Journal of Economic Entomology

In eastern Canada, the seedcorn maggot complex (SMC) includes three agriculturally important taxa: Delia platura biotypes H and N, and D. florilega. Because their larvae are morphologically indistinguishable, field-collected individuals are often grouped together despite differences in phenology and life history. Using larval collections from broccoli, green onion, and dry onion fields in Southern Quebec (2017-2022), we identified specimens via HRM analysis and characterized taxon-specific phenology and abundance using Bayesian hierarchical generalized additive models. In Allium crops, D. platura biotype N dominated early-season infestations (May), followed by a shift in early June towards increased abundance of biotype H and D. florilega. In broccoli, all SMC members appeared later, with overlapping abundance peaks in June. These results reveal strong crop-dependent phenological differences and underscore the need to treat SMC members as distinct biological entities in pest management. The implications for optimizing an emerging sterile insect technique (SIT) program for D. platura in Quebec are significant: field releases of sterile males should target early-season biotype N in Allium crops, followed by releases of both biotypes later in the season in broccoli to maximize control efficacy.

Plant-gall wasp systems provide unique models for studying multitrophic interactions and unique developmental trajectories, yet standardized laboratory protocols for maintaining wild rose hosts (Rosa spp.) and sustaining gall inducers (Diplolepis spp.) are lacking. We developed and tested a method for growing and maintaining translocated individuals of Rosa canina, R. rubiginosa, R. spinosissima, R. gallica, R. tomentosa, and R. pendulina under laboratory conditions over three consecutive years (2023-2026). The goal was to have a constant supply of plant host material for reliably producing galls of D. rosae and D. mayri for experimental use. The protocol integrates soil and substrate composition, photoperiod and humidity regimes, pruning, dormancy management, and controlled exposure to gall-inducing wasps. More than 75% of rose individuals survived the full 3-year period, with consistent annual gall induction across some of the species. This work represents the first reproducible laboratory method for long-term maintenance of wild rose hosts and controlled gall induction by Diplolepis species, while also providing a transferable framework for maintaining perennial woody hosts and experimentally manipulating specialized plant-insect interactions under laboratory conditions, thereby providing a platform for ecological, physiological, and evolutionary studies on these interactions.

BACKGROUNDThe soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a pest of soybean in North America that can cause significant yield loss when outbreaks are not managed. Current management tactics primarily rely on inexpensive pyrethroids, but the sustainability of this option is threatened by insecticide-resistance in A. glycines populations across the Upper-Midwest United States. Field-evolved resistance is associated with mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel subunit h1 (vgsc-h1) gene. RESULTSFour double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules, each matching the sequence of a vgsc-h1 transcript variant ("Specific dsRNAs"), were topically applied to aphids with a genotype carrying the corresponding allele. The mortality of pyrethroid resistant aphids exposed to a Specific dsRNA increased in a dose-dependent manner when applied alone or with a constant concentration of lambda-cyhalothrin, plateauing at 1000 ng ul-1. Synergism was detected between two of four combinations of the Specific dsRNAs and lambda-cyhalothrin. These results were mirrored by the topical application of a single dsRNA with the consensus sequence of all vgsc-h1 variants ("Combined dsRNA"). Mortality was consistently higher in aphids treated with either Specific dsRNA or the Combined dsRNA, alone or with lambda-cyhalothrin, compared to insecticide alone. The number of nymphs produced per female treated with the Specific or Combined dsRNA alone decreased significantly compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSIONThis study demonstrates that the topical application of dsRNAs targeting vgsc-h1 increases the susceptibility and reduces the reproductive capacity of pyrethroid resistant soybean aphids, potentially providing a novel tool for the management of insecticide-resistant aphid populations.

