticide could be a sound measure to preserve the environment,biodiversity and ensure good quality of crops.Previous studies have revealed the insecticidal potential of the entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana on some insect pest species.However,little is known about its effectiveness on cotton Lepidopteran pests.This review is done to learn more about B.bassina for its application in controlling cotton insect pests,especially Lepidopteran species.Main body:Different sections of the current review deal with the related description and action modes of B.bassiana against insects,multi-trophic interactions between B.bassiana and plants,arthropods,soil and other microbes,and biological control programs including B.bassiana during last decade.Advantages and constraints in applying B.bassiana and challenges in commercialization of B.bassiana-based biopesticide have been addressed.In this review,emphasis is put on the application methods and targeted insects in various studies with regard to their applicability in cotton.Conclusion:This review helps us to identify the knowledge gaps related to application of B.bassiana on cotton pest in general and especially in Lepidopteran species in Benin.This work should be supported by complementary laboratory bioassays,station and/or fields experiments for effective management of cotton Lepidopteran pests in Benin.

Identification of pests and assessment of their damage on Carapa procera and Lophira lanceolata in Burkina Faso,West Africa

Nontimber forest products are a source of income for women in rural African communities. However, these products are frequently damaged by insect pests. The present study investigates the diversity and damage rates of insect pests that attack Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. The experiment was set up in western Burkina Faso and, for C. carapa, consisted of pests collected from seeds that had fallen to the ground and from stockpiled seeds. For L. lanceolata, pests were collected from fruits on the trees, and on the ground. The collected samples were sent to the laboratory to estimate the proportion of damaged seeds/fruits and rear the insects. The results showed that Ephestia spp., Tribolium castaneum, Oryzeaphilus spp., and Tenebroides mauritanicus were the pests of Carapa procera seeds and Lophira lanceolata fruits. Ephestia spp. was recorded as the main pest of both C. proeera and L. lanceolata, whereas T. castaneum was only detected from seeds of L. lanceolata. For C. procera, the stocks were the most infested （29 %） by Ephestia spp. The infestation rate of fruits of L. lanceolata by Ephestia spp, on trees （31.42 ± 3.75 %） was less than the rate of fruits by T. castaneum on the ground （44.00 ± 3.5 %）. The different body sizes of Ephestia spp. may indicate the occurrence of two putative species, one from C. procera and another one from L. lanceolata. This work provides important information that could contribute to the setting up of a local-scale sustainable management framework for oil tree pests in Burkina Faso and surrounding countries.

Ecology and management of the black inch worm, Hyposidra talaca Walker (Geometridae： Lepidoptera) infesting Camellia sinensis (Theaceae)： A review

The black inch worm, Hyposidra talaca （Walker） （Geometridae： Lepidoptera） has earned considerable importance as a defoliator during last decade in north east India. Characteristic features of H. talaca, Such as switching from wild plants to Camellia sinensis, and completion of 6-8 generations in a year without winter diapause appear to be the major reasons for persistence of the defoliator on C. sinensis. There are reports on the aggressive infestation of the pest on C. sinensis than on alternate host plants and development of high tolerance^resistance to certain insecticides. Till date, more than one hundred alternate host plants have been recorded for H. talaca, but with very few natural enemies. To manage this pest chemically, synthetic pesticides are widely used. Integrated management is recently being encouraged wherein cultural, mechanical, physical, biological and chemical methods have been contemplated. This review collates the work and literature on the ecology of H. talaca and offers an analysis of the problems encountered in managing the defoliator in tea plantations. Further, future directions for better management of H. talaca are suggested.

Evaluation of trap effi ciency for the Asian longhorned beetle,Anoplophora glabripennis

The Asian longhorned beetle(ALB),Anoplophora glabripennis,is a well-known stem borer with high polyphagous properties causing frequent outbreaks in northeast China.An attractant-based trap is needed to improve the sensitivity,reliability,and effi ciency for detection of the beetle.In this study,the eff ects of attractants,trap types and color synergy of a trapping system were evaluated.Attractant blends comprised of the male-produced,two-component pheromone plus plant volatiles were used in the fi eld in Hengshui city.Plant volatiles(e.g.,1-pentanol,and 2-pentanol)in combination with male pheromones increased the mean number of trapped ALB compared to the pheromone alone.Males responded better than females to traps baited with plant volatiles alone,whereas traps emitting plant volatiles plus pheromone,regardless of trap type,captured more females than males.The ALB-trapping effi ciency of a modifi ed fl ight intercept panel trap was more than ten times as high as a woodborer panel trap and 1.2 times a fl ight intercept panel trap.The 1-pentanol and 2-pentanol attractants alone or in combination with male-produced pheromone were more eff ective for monitoring ALB than common lures.In laboratory Y-tube olfactometer experiments,the color brown was better at increasing attraction of both males and females to 1-pentanol,2-pentanol,1-pentanol+pheromone,and 2-pentanol+pheromone compared to the clear-glass control arm.The fi ndings provide a reliable and eff ective trap system to monitor ALB infestations.

