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        <title>Frontiers in Insect Science | Insect Economics section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/insect-science/sections/insect-economics</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Insect Economics section in the Frontiers in Insect Science journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-14T19:50:09.579+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2026.1795406</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2026.1795406</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Pest-smart strategies for improved eco-efficiency in agriculture, forestry and communities]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>George B. Frisvold</author><author>Thomas M. Chappell</author><author>Ashfaq A. Sial</author><author>Roger D. Magarey</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2026.1794283</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2026.1794283</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Correction: Evaluating the nutrient and fatty acid profiles of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) raised on various diets in Thailand]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Correction</category>
        <author>Sarayut Pittarate</author><author>Chaiwat Arjin</author><author>Perumal Vivekanandhan</author><author>Kannan Swathy</author><author>Chun-I Chiu</author><author>Supamit Mekchay</author><author>Patipan Hnokaew</author><author>Apinya Sartsook</author><author>Thanandon Siripan</author><author>Korawan Sringarm</author><author>Patcharin Krutmuang</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1727464</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1727464</link>
        <title><![CDATA[First report of natural parasitism by Telenomus remus Nixon, 1937 on Spodoptera latifascia Walker, 1856 eggs in Puerto Rico: insights into spatial-temporal dynamics in a semiarid tropical region]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-26T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Daiane Dalla Nora</author><author>Ricardo Rubin Balardin</author><author>Ana Paula G. S. Wengrat</author><author>Wesley Augusto C. Godoy</author><author>Jose Carlos Verle Rodrigues</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Telenomus remus is one of the most effective parasitoids of eggs used to control key pests in agricultural systems. This wasp can parasitize many species within the genus Spodoptera, including Spodoptera latifascia. The abundance and effectiveness of T. remus are influenced by landscape composition, climatic factors, and host availability, which need to be better characterized. However, no studies have investigated how those factors simultaneously affect the population dynamics of S. latifascia and T. remus under field conditions. In this study, we used sex pheromone traps to investigate the dynamics of host-parasitoid interactions and the parasitism rate of S. latifascia eggs. We also examined how landscape structure and function influence host-parasitoid dynamics, as well as the impact of local weather on parasitoid and moth abundance and on oviposition behavior. Our results indicated that the type of pheromone used did not affect the attraction of either the parasitoid or the oviposition behavior of the host. The landscape metrics driving each insect species differed, while local weather variables showed similar effects on both species. Specifically, the total number of patches was positively related to the abundance of T. remus, whereas functional traits were closely related to the abundance of S. latifascia. Rising temperatures negatively affected egg and moth abundance, while high relative humidity was positively correlated with increased abundance of these species. This study presents, for the first time, an established population of T. remus in Puerto Rico, and insights into the temporal and spatial dynamics associated with S. latifascia.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1692096</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1692096</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Evaluating the nutrient and fatty acid profiles of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) raised on various diets in Thailand]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sarayut Pittarate</author><author>Chaiwat Arjin</author><author>Perumal Vivekanandhan</author><author>Kannan Swathy</author><author>Chun-I Chiu</author><author>Supamit Mekchay</author><author>Patipan Hnokaew</author><author>Apinya Sartsook</author><author>Thanandon Siripan</author><author>Korawan Sringarm</author><author>Patcharin Krutmuang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionBlack soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative protein source for animal feed, particularly when reared on organic by-products. This study evaluated the nutritional composition of BSFL reared on different organic substrates to support sustainable feed production.MethodsBSFL were reared on five organic substrates: chicken feed, pig feed, soy milk residue, coconut press cake, and perilla cake. Larvae were cultivated in metal trays (23 × 15 cm) for 2–4 weeks under controlled conditions (28 ± 2 °C; 65 ± 5% relative humidity). At the prepupal stage, larvae were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, ash, growth performance, and fatty acid profiles.ResultsSignificant differences in nutritional composition were observed among substrates. Crude