Conophthorus coniperda (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; Schwarz), known as the white pine cone beetle, is a pest in white pine seed orchards. The insect was primarily studied in the United States of America during the late 1960s to 1992. No contemporary studies have been performed since, despite the devastating damage the beetle causes to white pine seed orchards, and the seeds they produce for reforestation purposes. To help future research on potential biological control, this work revisits the ontogeny of the white pine cone beetle. The biology of the insect was studied over two years in 2022 and 2023 in a seed orchard (Quebec, Canada). Observations were complemented with data collected from the same orchard and other sites in 2009 and in 2012. Except in 2022, the emergence of the insect occurred around 53.6 {+/-} 1.98 {degrees}C.d above a threshold of 6.5 {degrees}C. A shorter developmental cycle was observed compared with the ones described in 1965 and 1976. The relationship between cone size and the number of insects per cone was statistically significant but explained only a small proportion of the variance and showed high variability. These results will help improve survey timing and sampling strategies for this species.

O_LIOver the past decade, leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) have gained increasing attention as pests and vectors of phytoplasma diseases in Quebec. C_LIO_LIDrawing on historical and modern reports spanning 1868 to 2025, we investigate whether leafhopper pest status has been changing in the province, focusing on two leafhopper groups: those that overwinter in Quebec (local species) and those that do not (migratory species). C_LIO_LILocal species have been reported as pests since at least 1886 and have been considered of secondary significance. Migratory species, first mentioned in 1908, have been listed more frequently as economically important. C_LIO_LIEmpoasca fabae and Macrosteles quadrilineatus were associated with 10 crops, accounting for 11-88% of adult specimens in reported crop assemblages. On the other hand, local species, such as Erythroneura ssp. and Zonocyba (= Typhlocyba) pomaria, were reported mainly on grapevines and apples, respectively. C_LIO_LIWe found that the first field reports of leafhoppers from 1997 to 2025 are advancing in crops where migratory species are most frequently reported (e.g., potato and strawberry), whereas in crops where local species appear to predominate, no significant association was found (e.g., apple and grapevine). C_LIO_LIOur findings indicate that recent changes in leafhopper pest status in Quebec are likely due to migratory species, a group that has historically been a significant component of the leafhopper assemblage on agricultural crops. In Quebec agriculture, what was once loin des yeux, loin du cur (out of sight, out of mind) appears to be shifting toward pres des yeux, pres du cur (now visible and therefore important). C_LI GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT AND HIGHLIGHTS O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=185 HEIGHT=200 SRC="FIGDIR/small/727661v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (31K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c58d5forg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@c45e02org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1f801ceorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13eb7e3_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG O_LIThe pest status of leafhoppers has changed in Quebec over recent decades, but whether local or migratory species are driving this shift remains unknown. C_LIO_LILocal species have been recognized as pests since at least 1886, and migratory species since 1908. However, migratory species were more frequently reported in historical documents. C_LIO_LIMigratory species (Empoasca fabae and Macrosteles quadrilineatus) appear to be driving the recent status change, as evidenced by earlier first reports and presence across multiple crops. C_LI