Toxic and Antifeedant Effects of Different Pesticidal Plant Extracts against Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)

The beet armyworm(BAW),Spodoptera exigua(Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)is a highly destructive pest of vegetables and field crops.Management of beet armyworm primarily relies on synthetic pesticides,which is threatening the beneficial community and environment.Most importantly,the BAW developed resistance to synthetic pesticides with making it difficult to manage.Therefore,alternative and environment-friendly pest management tactics are urgently required.The use of pesticidal plant extracts provides an effective way for a sustainable pest management program.To evaluate the use of pesticidal plant extracts against BAW,we selected six plant species(Lantana camara,Aloe vera,Azadirachta indica,Cymbopogon citratus,Nicotiana tabacum,and Ocimum basilicum)for initial screening experiment.Four out of six plant species such as A.indica,N.tabacum,C.citratus and O.basilicum showed promising mortality of more than 50%.Therefore,we selected these four plant extracts for the subsequent experiments.Through contact bioassay,A.indica showed high mortality 66.63%,followed by the N.tabacum 53.33%,at 10%w/v concentration.Similarly,N.tabacum showed the highest mortality rate,66%at 10%w/v concentration,followed by the A.indica 46%through feeding bioassay.Furthermore,the feeding deterrence assay showed that C.citratus had a high antifeedant index(−50)followed by A.indica(−39),and N.tabacum(−28).In living plant assay,the N.tabacum extract showed a low mean damage score 3.6 on living cotton plant followed by C.citratus 4.5 and A.indica 5.5.Hence,extracts of three plant species provided promising results against the BAW,which can minimize the use of synthetic chemicals,particularly for small landholding farmers.Further studies are also required to evaluate the effects of these plant extract against BAW on cotton plants under field conditions to optimize the further use.

Modified Metaheuristics with Transfer Learning Based Insect Pest Classification for Agricultural Crops

Crop insect detection becomes a tedious process for agronomists because a substantial part of the crops is damaged,and due to the pest attacks,the quality is degraded.They are the major reason behind crop quality degradation and diminished crop productivity.Hence,accurate pest detection is essential to guarantee safety and crop quality.Conventional identification of insects necessitates highly trained taxonomists to detect insects precisely based on morphological features.Lately,some progress has been made in agriculture by employing machine learning(ML)to classify and detect pests.This study introduces a Modified Metaheuristics with Transfer Learning based Insect Pest Classification for Agricultural Crops(MMTL-IPCAC)technique.The presented MMTL-IPCAC technique applies contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization(CLAHE)approach for image enhancement.The neural architectural search network(NASNet)model is applied for feature extraction,and a modified grey wolf optimization(MGWO)algorithm is employed for the hyperparameter tuning process,showing the novelty of the work.At last,the extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)model is utilized to carry out the insect classification procedure.The simulation analysis stated the enhanced performance of the MMTL-IPCAC technique in the insect classification process with maximum accuracy of 98.73%.

Risk of control failure to insecticides malathion,profenophos+cypermethrin mixture,and fipronil in boll weevil(Coleoptera:Curculionidae)populations from Bahia,Brazil