protein content was high in larvae fed chicken feed (50.55 ± 0.07%), pig feed (52.10 ± 0.14%), soy milk residue (52.15 ± 0.78%), and perilla cake (47.20 ± 0.00%). Crude fiber was highest in larvae fed soy milk residue (7.19 ± 1.48%) and perilla cake (5.38 ± 0.25%). Fatty acid analysis revealed substantial levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Larvae reared on coconut press cake showed the highest saturated fatty acid content (74.91 ± 0.03%), while those fed soy milk residue exhibited the highest oleic (26.68 ± 0.06%) and linoleic acid (38.44 ± 0.07%) contents, resulting in increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (38.57 ± 0.03%).DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that organic by-products commonly available in Thailand are suitable substrates for BSFL production and significantly influence larval nutritional quality. These substrates enable the production of nutrient-rich, cost-effective, and sustainable insect-based feed, contributing to responsible consumption, waste valorization, and food security.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1674092</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1674092</link>
        <title><![CDATA[3D printing approaches to simulate natural diets for insects with implications for domestication and mass-rearing]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-11-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Carlos Pascacio-Villafán</author><author>Viridiana Tejada-Ortigoza</author><author>Allen Carson Cohen</author><author>Martín Aluja</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Many insect species that could benefit humanity cannot be reared or domesticated because of the lack of adequate artificial diets. In the case of insect pests which are controlled via the Sterile Insect Technique, the prospects of improving biological traits of mass-reared individuals hinge on the development of new diet formulations. 3D food printing technology holds unique potential to create customized artificial diets simulating the shape, texture, and distribution of nutrient and non-nutrient components (e.g., dietary fiber and secondary metabolites) of natural insect foods. We present an overview on the use of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology to develop artificial diets that mimic the dynamic nature of natural insect diets, characterized by compartmentalized food components. The challenges and limitations of 3D food printing technology for its application in the field of diet development and artificial insect rearing are discussed, and future research priorities are highlighted. Examples are provided of beneficial and pestiferous insect species that could be reared on 3D-printed diets such as the cocoa pod borer and tephritid flies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1666457</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1666457</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Grain yield loss and seed nutritional quality alteration in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) caused by the stem borer Lixus algirus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-10-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mohamed Ouaarous</author><author>Hasnae Choukri</author><author>Asma Tika</author><author>Moez Amri</author><author>Adil Baouchi</author><author>Chaimae Ramdani</author><author>Nezha Ait Taadaouit</author><author>Rachid Boulamtat</author><author>Issam Meftah Kadmiri</author><author>Abderrahim Aasfar</author><author>Mansour Sobeh</author><author>BadrEddine Drissi</author><author>Dina Zanbot</author><author>Yaya Sane</author><author>Abdelhalim Mesfioui</author><author>Mustapha El Bouhssini</author><author>Karim El Fakhouri</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important cool-season legume crops worldwide, particularly in the Mediterranean regions. It plays a crucial role in cereal-based crop rotations and serves as an accessible and cost-effective protein source for both human diets and livestock feed. Despite its significance, faba bean production is heavily impacted by the stem borer Lixus algirus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), a prominent insect pest in the Mediterranean region. This research aimed to assess the impact of L. algirus on grain yield and seed nutritional profile of a local variety ‘Defes’. The experiment was conducted using insect-proof cages at ICARDA - Marchouch research station during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons. The findings revealed that L. algirus infestation caused grain yield losses ranging from 14% to 20%. Larval feeding within plant stems significantly altered seed nutritional composition compared to seeds from non-infested plant, ICP-OES analysis revealed significant declines were observed in magnesium (44%), manganese (38%), calcium (37%), zinc (30%), and iron (27%) concentrations in seeds collected from infested plants. In contrast, an increase in seed protein content and total sugar levels was recorded in infested plant seeds compared to non-infested plants. Similar results were observed for both essential amino acids (such as threonine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine, and arginine) and non-essential amino acids (including glutamic acid, tyrosine, and alanine). Multivariate analyses, including PCA and correlation, revealed distinct nutrient and morphological trait patterns between infested and non-infested faba bean samples across both seasons. Collectively, these results show that L. algirus not only reduces grain yield but also reconfigures seed nutritional quality, lowering mineral density despite higher protein and sugars, highlighting the need for integrating host plant resistance for stem borer management and timely IPM to preserve both productivity and food/feed quality.