Gastropods are a highly diverse and often overlooked taxonomic group of significant ecological and economic importance. Some terrestrial gastropods are critical pests of commercial agriculture and home gardens worldwide. Malacopathogenic nematodes offer an effective biological control method of managing pest slugs and snails as a natural enemy. Pellioditis (syn. Phasmarhabditis) hermaphrodita and Pellioditis (syn. Phasmarhabditis) californica are two species of biocontrol nematodes that have been commercialized, sold as Nemaslug(R) and Nemaslug(R) 2.0 respectively on three continents. Although there is interest in bringing Nemaslug(R) products to the US, they are currently not permitted due to limited knowledge on their North American distribution and effects on non-target and native species. In this study, we investigated the impact of P. hermaphrodita and P. californica on Ariolimax columbianus across two slug-host life stages, in laboratory infectivity assays. The objectives were to 1. determine whether P. hermaphrodita and P. californica nematodes impact survival of A. columbianus, and 2. evaluate whether there are differential effects on survival in juvenile and adult life stages of A. columbianus, in laboratory infectivity trials. We found that P. hermaphrodita caused significant mortality in A. columbianus with 100% mortality observed in both juvenile and adult slug hosts. The P. californica treatment had significant effects on the juvenile A. columbianus group only, with 80% mortality. By contrast, only 16% of unexposed control juveniles and 4% of control adult slugs died during the experiment. These results indicate that P. hermaphrodita and P. californica are lethal to the native, non-target Pacific banana slug (A. columbianus) under laboratory conditions, with mortality differing between juvenile and adult host life stages. Given the ecological importance of A. columbianus, these findings raise concerns for potential non-target effects of P. californica and P. hermaphrodita on terrestrial gastropod communities and emphasize the need for testing biocontrol agents against multiple life stages.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are a diverse, polyphyletic group of plant pathogens which can infect most plant tissues and all major crops. Amongst the most damaging clades are the cyst nematodes, which can remain dormant in the soil for decades as infection-competent, developmentally arrested, second-stage juveniles in eggs. Hatching is stimulated by a variety of factors. However, the impact of hatching factor responsiveness on nematode morphology, physiology, gene expression, and infection biology has not been explored. We examined the impact of hatching time on the beet cyst nematode, Heterodera schachtii. We found that late hatchers invaded host roots and established feeding sites in greater numbers than early hatchers. We demonstrate variation in baseline parasitism gene expression and in responsiveness of genes to effectostimulins, small, plant-derived molecules which upregulate parasitism genes. Three quarters of effectostimulin-induced transcriptional changes were also modulated, either positively or negatively, by hatching time. While there were no observable morphological differences between early and late hatching nematodes on the day of their emergence from the egg, the late hatchers displayed signs of faster utilisation of internal energy reserves after 7 days at 4{degrees}C, as evidenced by less body area attributed to fat, than early hatchers. Finally, we found no evidence of substantive genetic differences between early and late hatchers, they were representative of a single population, despite the observed differences in infection, gene expression, and physiology. Taken together, non-genetic differences likely drive late hatchers to more rapidly utilise their internal energy reserves, to be more responsive to host-derived signals, and to be ultimately more infective than their early hatching counterparts.

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky), the granulate ambrosia beetle, was one of the first highly-destructive ambrosia beetles introduced into the southern U.S in the 1970s where it was found in South Carolina (Kovach 1986). The Redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus Eichhoff, was first detected in the U.S. in South Georgia in 2002. This beetle and its associated fungi, the laurel wilt fungus Raffaelea laurelensis and others have caused substantial destruction to native redbay (Persea borbonia) in GA, SC, FL and elsewhere. This beetle-pathogen complex also poses a threat to commercial avocado production in the U.S., Central and South America as well as to valuable other Persea spp. and related plants (Laureacea) that are known hosts. As an addition here, 10 years of the spring appearances (Fig.1) of X. crassiusculus in North Florida is offered for future comparisons. A second unusual appearance is the finding and working with UV mulch and ethanol, as a surprising attraction of X. crassiusculus and other ambrosia beetles including X. glabratus. It was also found that the ambrosia beetles do not respond to yellow and green as expected by most. Also, adding burlap was found to be attractive (increases dead and dying appearing trees) as is silver metallic like UV mulch, while camouflage (camo) was found to work like yellow and green. These occurrences led to the invention and development of UV mulch with new traps to better monitor ambrosia beetles. New traps led to new uses for yellow, green and camo to monitor and decrease damage and losses from ambrosia beetles. The data are presented as evaluated and appear in the figures, discussion and a supplemental section. O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=139 SRC="FIGDIR/small/733798v1_fig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (30K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1006101org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e0a3d6org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1244d1borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@423cb7_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG O_FLOATNOFigure 1:C_FLOATNO Relative timing of annual emergence of Xylosandrus crassiusculus in north Florida. Collected over 10 years using 5 Baker traps with a 10% ethanol/water solution. Data are from years as marked. Note: data from year 2003 was not collected. C_FIG