Background To control the boll weevil Anthonomus grandis grandis(Coleoptera:Curculionidae),a key pest of cotton in the Americas,insecticides have been intensively used to manage their populations,increasing selection pressure for resistant populations.Thus,this study aimed to detect insecticide resistance and assess insecticide control failure likelihood of boll weevil populations exposed to malathion,profenophos+cypermethrin,and fipronil insecticides.Results Twelve populations of the boll weevil were collected from commercial cotton fileds of the state of Bahia,northeastern Brazil.These populations were exposed to malathion,profenophos+cypermethrin mixture,and fipronil,at their respective maximum label dose for field applications.Three replicates of 10 adult beetles were exposed to the insecticides and mortality was recorded after 24 h treatment.The control failure likelihood was determined after 48 h.Highest median lethal times(LT_(50))were observed for malathion and the profenophos+cypermethrin mixture.Resistance to at least one insecticide was detected in 11 populations;three populations were resistant to malathion and profenophos+cypermethrin;seven were resistant to all insecticides tested.The resistance levels were low(<10-fold)for the three insecticides.Among 12 populations tested,58%of them exhibited significant risk of control failure for the insecticides malathion and profenophos+cypermethrin.The insecticide fipronil was efficient for the control of the boll weevil in 83%of the populations.Conclusions The results confirm the significant risk of insecticide control failure in the boll weevil populations to the main compounds used in the region.Thus,proper insecticide resistance management plans are necessary for the boll weevil in the region,particularly for malathion and profenophos+cypermethrin insecticides.

Efficacy of Beneficial Fungi Isolates in Solanum lycopersicum L. Protection against Lepidopteran Insects through a Leaf Inoculation Technique

Helicoverpa armigera is a key insect pest of tomatoes reducing drastically yields. The effect of the endophytic colonization of tomato plants by Beauveria bassiana using leaf spray as an inoculation method on damage and survival of H. armigera was assessed in a screen house. Two B. bassiana isolates (Bb 115 and Bb 11) and two tomato varieties (a local variety Tounvi and an improved variety Padma) were included in the study. The adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces were sprayed at a concentration of 107 conidia/ml and 109 conidia/ml for each isolate and each of the two tomato varieties. Thirty days after inoculation, five discs of tomato leaf and tomato root were cut for each isolate, each concentration per isolate and for each variety. The samples were incubated at room temperature (28°C ± 2°C) and periodically checked for fungal growth. Larval survival was checked and a damage assessment was done on tomato flowers and the leaves. The results show that the lowest Mean Survival Times (MSTs) were recorded on larvae feeding on plants inoculated with Bb 11 (4.2 ± 0.8 days against 11.5 ± 0.2 days for control). Compared to the other treatments, low damage rates of the flowers of the improved variety inoculated with Bb 11 at 109 conidia/ml were recorded from the 6th Day After Inoculation (DAI). This rate remains low until the end of treatment. Overall flower damage was lower than leaf damage. The results showed large differences in pathogenicity, with most endophytic isolate belonging to Bb 11 when inoculated at 109 conidia/ml using the leaf spraying technique. Data were discussed with regard to the use of endophytism B. bassiana in an integrated tomato pest control approach.

Advances in research and utilization of botanical pesticides for agricultural pest management in Inner Mongolia, China

Traditional Chinese herbal medicines not only cure human diseases,but also play an important role as insecticides.Compared with conventional chemical agents,traditional Chinese herbal medicines are characterized by low toxicity,low residues,and being eco-friendly,and they have become a research hotspot.Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have tremendous flexibility and indefinite potential.Therefore,this paper reviewed the types of insecticides belonging to traditional Chinese herbal medicines in Inner Mongolia,China,including their traditional uses,secondary metabolites,biological activities,action mechanisms,application methods,and development status.In addition,the most relevant issues involved in the development of traditional Chinese herbal medicines was discussed.We believe that traditional Chinese herbal medicines can be better implemented and developed;such that its other advantages,such as an insect repellent,can be promoted.Moreover,this study lays a solid foundation for further research on traditional Chinese herbal medicines in Inner Mongolia,China.

Evaluation of Lethal Effects of Chlorantraniliprole on Chilo suppressalis and Its Larval Parasitoid, Cotesia chilonis

Chlorantraniliprole was introduced into China from 2008 as a novel insecticide to control the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis （Walker）. Cotesia chilonis （Matsumura） is the major parasitoid of C. suppressalis. We collected seven populations of C. suppressalis and two populations of C. chilonis in different locations in China in 2009 to investigate the lethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on them. The populations of C. suppressalis from different regions showed various LD50 values ranging from 2.00 to 18.70 ng per larva. Chlorantraniliprole has negligible acute contact toxicity （LC50500 mg L-1） to C. chilonis and its oral toxicity is also much lower than that of fipronil （2 800-fold difference in LC50）. The results indicated that chlorantraniliprole is a good alterative in rice integrated pest management （IPM） programs. The susceptibility data of C. suppressalis will be useful for monitoring resistance levels in future.