This study aims to construct essential information on the pests attacking Cnidium officinale Makino, which is one of the most important medicinal plants in Korea and neighboring countries. Based on the current survey, a total of 12 species were identified, including three above-ground pests attacking flowers, leaves, and stems, as well as ten soil pests attacking roots. In the vertical distribution of damaged roots, the dominant species is bulb mite (Rhizoglyphus robini) followed by onion maggot (Delia antiqua). Based on this study and the previous literature, the total number of species of pests reported to attack C. officinale is 36, including 3 on flowers, 16 on leaves, 6 on stems, and 11 on roots. We also investigated and compiled a list of natural enemies based on all available information and the current study, totaling 14 species. Parasitus sp., Macrocheles glaber, and Smicroplectrus sp. were identified as candidate natural enemies of root pests.

Certain entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria bassiana, are highly pathogenic to arthropod pests and are able to colonize plant tissues, thereby enhancing both plant growth and disease resistance. This study assessed three B. bassiana strains (CBM1, CBM2, and CBM3) for their pathogenicity toward insect larvae and colonization potential in wheat. The insecticidal activity of the fungi against the larvae of the major lepidopteran pests Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera frugiperda, Mythimna separata, and Plutella xylostella was determined. The fungi were then applied to wheat plants using seed immersion and soil drench methods; their colonization rates were compared, and the impacts of fungal colonization on wheat growth and survival were evaluated. The results demonstrated that all three strains were effective in reducing insect damage, with B. bassiana CBM1 exhibiting the highest pathogenicity followed by CBM3 and CBM2. B. bassiana CBM1 was particularly effective, with a significantly higher colonization rate achieved through soil drenching compared to seed immersion. The soil inoculation of B. bassiana resulted in increased plant height at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and root length at 15 DAS compared to the control group. B. bassiana CBM1-colonized wheat increased the mortality of fall armyworm. This research has enriched the biological control microbial resource pool and highlights the potential of B. bassiana in integrated pest management strategies.

Background and aims Locally produced bio-inoculant consortium and plant bioactive extract were studied as sustainable management options to boost maize production. Methods The field study was conducted from 13th April to 15th July 2021 and repeated on another field site from 5th May to 4th August 2023 to avoid residual effects while validating reliability of the treatments. Experiments were set up as randomized complete block design with 5 treatments including a Control (No input), Chemical (NPK fertilizer + synthetic insecticide), Organic (Poultry manure + Piper guineense), and locally produced or commercial bio-inoculant of plant growth-promoting bacteria, with 4 replicates. Results Local inoculum significantly (P < 0.05) increased maize grain yield than untreated control. Microbial and organic amendments produced comparable maize grain yield to chemical input, which were significantly higher than the untreated control (P < 0.05). The local inoculum reduced fall armyworm (FAW) infestation of maize cobs by 18% and 31% in 2021 and 2023, respectively, compared to untreated control (P < 0.05). Stem borer infestation also reduced significantly (P < 0.05) across treatments for both years, with the lowest in local inoculum (6%), followed by commercial inoculum (31%), organic (52%), chemical (42%), and control (100%) in 2021, with a similar trend observed in 2023. In 2021, amounts of plant available phosphorus and exchangeable potassium were 71 mg kg(-1) and 1010 mg kg(-1) soil, respectively, in the locally produced bio-inoculant consortium, which were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than 30 mg kg(-1) and 374 mg kg(-1) in the control, respectively, and a similar trend was observed in 2023.

This study delves into the potential insecticidal properties of Nelumbo nucifera (Lotus) against the cutworm Spodoptera litura L., a significant agricultural pest. Analysis of the chemical profile of N. nucifera revealed that the peak area was highest for 6a-. beta. -Aporphine, 1,2-dimethoxy- (33.79%), followed by n-Hexadecanoic acid (21.14%). Notably, larval mortality was most pronounced at the peak dosage of N. nucifera (2.5 mg/L) on the second (96%), third (87%), and fourth (85%) instars. Additionally, sub-lethal dosages of N. nucifera (1.5 milligrams per liter) significantly hindered the growth of S. litura by extending the larval and pupal durations while also reducing fecundity and Oviposition rates in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, exposure to sub-lethal dosages of N. nucifera led to both inhibition and upregulation of major enzymes (esterases, CYP450 and GST). Severe damage as well as dysregulation of midgut tissues were observed in fourth instars of S. litura exposed to N. nucifera (2.5 milligrams per liter). Moreover, our results indicate that N. nucifera extracts pose no harm to soil earthworms and beneficial honey bees, as confirmed through in vitro assays and in silico predictions, respectively. Overall, these findings offer promising prospects for the development of new bio-based agents for targeting and managing the lepidopteran pest S. litura.

Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)) (FAW) impacts maize (Zea mays L.) production. No maize genotype is completely resistant to FAW. This experiment was conducted in Calabar, Cross River State, with twenty maize genotypes using a randomized complete block design with three replications. These maize genotypes varied in responses to FAW scores, plant height, leaf count, plant standability and performance, days to 50% anthesis and silking, anthesis-silking interval, fresh and de-husked cob weight and length, husk proportion, ear rating, grains per cob, 100-seed weight, and grain yield. FAW score perfectly correlated with plant and ear ratings. Grain yield is strongly associated with cobs per plant and grains per cob. The study of this genetic variability showed that while seedling emergence, days to 50% anthesis, and 50% silking showed moderate genetic gain, all other traits showed high genetic gain. This suggests that under FAW pressure, it might be possible to choose maize genotypes that have these traits. FAW score, plant standability and performance, and ear rating were all found to be in the same cluster in the principal component and genotype-by-traits biplot analyses. This proved that they were useful for the identification of maize genotypes that are tolerant to FAW pressure. In one cluster were cobs per plant, husk covering, cob length, and grains per cob with grain yield. This further confirmed the importance of these traits in selecting maize genotypes with high yield potential under FAW pressure. Despite FAW pressure, maize genotypes AS2001-20, AS2001-24, M1628-8, AS2106-63, and FAW 2212 demonstrated high grain yields considerable for inclusion in further FAW-related studies.

It is assumed that climate change (global warming) worsens the living conditions for conifers and at the same time favours the cultivation of deciduous trees, including oaks. In fact, in Poland, for example, many more oaks are now being planted as forest-forming tree species than in the 1980s and 1990s. However, the monitoring of the health status of European forests (according to the International Co-operation Project) does not confirm these optimistic assumptions, and oak has been cited as one of the most damaged tree species in terms of defoliation in recent decades. The prospects for oak cultivation in European forestry are therefore a combination of abiotic conditions and biotic damage factors. This review article focuses in particular on the new threats posed by pathogenic organisms causing emerging diseases. These include newly identified bacteria responsible for the so-called Acute Oak Decline (AOD), oomycetes (especially those specialised in damaging fine roots, such as Phytophthora quercina T.Jung) and semi-parasites of the genus Loranthus. At the same time, the pressure from commonly observed insects and fungi described in connection with the complex syndrome of oak decline, which is divided into predisposing, inciting, and contributing factors (according to Manion's disease spiral), has not abated. Therefore, international, interdisciplinary research (such as that proposed in Oakland) is needed, using modern technologies (RS remote sensing) based on the comparison of satellite images (from different years), not only to inventory the most valuable oak stands in Europe (microrefugia) but also to identify trends in changes in their condition and biodiversity. As RS has its limitations (e.g., resolution), aerial monitoring should be complemented by quantitative and qualitative inventory from the ground, e.g., monitoring of the presence of soil microorganisms using effective molecular biological methods (e.g., Next-Generation Sequencing NGS).

Forage cover crops have the potential to improve soil quality and orchard productivity, but their effects on wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) plants are still unclear. In this study, we conducted field and greenhouse experiments between 2019 and 2021, with 10 forage species as cover crops. We observed the growth, yield, fruit quality, and photosynthetic characteristics of wolfberry plants, as well as the occurrence of plant diseases and pests. Based on averaged data for all forage species, cover cropping facilitated plant growth, maintained fruit yield, and promoted leaf photosynthesis in wolfberry compared to monocropping. This was exemplified by a notable increase in the branch number of wolfberry plants under ryegrass treatment, with marginal increase in branch length under evergreen grass (lvyuan 5) and mangold treatments. Cover cropping additionally improved wolfberry quality through increasing carotenoid, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid contents by 21%, 53%, and 127%, respectively (P < 0.05). The presence of mangold, alfalfa, sweet sorghum, ryegrass, and feather grass reduced powdery mildew-induced leaf damage in wolfberry plants by 69% (P < 0.05). When alfalfa, feather grass, and ryegrass were used, the risk of aphid infestation was lowered by 67% (P < 0.05). Collectively, the results indicated that mangold, ryegrass, and alfalfa were the optimal cover crops for sustainable wolfberry production in the study area. The use of appropriate forage cover crops enhanced plant growth and fruit quality of wolfberry by stimulating photosynthetic capacity and biotic stress resistance.