Objectives identified as critical for effective management of brown marmorated stink bugs, Halyomorpha halys Stal (BMSB), were addressed in the overwintering life stage. Research was conducted on a 675-acre farm in western Maryland, U.S.A. Developing and testing were done during September - October of each of the years 2013 - 2020. Traps and related materials were developed. Four invented traps plus the development and use of "weed beater" polyethylene plastic in combination with the other traps were used as attractions to BMSB during the overwintering testing periods. Overwintering BMSB showed very little interest other than to find a place to hide that was dry, dark, easy to get into and safe over the winter months (Nielson et al. 2016). Placement of traps show effect of cardinal directions due to heat and light were north = east > west = south of numbers of BMSB. These data were affected by the vegetation, type of buildings such as silos, cabins, houses, etc., around BMSB prior to the en masse flight. Silos were used as attractants from long range during the en masse flight. Five trap types were invented and tested for use against overwintering BMSB found various places such as buildings of any type, pathways in the woods and other habitats present. Trap #1 was made of plastic out of special plant pots, turned upside down with a plastic lid and entry holes top and bottom that allowed the BMSB to reach the hexcel inside and stay there. Trap #2 was made of white, rectangular coroplast and pressed into 0.5 x 0.5 x 7.32 m (5" x 5" x 24") box also holding hexcel. Traps #1 and #2 are useful for attachment to most anything with BMSB such as the eaves in houses, other buildings, vegetation, crevasses, etc. They can be placed as horizontal or vertical with other ways that enhance efficacy. Both #1 and #2 are cheap and easy to make and use. Trap #3 is made of a cardboard tube, as a fake or "faux" tree (dead and/or dying) in vegetation 20 cm (6-8") diameter and 1.22 m (3 or 4) long. The tubes are placed on tomato stakes, have hexcel and holes made as do the others and are placed vertically in the ground. The tubes are covered with small widths of white, black and or burlap around them. Lids of plastic are on top and the trap appears as a dead and/or dying tree. The fourth trap is a "mechanism" or resembling some kind of "Haven" if you will, made of "weed beater" plastic materials 1.98 m (66") wide in brown or black. The materials are placed on trees by wrapping them around 3-4 trees near 4.6 m (10-15 long). Traps 1 and 2 can then be placed on the outside of the plastic walls and the #3 fake trees can be added around the outside areas. Around 60,000 BMSB were collected and counted in these experiments by the author, and several different factors were raised and addressed to better understand the BMSB behavior during the overwintering stage. The results provide several new tools as well as understanding of approaches to address BMSB management better.

Introduced to Hawaii in 2016, Lema equestris has become a garden pest commonly reported on Solanum americanum, which is grown as a native and cultural plant in Hawaii and supports native vertebrates elsewhere across Oceania. Originally identified as L. solani, the species was later found to have been misidentified. Here, molecular and morphological evidence is used to discriminate Hawaiian specimens from L. solani and support the updated identification of L. equestris. As a new invasive species, it is important to confirm host associations and determine whether it will prey on important species, such as endemic or endangered plants, in its new range or any potential range to which it could spread. To this end, feeding assays were performed with adults, first-instar larvae, and newly hatched naive larvae on 11 potential hosts, comprising mostly Solanum species: Solanum americanum, potato, tomato, tomatillo, poha (gooseberry), chili pepper, eggplant, tobacco, tree tobacco, cabbage, and Brazilian nightshade. While feeding was attempted on cabbage, poha berry, and Brazilian nightshade, no host besides S. americanum supported survival. Rearing was used to further characterize the biology and life history of L. equestris, including instar length and distinctive morphological traits for identifying each life stage. While many basic biological traits are confirmed here, much remains to be studied to better understand this species and why it has begun to spread.