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1621855</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1621855</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Complete mitochondrial genome of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) reared on sauce-flavor Daqu]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-08-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Xiaomeng Zhang</author><author>Rujia Huang</author><author>Yubin Chen</author><author>Wang Li</author><author>Xueqing Zhang</author><author>Jianghao Yang</author><author>Jun Lv</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), a cosmopolitan stored-product pest frequently infesting sauce-flavor Daqu (a multi-microbial fermented starter), may experience mitochondrial genome variations under the selective pressure exerted by this enzyme-rich substrate. Here we test whether feeding on sauce-flavor Daqu is associated with mitogenomic differences in T. castaneum. We present the complete mitochondrial genome of T. castaneum from this environment: a 15,885 bp circular DNA (GenBank PV563855) retaining ancestral insect architecture with 71.81% A+T content and slight positive AT skew. The genome contains 37 functional elements: 22 tRNA genes (all exhibiting atypical cloverleaf structures except trnS1(AGN)), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, and a 1,238 bp A+T-rich control region (82.80% AT). Eleven PCGs initiate with ATN codons, while cox1 (CTG) and nad1 (TTG) show divergent initiation. Ten PCGs terminate with TAA/TAG codons. Gene order aligns with basal insect mitogenomes. Comparative analysis with Jiangsu (China) and California (USA) strains revealed conserved structural features, though sequence/assembly discrepancies require further investigation to assess potential pressure-induced mutations. While these differences may reflect adaptations to the enzyme-rich Daqu environment, technical and geographical factors could also contribute; further functional studies are needed to establish causal links.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1630472</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1630472</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Formulation and evaluation of the efficacy of an artificial larval diet for rearing various species of flies under laboratory conditions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-08-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Francesco Defilippo</author><author>M. Denise Gemmellaro</author><author>Annalisa Grisendi</author><author>Vito Tranquillo</author><author>Antonio Lavazza</author><author>Michele Dottori</author><author>Ana Moreno</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The larvae of five dipteran species were reared on artificial diets under controlled laboratory conditions. Usually, these species complete their life cycles in perishable, filthy, unhygienic, and foul-smelling natural diets, which hinder rearing work and affect the laboratory environment. More importantly, these unaltered foods do not allow for true conformity in rearing protocols. The addition of a standard artificial diet to rearing protocols would make it possible to conduct ecological, biological, and forensic investigations with greater accuracy and precision. To address this problem, we formulated a new artificial diet for larvae and tested its performance on five different fly species (Calliphora vicina, Lucilia sericata, Sarcophaga argyrostoma, Musca domestica, and Hermetia illucens). We compared the development of larvae reared on an artificial diet with that of larvae reared on beef liver and pig muscle. The results showed no differences in development time between the two groups. However, our results showed that the artificial diet facilitated the rearing of flies for forensic and medical purposes by standardizing the nutritional value of the diet, improving laboratory conditions, and providing a more hygienic and cost-effective food substrate.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1549348</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1549348</link>
        <title><![CDATA[One Health, many approaches: integrated vector management strategies support One Health goals]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-06-03T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Hannah S. Tiffin</author><author>Jennifer R. Gordon</author><author>Karen C. Poh</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Integrated pest management (IPM) laid the foundation for integrated vector management (IVM) by introducing strategies that prioritize prevention over intervention and the use of diverse management and control tools for arthropod vectors. Both approaches focus on reducing chemical reliance for management of targeted organisms by employing data-driven decisions and incorporating the use of additional non-chemical based management tactics. While IPM and IVM differ in their specific applications and management contexts, many of their fundamental principles remain the same. By diversifying prevention and control options, these management practices support healthier environments, animals, and populace, the three spheres of the One Health paradigm. One Health principles support and highlight the connections between animal, human, and environmental health and how these spheres influence one another. However, the connections and overlapping goals between IVM and One Health are infrequently discussed in tandem. This review will examine the numerous and varied methods of IVM for reducing global disease burden, detail the benefits of using IVM to achieve One Health goals, as well as benefits and considerations to incorporating a One Health lens with IVM.