Silicon, a quasi-essential nutrient element, is well known for imparting tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses in crops. The experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of orthosilicic acid (a silicon source) with two methods of application viz., soil drenching and foliar application against phloem feeders under field conditions for two seasons on two different black gram cultivars. Among the cultivars, Vikral responded better to orthosilicic acid than Pratap Urd 1 regarding the reduction of the population of phloem feeders and enhancement of defense enzyme activity, silicon uptake, total sugars, and total phenols and yield in both the seasons. Among the application methods, soil drenching (2 mLL(-1)) proved to be the superior method of administration to record a significantly low population of phloem feeders, increased activity of defense enzymes, total sugars, and total phenols content, improved activity of coccinellids and yield in both seasons. However, it holds good with the foliar application (2 mLL(-1)) method. Both the application methods were significantly superior to insecticidal check and untreated control treatments. Deposition of silicon was highest in the leaves of black gram (1.541%) when orthosilicic acid was administered through soil than foliar (1.451%) and untreated control (0.891% endogenously available silicon). The highest benefit: cost ratio recorded in soil drenching of orthosilicic acid @ 2 mLL(-1) (1.88 and 1.93) surpassed the B: C ratio of recommended insecticidal check (1.65 and 1.72) during winter and summer seasons, respectively. Both the application methods of orthosilicic acid proved significantly superior over insecticidal check with respect to the management of phloem feeders in black gram including enhanced grain yield, coccinellids activity, and induced biochemical defense as well as the lowest cost of cultivation, which can be easily incorporated with other practices for eco-friendly, sustainable management of phloem feeders in black gram.

Environmental changes affecting museums and historic properties will probably result in increased numbers of insect pests or new species. Databases such as WhatsEatingYourCollection (WEYC) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility have been used along with academic publications to predict such changes in the research presented here. The species mix in the WEYC database seems consistent across major London historic properties. Overall, common silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum) are often reported, although in future there may be an increase in other species such as Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and Ctenolepisma calvum given their increased frequency. Dermestidae (carpet and furniture beetles) may benefit from wood with increasing moisture content, and although not especially abundant, Attagenus smirnovi (brown carpet beetle) and Reesa vespulae (skin beetle) may increase as they have done on the European continent. Tineola bisselliella, a damaging moth, has invoked increasing concern over the last two decades and Cryptophagus spp. (fungus beetles) could mobilise fungal spores under a future climate more favourable to germination. Lyctus brunneus (powderpost beetle) may find future conditions favourable and attack sapwoods used in repairs. Furthermore, Reticulitermes flavipes (subterranean termite) is potentially an accidental import to the UK and may become more common given current temperatures are suitable for survival in well-drained loamy soils, and future climates would allow a presence in the north of England. Warmer conditions can lead to the presence of new species or a migration of species across the British Isles and their spread can also be encouraged through the loan of objects or on packing materials. Factors other than climate, such as changing indoor habitats, new food sources and novel uses of heritage venues can also encourage expanding insect populations. This article summarises these predicted changes in species distribution and outlines their potential threat to heritage.

The aim of this study was to investigate the species composition of insects inhabiting the fruit- ing bodies of Burgundy truffle Tuber aestivum in Polish forests. Field work was carried out in 2016-2017 at four natural truffle sites in southern Poland. The fruiting bodies were searched with the help of a trained truffle dog or collected randomly. Adult insects were captured direct- ly from the fruiting bodies using an exhaustor. Fruit bodies that were possibly inhabited by insect larvae were collected, brought to the laboratory and placed in special containers to devel- op them. Insects were reared in a biological chamber with constant parameters. Adult insects collected from the field and reared in the laboratory were identified using morphological meth- ods. During the study, 584 Burgundy truffle sporocarps were found and examined (364 in 2016 and 220 in 2017). In 2016, 90 truffles were infested by insects (about 24.7%), while in 2017, 93 fruiting bodies were damaged, representing 42.2% of the harvest. A total of 330 insect speci- mens belonging to 21 species were identified. Some of them can cause significant losses in truf- fle plantations. Others can be considered as indicators of the presence of truffles in the forest environment. During the study, 236 specimens of Diptera were obtained from breeding, and a total of 86 imagines of Coleoptera and 8 imagines of Hymenoptera were collected directly from the fruiting bodies. Ant larvae were also observed in the truffles but were not collected for breeding. The assemblage of insects inhabiting truffles was identified, with two visibly dominant species: Cheilosia soror fly from the Syrphidae family and truffle beetle Colenis immunda from Leiodidae family. Among other common insect species, the flies Suillia affinis and Suillia pallida and the beetles Leiodes cinnamomea and Leiodes oblonga were observed. For the first time, a case of colonization of truffle fruiting bodies by ants Myrmica rubra has been described. The pio- neering research carried out in Polish forests has helped to significantly increase knowledge about truffle-inhabiting insects, their occurrence and biology, which is necessary to reduce the damage they cause to truffle production.