A parasitic mite of honey bee brood (Tropilaelaps mercedesae), is spreading through populations of Apis mellifera honey bees in new regions and poses a major threat to honey bee health. Despite its clear threat, the biology of this mite is poorly understood, with gaps on such fundamental issues as how fast its populations can grow. This leaves the beekeeping world underprepared to plan for its arrival and management. In this study, we documented the growth of T. mercedesae populations in untreated A. mellifera colonies in Thailand and South Korea, and did the same for another parasitic mite (Varroa destructor) when possible. We found that the population growth of T. mercedesae was variable but could reach high levels (daily r of 0.010, 0.036, and 0.057), while the population growth of V. destructor (r = 0.021) matched previous estimates. Our results indicate that T. mercedesae populations can grow rapidly but they do not always attain this potential. Based on our results, humidity should be studied as a potential driver of population growth. If future work can reveal key drivers of T. mercedesae population growth, this would help predict infestations and help design management strategies that exploit the pest's biological vulnerabilities.

O_LIEffective pest control requires a better understanding of natural enemy ecology, particularly how their distribution responds to landscape structure and local management. Agricultural intensification has simplified landscapes, reducing biodiversity and constraining pest control. Landscape-scale surveys are therefore needed to identify strategies that support natural enemies in agricultural systems. C_LIO_LIFrom 2021 to 2022, over three seasons, we surveyed 25 clementine orchards across a gradient of landscape complexity in Corsica. We modelled the tree-level occurrence of four natural enemy species in relation to ecological context across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Site-level evenness, reflecting differences in species occurrence frequencies, was also estimated to assess how natural enemy assemblages vary across local management and landscape gradients. C_LIO_LIClimate and local management were the primary drivers of species occurrence, with additional contributions from landscape factors. Species displayed distinct responses, while model performance increased with the number of sampled trees, plateauing at around half of the sampling effort. C_LIO_LISite-level evenness was higher in organic orchards than in conventional orchards. In conventional orchards, it responded to landscape structure in a scale-dependent manner, increasing at the larger scale with the heterogeneity and spatial continuity of semi-natural habitats. C_LIO_LISynthesis and applications. Organic farming enhances natural enemy presence and diversity in Corsican citrus orchards, while the naturalness and complexity of surrounding landscape can mitigate species scarcity in conventional orchards. We recommend continued long-term monitoring of arthropod communities in these systems, prioritizing the number of sampling sites and years while reducing the number of trees sampled per site to optimize effort. C_LI

Artificial light at night (ALAN) can alter the movement of nocturnal pollinators such as moths, with potential consequences for pollination services. However, most studies have focused on the presence or properties of lights, while the role of spatial lighting configuration remains poorly understood. We conducted a small-scale field experiment to test how different lighting configurations affect pollination success in moth-pollinated plants, using low-intensity LED garden lights. Potted phytometer plants of three moth-pollinated species were exposed to one of three treatments: no-light control, isolated LED point lights, or 25 m linear arrays of multiple LED lights. We quantified pollination success as both the probability of seed set and reproductive output through seed and capsule production. Experimental lighting affected plant reproductive success, with light arrays increasing seed-set probability, seed and seed capsule number relative to unlit controls, whereas point lights showed no clear effect. These results provide preliminary evidence that the spatial configuration of artificial lights may influence nocturnal pollination outcomes. Future work combining phytometer assays with direct tracking of moth movement is needed to assess whether light arrays facilitate or redirect the dispersal of nocturnal pollinators.