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1582496</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1582496</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Tracking sustainability in crop pest management in the United States using an eco-efficiency index]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-05-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Madison Love</author><author>Roger D. Magarey</author><author>Brian L. Holderman</author><author>Danesha Seth Carley</author><author>Federico Maggi</author><author>Naomi Singer</author>
        <description><![CDATA[While agricultural pesticides are considered essential for global food security, their use poses significant environmental and human health risks. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a science-based framework to minimize these risks by integrating multiple pest management strategies. However, IPM adoption and funding in the United States have been limited, partly due to a 2001 government report highlighting the lack of measurable reductions in pesticide use. To address this challenge, we propose an index based on eco-efficiency, the ratio of agricultural productivity to environmental impacts, to quantify, track, and incentivize IPM adoption. Using crop production and pesticide use data, including both the mass and toxicity of active ingredients, eco-efficiency scores were calculated for ten major U.S. crop groups from 1992 to 2018. The results demonstrate the potential of this index to monitor progress over time and identify shifts in pesticide use relative to crop production. This approach offers a practical, data-driven tool to evaluate pesticide risk reduction, prioritize IPM research and Extension efforts, and support future policy and funding decisions aimed at promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1533267</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1533267</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bibliometric trends and patterns in Tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) research: a data report (1980–2024)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Data Report</category>
        <author>J. Komal</author><author>R. Gowrisankar</author><author>Vishaka G. V.</author><author>H. Nadaf</author><author>Ipsita Samal</author><author>Pasumarthi Venkata Dinesh Kumar</author><author>C. Selvaraj</author><author>B. Thirupam Reddy</author><author>T. Selvakumar</author><author>Deepak Kumar Mahanta</author><author>Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study presents a bibliometric analysis of publication trends in Tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) research from 1980 to 2024. A comprehensive search was conducted using the Scopus database with keywords related to Tasar silkworm. A total of 741 relevant articles were identified and analyzed using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and Biblioshiny in R to examine statistical patterns. Over the decades, research focus has transitioned from fundamental silk characterization to biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, biodegradation studies, and antioxidant properties. Publication trends indicate peak research activity between 2007 and 2010, followed by a decline post-2018, likely due to shifting priorities toward commercially dominant silkworm species. Indian institutions have been the primary contributors, reflecting strong domestic expertise, while global collaborations remain limited. Keyword analysis highlights the growing interdisciplinary nature of Tasar silk research, extending into biomaterials and sustainable technology. Future research directions emphasize biotechnological advancements, biomedical applications, eco-friendly processing, climate resilience, and commercialization strategies. Strengthening international collaborations and integrating innovative technologies will be crucial for advancing Tasar silk research in both scientific and industrial domains.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1531683</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2025.1531683</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Mismatched menu: the incompatibility of adult black soldier flies as praying mantis feed]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-03-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Patrick Klüber</author><author>Raissa Gabche</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Praying mantises are known for their striking predatory behavior and are becoming increasingly popular with hobbyists and for scientific research. As generalist predators with a wide range of insect-based diets, it is crucial to identify suitable prey options, especially for restricted environments such as terrariums, which are limited compared to the wild. This study investigates the use of adult black soldier flies (BSF; Hermetia illucens; Linnaeus, 1758) as a sole food source for