Entomology Research Papers/Topics

Stable Flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L. (Diptera: Muscidae), Improve Offspring Fitness by Avoiding Oviposition Substrates With Competitors or Parasites

Abstract: Oviposition site selection by gravid female insects is an important determinant in species distribution, abundance, and population dynamics. Females may assess the suitability of a potential oviposition substrate by using cues from conspecific or heterospecific individuals already present. Here, we assessed whether the presence of conspecific or heterospecific larvae and parasites influenced oviposition decisions by the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Linneaus). Using dual and mul...

Insights into malaria transmission among Anopheles funestus mosquitoes, Kenya

Abstract: Background: Most malaria vectors belong to species complexes. Sibling species often exhibit divergent behaviors dictating the measures that can be deployed effectively in their control. Despite the importance of the Anopheles funestus complex in malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, sibling species have rarely been identified in the past and their vectoring potential remains understudied. Methods: We analyzed 1149 wild-caught An. funestus (senso lato) specimens from 21 sites ...

Family-Group Names for Earwigs (Dermaptera)

Abstract: Family-group names for all taxa of earwigs (living and extinct) are listed with dates and sources indicated; in total 85 entries are recorded along with a single entry of dubious taxonomic identity (i.e., Ocelliidae, nomen dubium, a name apparently applied to a fossil earwig nymph of uncertain status and identity). This survey revealed two instances in which currently accepted names must be changed owing to priority by an older name: Platylabiinae and Cosmiellinae must be replaced ...

Repellency of Wild Oregano Plant Volatiles, Plectranthus Amboinicus, and Their Essential Oils to the Silverleaf Whitefly, Bemisia Tabaci, on Tomato

Abstract: The Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) whitefly is a major economically damaging pest of many crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Pesticides are widely used to control B. tabaci while the use of aromatic plants is an alternative control method. The aim of this study was to assess the B.tabaci repellent effect of wild oregano, Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, a widespread aromatic plant in the West Indies. We tested three origins of wild oregano, including northern, centr...

Potential roles of selected forage grasses inmanagement of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)through companion cropping

Abstract: Production of maize,Zea maysL. (Poaceae), in sub-Saharan Africa is threatened by a new invasivepest, fall armyworm (FAW),Spodoptera frugiperda(JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). To mitigatethis threat, push–pull companion cropping, a system originally developed for management of lepi-dopteran stemborers, may be used to control FAW. The original system involved trap crops thatfunctioned as a ‘pull’ component to attract moths away from the main crop. How grass species canbe us...

Hymenopteran and dipteran larval parasitoid species of the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in chickpea growing districts of Ethiopia

Abstract: Assessment was conducted to determine the occurrence and estimate parasitism rates of hymenopteran and dipteran parasitoids on Cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in chickpea growing districts of Ethiopia. Larval parasitoids of tachinid species Drino sp., Goniophthalmus halli, Linnaemya cf. longirostris, Pimelimyia sp., and ichneumonid species, Charops sp., were identified from samples of H. armigera in chickpea. Charops sp. was the most common l...

Genetic Diversity of Tamarixia radiata Populations and Their Associated Endosymbiont Wolbachia Species from China

Abstract: Tamarixia radiata is one of the established biocontrol pests against the major Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter that is a causal agent of citrus Huanglong-bing (HLB) disease. Updated information and regional exploration on biocontrol pests are important elements for effective disease management strategies. In this study, the diversity and parasitism rate of T. radiata populations were evaluated. Due to the importance of the host–parasito...

Managing and monitoring genetic isolation and local adaptation of endemic and introduced Cotesia sesamiae for the biological control of the cereal stemborer Busseola fusca in Cameroon

Abstract: The success of biological bontrol (BC) introductions can be enhanced by considering theory and knowledge of biological systems. The gregarious braconid parasitoid Cotesia sesamiae (Cameroon) is one of the best studied biological control agent from the perspective of molecular ecology. Its evolutionary adaptation to the target host involves symbiotic partners. Polydnaviruses are responsible for immune and developmental adaptations whereas Wolbachia bacteria may reinforce this local ...

Amide alkaloids from Piper guineense and its crude extract as protectants against Sitophilus zeamais

Abstract: The edible plant, Piper guineense Schum and Thonn, belongs to the family Piperaceae and possesses insecticidal properties against stored product insects, but information on isolation and use of its amide alkaloids for the control of insect pests is scanty. Therefore, amide alkaloids from P. guineense fruits as well as its crude extract were investigated as protectant against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulschy (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a cosmopolitan insect pest. Chemical analysis o...

Compatibility and efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae and sex pheromone for controlling Thaumatotibia leucotreta

Abstract: A sound IPM management for false codling moth (FCM), Thaumatotibia leucotreta, a devastating pest threatening horticultural production in Africa, is urgently needed. The compatibility of the dry conidia of virulent fungal isolate, Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 69 with FCM sex pheromone (Crytrack®) in the autoinoculation was assessed. The effect of the pheromone on the conidial germination was monitored for 4 weeks under field conditions. The multilocation trial was implemented in M...

Pollinator supplementation mitigates pollination deficits in smallholder avocado (Persea americana Mill.) production systems in Kenya

Abstract: Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a major horticultural crop that relies on insect mediated pollination. In avocado produc-tion, a knowledge gap exists as to the importance of insect pollination, especially in East African smallholder farms. In thisstudy, conducted in a leading smallholder avocado production region in Kenya, we assessed the dependence of avocado fruitset on insect pollination and whether current smallholder production systems suffer from a deficit in pollination ...

Insights into the origin of the invasive populations of Trioza erytreae in Europe using microsatellite markers and mtDNA barcoding approaches

Abstract: The African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae is one of the major threats to citrus industry as the vector of the incurable disease known as huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening. The psyllid invaded the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula 6 years ago. The invasion alarmed citrus growers in the Mediterranean basin, the largest citrus producing area in Europe, which is still free of HLB. Before our study, no research had been carried out on the genetic diversity of T. erytreae populati...

Impact of net houses on the natural regulation of the populations of Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), two major tomato pests in

Abstract: The abandonment of insecticide treatments to achieve sustainable crop production calls for a combination of methods to obtain satisfactory pest control. To this end, net houses and biological control are two promising methods, though we suspected that most natural enemies are blocked outside the net houses. In Kenya, tomato crops are particularly threatened by Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood 1856) and Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) that are targets of most insecticide treatments...

Estimating the Demographic Parameters of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Using Temperature-Dependent Development Models and Their Validation under Fluctuating Temperature

Abstract: The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is an invasive pest that devastates the production of tomatoes and other solanaceous vegetables. Since its transAtlantic invasion in 2006, T. absoluta has spread and established in many countries across the AfroEurasian Supercontinent, causing huge yield losses. This study aimed to determine the relationship between temperature and the life history traits of T. absoluta and provide the thermal thresholds for d...

Measuring and modelling crop yield losses due to invasive insect pests under climate change

Abstract: Climate change and agriculture are strongly correlated, and the fast pace of climate change will have impacts on agroecosystems and crop productivity. This review summarizes potential impacts of rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations on insect pest-crop interactions and provides two-way approaches for integrating these impacts into crop models for sustainable pest management strategies designing. Rising temperatures and CO2 levels affect insect physiology, accelerat...


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