O_LIEmpoasca fabae is a migratory pest that overwinters in the Southeastern United States (US) and damages crops throughout its summer range in North America. Its spring arrival has advanced by 9.7 days between 1951 and 2012, and increased damage is linked to warmer conditions that accelerate host and pest development. Yet whether this advance is also associated with a northward expansion of its winter survival area remains an open question. C_LIO_LIHere, we analyzed 126 years of minimum temperature data across the contiguous US to address this question. Using its winter survival threshold (-9{degrees}C), we calculated the annual winter survival area for E. fabae (temperature-only) and tested for time-series trends. We also mapped the potential overwintering area (temperature + winter hosts) under evergreen and pine-only forest scenarios. C_LIO_LIThe estimated winter survival area varies over 126 years, showing a nonlinear pattern. However, we found no significant trend, change-point year, or rate of change. This lack of significance was also observed when considering the 1951-2012 period. C_LIO_LIThe Southeastern US remained consistently suitable for winter survival, while the northern edge varied latitudinally, especially within the range of 35{degrees}-40{degrees}N, with no clear trend. C_LIO_LIPotential overwintering areas extend into Central Florida and the Texas Gulf Coastal Plain but exclude parts of Tennessee. In the pine-only scenario, the area in Mississippi and Alabama would be smaller. C_LIO_LIThe winter survival area for E. fabae has not continually expanded. The Southeastern US area remains suitable for over 126 years, whereas the northern range varies dynamically. C_LI GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT AND HIGHLIGHTS O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=78 SRC="FIGDIR/small/727670v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (22K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1062508org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@696e4borg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1c7ff29org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@14109c5_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG O_LIThe winter survival zone (temperature only) of Empoasca fabae has not expanded continuously over the past 126 years. C_LIO_LIThe Southeastern United States remained suitable over this period, with the maximum northward extent of potential survival reaching 45{degrees}N and high variation within the range of 35{degrees}-40{degrees}N. C_LIO_LIUpdated potential overwintering zones (temperature + winter hosts) extend into Central Florida and the Texas Gulf Coastal Plain. C_LI

O_LIFloral nectar plays a critical role in shaping the ecology and evolution of plant-pollinator interactions. Effective and efficient methods that allow for broad-scale sampling of nectar volume and sugar concentration across a diversity of taxa are needed to improve our understanding of many dimensions of mutualistic plant-pollinator interactions--including their basic ecology and evolution, their responses to environmental change, and their conservation and restoration. C_LIO_LIDespite the key importance of nectar for mediating plant-pollinator interactions, quantifying floral nectar in the field from many different plant species is challenging because there is often no one-size-fits-all sampling method that is effective across a diversity of floral structures and nectar traits. Different methods require different preparation, and sampling from many species involves a variety of logistical challenges. C_LIO_LIHere we provide a methodological roadmap for sampling floral nectar in the field from many different plant species. We describe our nectar collection methods in detail, including necessary equipment, calculations, and approaches appropriate for different floral morphologies. We also provide a troubleshooting guide for common problems encountered while collecting nectar in the field. To demonstrate the utility and effectiveness of our methods for collecting nectar from many different species, we present results on nectar trait variation from 53 species in an ecosystem. C_LIO_LIOur method illustrates that nectar traits vary considerably within and among plant species, indicating that large-scale nectar sampling projects are an important consideration for many basic and applied questions in pollination ecology and evolution. We hope that across many plant communities and ecosystems, our paper provides a practical roadmap for how to navigate the complexities of quantifying floral nectar traits. C_LI