two mantis species, Chlidonoptera lestoni (Roy & Leston, 1975) and Hierodula patellifera (Serville, 1839), while assessing their suitability and potential challenges associated with their digestion. The BSF is widely recognized for its high nutritional value and ease of rearing, making it an attractive prey candidate for mantises. Although natural capture behavior and high feed acceptance have been observed, adult BSF seem not to be suitable as sole feed for both mantises. Our results suggest that imbalances in macronutrients, particularly the protein/fat ratio, may contribute to high mortality. The use of BSF as a mono-diet could also limit access to a variety of beneficial microorganisms that are essential for maintaining a healthy gut microbiota in mantises, thereby affecting their immunity and well-being in captivity. In addition, the possible presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the BSF could also have affected the mantises’ survival. Future studies should focus on the nutritional adjustment of BSF, as their chemical composition is strongly dependent on the feed they are reared on.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1509942</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1509942</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bayesian Optimization of insect trap distribution for pest monitoring efficiency in agroecosystems]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-01-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Eric Yanchenko</author><author>Thomas M. Chappell</author><author>Anders S. Huseth</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Insect trap networks targeting agricultural pests are commonplace but seldom optimized to improve precision or efficiency. Trap site selection is often driven by user convenience or predetermined trap densities relative to sensitive host crop abundance in the landscape. Monitoring for invasive pests often requires expedient decisions based on dispersal potential and ecology to inform trap placement. Optimization of trap networks using contemporary analytical approaches can help users determine the distribution of traps as information accumulates and priorities change. In this study, a Bayesian optimization (BO) algorithm was used to learn more about the optimal distribution of a fine-scale trap network targeting Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), a significant agricultural pest across North America. Four years of pheromone trap monitoring was conducted at the same 21 locations distributed across ~7,000 square kilometers in a five-county area in North Carolina, USA. Three years of data were used to train a BO model with a fourth year designated for testing. For any quantity of trap locations, the approach identified those that provide the most information, allowing optimization of trapping efficiency given either a constraint on the number of locations, or a set precision required for pest density estimation. Results suggest that BO is a powerful approach to enable optimized trap placement decisions by practitioners given finite resources and time.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1455585</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1455585</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Government and farmer responses to the fall armyworm outbreak in mainland Southeast Asia]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-01-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Eiichi Kusano</author><author>Nipon Poapongsakorn</author><author>Urairat Jantarasiri</author><author>Kamphol Pantakua</author><author>Cuong H. Tran</author><author> Khin Akari Tar</author><author>Thong Kong</author><author>Viengsavanh V. Phimphachanhvongsod</author><author>Youichi Kobori</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionNative to the Americas and highly polyphagous, the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) has garnered attention for causing significant damage, primarily to maize.MethodsThis study synthesizes FAW emergence, government responses, and farmer reactions in mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA), and assesses the feasibility of government-recommended measures in terms of efficacy and cost-efficiency.ResultsFrom late 2018 to the rainy season of 2019, FAW infestations extensively emerged in MSEA maize fields. MSEA governments promptly issued strategies and guidelines through plant protection divisions/departments, which involved international organizations, foreign governments, and private web portals. Alongside the foliar application of emamectin benzoate (EMB), which is the most frequently mentioned method, MSEA governments advocated for integrated pest management (IPM)-oriented approaches. These include application methods of chemical insecticides, use of host plant resistance, biological control, cultural and interference methods, and local measures aimed at reducing chemical usage. Despite comprehensive recommendations, maize farmers primarily rely on EMB foliar treatment for FAW control.DiscussionWe highlight the need for further research and dissemination regarding the widely accepted foliar application of chemical insecticides, specifically in relation to human safety, improvements in application technology, and clear guidelines for large-scale outbreaks. On the other hand, the concentrative foliar application of chemical insecticides raises concerns about resistance evolution. Alternatives to foliar treatment with chemical insecticides, mainly EMB, such as seed treatment with diamides and neonicotinoids, genetically modified maize seeds approved only in Vietnam, and biological control, have demonstrated efficacy. Seed treatment provides cost and labor benefits for early-stage FAW infestation prevention. Validation of natural enemy rearing costs may prove advantageous as preliminary estimates suggest they could be relatively low. Not all strategies recommended by the government or widely discussed are necessarily relevant at farm-level. This study provides the following suggestions for the proposal of more acceptable strategies. 1) Studying the actual responses of governments and farmers with special emphasis on cost efficiency; 2) Making alternatives to EMB foliar application more cost-effective inclusive of the cost of labor; and finally, 3) Verifying the effectiveness of the alternative techniques.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1500542</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1500542</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Pesticidal plant extract effect against major lepidopteran insect pests and their natural enemies in rice Oryza sativa L]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-01-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Atanu Seni</author><author>Rini Pal</author><author>Sanjukta Mohapatra</author><author>Dipankar Mandal</author><author>Sushil Kumar Bansude</author><author>Pinki Seth</author><author>Sarita Barla</author><author>Jubuli Sahu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Extracts of plants have been used to manage various insect pests, but little information is available about how effective they are in reducing crop damage or how they affect crop yield and beneficial insects in rice. Extracts from Azadirachta indica leaves, Lantana camara leaves, Nerium oleander leaves, Aegle marmelos leaves, Allium sativum cloves, and Citrus limon fruits, known to have insecticidal properties, were compared with two checks, viz., Azadirachtin 1% EC and standard insecticide Acephate 95 SG, for their efficacy against yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walk.), and rice leaf folder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) and natural enemies in cultivated rice in Sambalpur, Odisha, India. Untreated rice plants served as control. An adjuvant, Tween 20 at 1%, was added with all the botanical extracts except the commercial formulation. Plant damage, insect population numbers, and yield were monitored during two consecutive wet seasons from 2022 to 2023. Mean rice yield was significantly higher in the A. indica and Acephate 95 SG treatments, i.e., 4.68 t/ha and 4.66 t/ha, respectively, compared to the control (2.27 t/ha) and were significantly at par with each other. The L. camara and A. indica treatments were effective against both the major lepidopteran rice insect pests. The highest cost–benefit ratio of (1:4.65) was obtained from the Acephate treatment and was closely followed by the A. indica treatment (1:3.74). All the studied botanicals had less impact on natural enemies than synthetic chemicals. Among these botanicals, the maximum mean population of predators (like spiders and carabid beetles) and parasitoids (like Tetrastichus schoenobii, Telenomus dignus, and Trichogramma japonicum) were observed in the A. indica and A. marmelos treatments. Although all the studied botanicals were effective against both the major insect pests in rice, the A. indica, A. marmelos, A. sativum, and L. camara treatments showed the most promising against rice insect pests, so they may be incorporated into integrated pest management of rice.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1467221</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1467221</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The 'genetic zipper' method offers a cost-effective solution for aphid control]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-12-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Vol V. Oberemok</author><author>Yelizaveta V. Puzanova</author><author>Nikita V. Gal’chinsky</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Twenty years ago, it was difficult to imagine the use of nucleic acids in plant protection as insecticides, but today it is a reality. New technologies often work inefficiently and are very expensive; however, qualitative changes occur during their development, making them more accessible and work effectively. Invented in 2008, contact oligonucleotide insecticides (olinscides, or DNA insecticides) based on the CUAD (contact unmodified antisense DNA) platform have been substantially improved and rethought. The main paradigm shift was demonstrating that unmodified antisense DNA can act as a contact insecticide. Key breakthroughs included identifying convenient target genes (rRNA genes), mechanism of action (DNA containment), and discovering insect pests (sternorrhynchans) with high susceptibility to olinscides. Today, the CUAD platform possesses impressive characteristics: low carbon footprint, high safety for non-target organisms, rapid biodegradability, and avoidance of target-site resistance. This next-generation class of insecticides creates opportunities for developing products tailored for specific insect pest populations. The ‘genetic zipper’ method, based on CUAD biotechnology, integrates molecular genetics, bioinformatics, and in vitro nucleic acid synthesis. It serves as a simple and flexible tool for DNA-programmable plant