Long-distance movement in insects has crucial impacts on agriculture, human health, and biodiversity. Although it was long assumed that only large, specialist insects had the navigation capacity to support long-distance dispersal, recent studies have demonstrated that smaller insects, such as the tiny fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, can maintain extended, straight paths while flying or walking. This raises the question of whether other Drosophila species possess the navigation capacity to support extended dispersal. Resolving this question is particularly important for Drosophila suzukii(spotted-wing drosophila), a potent pest species that causes enormous damage worldwide to ripe fruit and berries. Spotted-wing drosophila has been thought to lack a capacity for long-distance dispersal, as prior studies have estimated maximal daily dispersal distances of less than 90 m. We developed a system to continuously track the flight trajectories of magnetically tethered D. suzukii relative to a discrete, overhead LED that mimicked the sun. We found that flies maintained remarkably straight flight headings that varied unpredictably across individuals. Male and female D. suzukii exhibited a similar navigation capacity; both sexes responded to rotation of a discrete sun stimulus with compensatory turns to maintain a stable relative heading. Our results suggest that D. suzukiihas an underappreciated capacity for rapid, radial dispersal, which could exceed 250 m in 15 min. This capacity may contribute to the pest species' invasiveness and its reliable, annual re-establishment in seasonally intolerable climates. Our findings highlight the importance of developing area-wide, regional strategies to manage the impacts of D. suzukii.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an emerging crop in Bangladesh valued for its medicinal properties and economic significance. In March 2024, target spot-like symptoms were observed in an experimental chia field (24.75{degrees} N, 90.50{degrees} E) at Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh, Bangladesh with disease incidence ranging from 23% to 47% across approximately 0.25 ha. Initially appearing as brick-red spots, these symptoms developed into target-shaped concentric rings, affecting leaves, stems, and inflorescences. A total of 24 fungal isolates were recovered from infected tissue; two representative isolates (BGECh-3 and BGECh-4) were randomly selected for details characterization. Pathogen identity was established through morphological traits, multilocus phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1) genes sequence, and pathogenicity confirmation through Kochs postulates, collectively identifying the causal agent as Corynespora cassiicola. The isolates demonstrated a broad host range, successfully infecting brinjal, chili, bottle gourd, country bean, tomato, and soybean. In vitro fungicide sensitivity assays with seven commercial fungicides showed that both isolates were highly sensitive to Goldzim (50% carbendazim), which completely inhibited mycelial growth at 10 {micro}g mL-{superscript 1}. Conza (10% Hexaconazole) and Amister top (18.2% azoxystrobin + 11.4% difenoconazole) reduced growth by up to 85% and 67%, respectively at equal concentration. Other fungicides showed comparatively lower efficacy even at higher concentrations. This study represents the first report of target spot disease of chia caused by C. cassiicola in Bangladesh and provides insights for effective disease management strategies.

IntroductionProgress against malaria has stalled since 2015, with insecticide resistance a key driver. Spatial emanators release volatile insecticides into the air, exposing mosquitoes through a route distinct from the tarsal contact used by treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and standard bioassays. Transfluthrin is currently monitored using the WHO bottle bioassay, which combines contact and vapour exposure and cannot isolate airborne effects. A scalable, vapour-only method is needed to characterise susceptibility to volatile pyrethroids. MethodsWe adapted the WHO tube bioassay to deliver non-contact transfluthrin vapour exposure without contacting treated papers. Non-blood-fed female Anopheles were exposed to acetone control or transfluthrin papers at 0.005, 0.1 and 2 mg/paper. Knockdown was recorded over 60 minutes and mortality at 24 hours. Testing spanned three laboratories (LSTM, AIRID and KEMRI) using susceptible reference and resistant lab colonies. Dose response models estimated EC{square}{square} for knockdown (EC{square}{square}KD) and mortality (EC{square}{square}Mort), with resistance ratios (RR) against the local susceptible reference. ResultsThe assay generated clear concentration- and time-dependent responses. At LSTM, Kisumu gave an EC{square}{square}KD of 0.052 and EC{square}{square}Mort of 0.054 mg/paper; Siaya was comparable (RR{square}{square}KD 1.17, RR{square}{square}Mort 0.89), whereas Tiassale 13 and KDR showed reduced susceptibility (RR{square}{square}KD 2.42 and 2.85; RR{square}{square}Mort 5.56 and 6.65). At AIRID, the resistant Cove strain did not reach 50% knockdown or mortality. At KEMRI, Siaya showed reduced susceptibility (RR{square}{square}KD 3.36/RR{square}{square}Mort 5.65). Kisumu at AIRID and KEMRI was comparable to LSTM (EC{square}{square}KD 0.007/EC{square}{square}Mort 0.030; EC{square}{square}KD 0.044/EC{square}{square}Mort 0.023). Despite inter-laboratory variation, susceptible strains remained distinguishable from resistant ones. Lower RRs than for contact pyrethroids suggest contact-based phenotypes may not predict vapour susceptibility. ConclusionThe assay provides a practical benchtop method using standard WHO hardware, distinguishing susceptible from resistant strains across three laboratories. Twenty-four-hour mortality is the recommended endpoint, 60-minute knockdown secondary. Not yet validated, it provides a foundation for further validation and adaptation to other actives.