protection using unmodified antisense oligonucleotides targeting pest rRNAs. Aphids, key pests of important agricultural crops, can be effectively controlled by oligonucleotide insecticides at an affordable price, ensuring efficient control with minimal environmental risks. In this article, a low-dose concentration (0.1 ng/µL; 20 mg per hectare in 200 L of water) of the 11 nt long oligonucleotide insecticide Schip-11 shows effectiveness against the aphid Schizolachnus pineti, causing mortality rate of 76.06 ± 7.68 on the 12th day (p<0.05). At a consumption rate of 200 L per hectare, the cost of the required oligonucleotide insecticide is about 0.5 USD/ha using liquid-phase DNA synthesis making them competitive in the market and very affordable for lab investigations. We also show that non-canonical base pairing Golinscide: UrRNA is well tolerated in aphids. Thus, non-canonical base-pairing should be considered not to harm non-target organisms and can be easily solved during the design of oligonucleotide insecticides. The ‘genetic zipper’ method, based on CUAD biotechnology, helps quickly create a plethora of efficient oligonucleotide pesticides against aphids and other pests. Already today, according to our estimations, the ‘genetic zipper’ is potentially capable of effectively controlling 10-15% of all insect pests using a simple and flexible algorithm.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1445636</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1445636</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Potential uses of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori L.) in food, feed, and other industries: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-09-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Luis Miguel Rodríguez-Ortiz</author><author>Carlos A. Hincapié</author><author>Gustavo Adolfo Hincapié-Llanos</author><author>Marisol Osorio</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The increasing pressures imposed on ecosystems by the growing needs of the human population are stimulus for research into innovative and unconventional sources of raw materials for different industries. This systematic review was carried out to investigate the available literature on the possible industrial uses of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) pupae, a residue of silk production. The review was conducted using an adapted version of PRISMA. After a screening process, 105 articles were obtained and subjected to a detailed quantitative and qualitative analysis. It was found that in the last decade there has been a significant increase in the number of papers devoted to the study of the potential use of silkworm pupae in different applications, with a significantly higher number in the last three years of the scope of this review, indicating a growing interest in the subject. From the analysis of the information collected, promising uses in human and animal food, such as fish, mammalian, poultry, swine and companion animals, as well as potential uses for the pharmaceutical industry, were identified. The evaluated research identified compounds with antioxidant activity and important contents of unsaturated fatty acids, which are related to beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, diabetes control, reduction of the risk of developing certain types of cancer and inflammatory activity, among other benefits. One of the most relevant findings is that many studies report a significant concentration of α-linolenic acid in silkworm pupae oil, which is attributed with anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-obesity and neuroprotective properties, among others.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1328235</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1328235</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) genotypes and field margin vegetation influence bean aphids and their natural enemies]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-06-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Joseph M. Karimi</author><author>Jane G. Nyaanga</author><author>Richard M.S. Mulwa</author><author>Joshua O. Ogendo</author><author>Philip K. Bett</author><author>Erick K. Cheruiyot</author><author>Sarah E.J. Arnold</author><author>Steven R. Belmain</author><author>Philip C. Stevenson</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) is an important food and livestock feed legume that can also enhance soil fertility. However, its production is limited by insect pests, notably the black bean aphid (Aphis fabae). The present field study was conducted to determine the difference in the contribution of lablab genotypes and natural field margin vegetation (FMV) to the abundance and diversity of natural enemies and the damage, incidence, and abundance of bean aphids. Eighteen lablab genotypes were planted in the presence or absence of FMV in a randomized complete block design experiment replicated four times. Data on aphid abundance, incidence, and severity of damage were collected at four growth stages of the crop. Lablab genotypes significantly influenced aphid incidence, suggesting some level of tolerance to aphid colonization. Findings showed that lablab genotypes were a significant influence on natural enemy species richness with no statistical difference for abundance and natural enemy species diversity. However, the genotypes did not vary significantly in their influence on the number of aphid natural enemies. FMV was associated with low bean aphid damage. Overall, the presence or absence of FMV did not influence the number of natural enemies caught on the crop. This concurs with recent work that shows a similar number of natural enemies with field margin plants but may reflect the reduced number of pest insects. Cropping seasons influenced aphid abundance and damage severity, with the populations developing at the early stages of lablab development and decreasing as the crop advanced. This pattern was similar both in the presence or absence of FMV. The findings of this study highlight the important contribution of crop genotype together with the presence of field margin species in the regulation of aphids and their natural enemies in lablab.