Pastureland provides critical resources for livestock production. Despite the growing knowledge on pest regulating services provided by insectivorous bats, their role in pastureland systems remains understudied. We analysed the diets of four Irish bat species, Plecotus auritus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Myotis nattereri, and Rhinolophus hipposideros, to identify and categorise agricultural pest species based on metabarcoding studies in the pastureland rich agro-ecosystems of Ireland. Pest richness varied among bat species, with P. auritus consuming 22 known pest species, 13 in P. pygmaeus, 9 in R. hipposideros, and 7 in M. nattereri. Pest occurrence frequency varied in overall diets: R. hipposideros exhibited the highest (83%), followed by P. auritus (71%), M. nattereri (59%), and P. pygmaeus (32%). Importantly, 26 of the 35 pest species (74%) were consumed by only one bat species. Key pastureland pests, Tipula oleracea and T. paludosa, were detected across all bat species, with frequency of occurrence reaching up to 100% at several roosts. Livestock-associated disease vectors (Culicoides scoticus and C. pulicaris) were also consumed. Differences in diet among species reflect complementary foraging strategies, activity patterns, and habitat use, highlighting the collective role of bat communities in pest regulation. These findings provide additional evidence that insectivorous bats contribute to ecosystem services in pasturelands, potentially supporting reductions in pesticide use and enhancing sustainable pastureland management. By demonstrating the functional importance of bats beyond biodiversity conservation, this study underscores their value in nature-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and informs conservation and policy strategies in Ireland. Highlights- Clear habitat bias in studies of ecosystem services by insectivorous bats. - Bat species forage on diverse agricultural pests in pastureland-dominated areas. - Bat foraging behaviour influences consumption of specific pest species. - Bats consume major pasture pests, Tipula oleracea and T. paludosa. - Different bat species target different pests, enhancing overall control.

Urban pollinator gardens can provide refugia and support diverse populations of native bees amid threats from habitat destruction, pesticides, and potential ecological pressures from the introduced honey bee (Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1748)). The University of California, Berkeley, maintained a native bee garden at the Oxford Tract research facility to study the biodiversity, phenology, and foraging habits of urban bees from 2003 to 2009. That garden was decommissioned, and a new garden was re-established in 2019. Using diversity observations from the early 2000s garden and non-lethal sampling techniques, we characterized plant-pollinator interactions between flowers and urban bees in the newer bee garden with a bipartite interaction network. Across 12 flower species, we observed two non-native pollinators, the honey bee (A. mellifera) and the alfalfa leafcutter (Megachile rotundata (Fabricius, 1793)), along with at least ten native bee species across three families (Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae). We found that, despite the garden being created for native bees, honey bees accounted for 84% of all pollination interactions. The most abundant native bees were sweat bees (Family: Halictidae). Generalist interactions dominated the network, as both honey and sweat bees foraged on most available flowers. Honey bees showed a significant positive correlation with floral abundance, visiting flowers with the highest number of inflorescences, whereas native bees did not show this preference. These results indicate that native bee garden stewardship could benefit from greater floral diversity, while avoiding the dominance of any single species with high floral abundance, thereby reducing the likelihood of direct competition with honey bees.