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1345139</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1345139</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Farmer perceptions, knowledge, and management of fall armyworm in maize production in Uganda]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-05-17T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Thomas Lapaka Odong</author><author>Isaac Obongo</author><author>Richard Ariong</author><author>Stella E. Adur</author><author>Stella A. Adumo</author><author>Denish Oyaro Onen</author><author>Bob I. Rwotonen</author><author>Michael H. Otim</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), fall armyworm (FAW), a polyphagous Noctuid pest, was first reported in Uganda in 2016. Farmers were trained to identify and manage the pest, but there was a lack of information on farmer knowledge, perceptions and practices deployed to control it. Therefore, we conducted a survey to assess maize farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management of the pest during the invasion. We interviewed 1,289 maize farmers from 10 maize-growing agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Uganda using well-structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using R version 4.2.3. The respondents faced many constraints, including pests, drought, poor soils and labor constraints. Among the pests, FAW was ranked by most (85%) of the respondents as the number one pest problem in maize, and some farmers reported having noticed it way back in 2014. By 2018, more than 90% of the farmers had seen or heard about FAW, and about 80% saw FAW in their fields. The most common FAW symptoms reported by maize farmers were windowing, near tunnel damage, and holes on the cobs. The developmental stages of FAW identified by farmers included eggs (10%), young larvae (78.7%), mature larvae (73.5%) and adult moths (6.7%). Insecticides were the major control tactic, although some farmers used plant extracts, hand-picking, sand, and ash. Farmers sourced information on FAW from various sources, including fellow farmers, radio/TV, extension agents, input dealers, print media, research and NGO extension. There is a need to package clear and uniform information for the farmers and to develop and promote a sustainable solution for FAW management, including harnessing biological control and cultural practices.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1268092</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/finsc.2024.1268092</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Impact of Bt corn expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner insecticidal proteins on the growth and survival of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae in Colombia]]></title>
        <pubdate>2024-02-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jairo Rodriguez-Chalarca</author><author>Sandra J. Valencia</author><author>Alejandra Rivas-Cano</author><author>Francisco Santos-González</author><author>Diana Patricia Romero</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Bioassays were conducted under controlled conditions to determine the response of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) larvae fed with corn materials expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticidal endotoxins: (1) VT Double Pro® (VT2P) expressing Cry1A.105-Cry2Ab2 proteins and (2) VT Triple Pro® (VT3P) expressing Cry1A.105-Cry2Ab2-Cry3Bb1 proteins. The parameters assessed were: (i) mortality rate, and (ii) growth inhibition (GI) with respect to the control. To conduct this study, larvae were collected from commercial non-Bt corn fields, in four agricultural sub-regions in Colombia, between 2018 and 2020. Fifty-two populations were assessed from the field and neonate larvae from each of the populations were used for the bioassays. The study found that mortality rates in the regions for larvae fed with VT2P corn ranged from 95.1 to 100.0%, with a growth inhibition (%GI) higher than 76.0%. Similarly, mortality rate for larvae fed with VT3P corn were between 91.4 and 100.0%, with a %GI above 74.0%. The population collected in Agua Blanca (Espinal, Tolima; Colombia) in 2020, showed the lowest mortality rate of 53.2% and a %GI of 73.5%, with respect to the control. The population that exhibited the lowest %GI was collected in 2018 in Agua Blanca (Espinal, Tolima, Colombia) with a 30.2%, growth inhibition, with respect to the control. In recent years, the use of plant tissue to monitor susceptibility to fall armyworm has proven to be useful in the resistance management program for corn in Colombia determining that the FAW populations are still susceptible to Bt proteins contained in VT2P and VT3P.]]></description>
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