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Agriculture
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Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture
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Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 November 2023) | Viewed by 28180

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Frédéric Francis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, 25030 Gembloux, Belgium
Interests: insect; host plant; predators - parasites interactions; pest biological control; edible insects
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable pest control in agricultural systems includes multiple strategies and kinds of control to reduce conventional insecticide. Smart farming and digital tools contribute to sustainability from monitoring to preventive and curative actions. Integrated pest management includes the development of diverse ways of combining complementary approaches to manage pests by promoting the use of natural molecules and micro- or macro-organisms alone or in combination to elicit direct entomotoxic effects in pests without having an impact on non-target species. The agroecology concept with a diversity of field managements, including flower strips and intercropping, is also increasingly applied for sustainable pest control. In this context, pest management through behavioral changes but also entomophagous beneficials can lead to attraction and kill and/or push–pull alternatives in multitrophic interactive ways either by using semiochemical releasers, by including odor-emitting plants, or according to intercropping/mixing crops. Interactions between soil, plant, and insect increasingly have to consider associated microbiota from each with promising applications such as crop defense elicitation by rhizobacteria or endophytic fungi. This Special Issue of Agriculture will include original research articles and mini-reviews focusing on the latest developments in the sustainable control of various agricultural pests, considering the effect of a diversity of strategies and approaches and enhancing different trophic interactions for new applications in crop fields.

Prof. Dr. Frédéric Francis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biocontrol
  • physical control
  • chemical ecology
  • beneficials
  • plant selection
  • habitat management

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 1780 KiB  
Article
A Decision Support System for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Loss Reduction under Uncertain Agricultural Policy Frameworks
by Martine J. Barons, Lael E. Walsh, Edward E. Salakpi and Linda Nichols
Agriculture 2024, 14(3), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14030458 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1419
Abstract
The EU Green Deal requires the reduction in pesticides and fertilisers in food crop production, whilst the sustainable development goals require reductions in food loss and food waste. In a complex and interacting system like the food system, these goals are difficult to [...] Read more.
The EU Green Deal requires the reduction in pesticides and fertilisers in food crop production, whilst the sustainable development goals require reductions in food loss and food waste. In a complex and interacting system like the food system, these goals are difficult to coordinate. Here, we show an approach using Bayesian network modelling for decision support. Bayesian networks are important tools for modelling complex systems which may develop emergent behaviour and for providing quantitative comparisons for different candidate policies, approaches or interventions under the Integrating Decision Support System paradigm. Using lettuce as an exemplar crop, we demonstrate that expected food loss changes under different agricultural input reduction and integrated pest management combinations can be quantified to aid decision making for growers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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17 pages, 3823 KiB  
Article
Influence of Grapevine Cultivar on Population Levels of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Effectiveness of Insecticides in Controlling This Pest
by Zahra Sepahvand, Masumeh Ziaee, Roshanak Ghorbani, Seyed Ali Hemmati and Jacek Francikowski
Agriculture 2023, 13(12), 2286; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13122286 - 16 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1464
Abstract
The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the most critical pest of vineyards. In the present study, pheromone-baited traps were applied in 2021 and 2022 to monitor the moth population dynamics and to determine the number of L. [...] Read more.
The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the most critical pest of vineyards. In the present study, pheromone-baited traps were applied in 2021 and 2022 to monitor the moth population dynamics and to determine the number of L. botrana generations. The number of eggs and larvae was also counted in four vineyards with Askari, Yaghooti, Keshmeshi, and Fakhri cultivars. Moreover, the morphological properties of clusters were evaluated in different grape cultivars to find out the susceptible cultivar to L. botrana. In 2022, different insecticides were used in the Askari cultivar vineyard, and larval damage level was assessed. Three generations were recorded in all vineyards each year. The population of males was not affected by the cultivar. In contrast, the population density of eggs and larvae was significantly higher in Yaghooti than in other tested cultivars. It could be attributed to the cluster compactness and thin skin of berries in Yaghooti, which makes it more susceptible to L. botrana infestations. In contrast, the lowest eggs and larval population density was reported in the Fakhri cultivar indicating the tolerance of this cultivar compared to the other tested cultivars. The field trial showed that the application of insecticides in the second and third generations reduced the damage level of L. botrana. The rotation of insecticides with different modes of action in consecutive generations of L. botrana can be used to reduce damage levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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16 pages, 1037 KiB  
Article
Do Pesticide Retailers’ Recommendations Aggravate Pesticide Overuse? Evidence from Rural China
by Shengyang Sun, Chao Zhang, Ruifa Hu and Jian Liu
Agriculture 2023, 13(7), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13071301 - 26 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
In rural China, pesticide retailers are often accused of recommending farmers apply more pesticides than the scientifically recommended rate, while playing an important role in providing technical information regarding pesticide use to farmers. However, there is little empirical evidence on the relationship between [...] Read more.
In rural China, pesticide retailers are often accused of recommending farmers apply more pesticides than the scientifically recommended rate, while playing an important role in providing technical information regarding pesticide use to farmers. However, there is little empirical evidence on the relationship between pesticide retailers’ recommendations and farmers’ pesticide overuse. Using survey data from 1084 rice farmers in four provinces, this study utilized an endogenous switching probit model to examine the impact of pesticide retailers’ recommendations on the overuse of pesticides at the level of pest-control observation, accounting for potential self-selectivity bias. Results show that the proportion of pesticide overuse at the level of pest-control observation for controlling major pests, secondary pests, and weeds is 58.5, 55, and 40.6%, respectively. Pesticide retailers’ recommendations are found to increase the probability of pesticide overuse at the level of pest-control observation for controlling major pests, secondary pests, and weeds by 62.1, 59.3, and 58.3%, respectively. The robustness check using a conditional mixed process model provided consistent findings. Accordingly, this study proposes that more efforts should be made to provide additional technology training activities for pesticide retailers, strengthen regulations on pesticide retailers’ information recommendations, and further improve socialized agricultural technology services. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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12 pages, 1841 KiB  
Article
Nematicidal and Toxicity Effects of Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne incognita in Soil Producing Cucumber
by Shiva Parsiaaref, Aocheng Cao, Yuan Li, Asgar Ebadollahi, Ghasem Parmoon, Qiuxia Wang, Dongdong Yan, Wensheng Fang and Min Zhang
Agriculture 2023, 13(6), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13061109 - 23 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a plant pathogen that causes significant economic damage to important food crops. The nematicidal and insecticidal effects of the essential oil and extract of the root and stem of different species of Eupatorium have been [...] Read more.
The root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a plant pathogen that causes significant economic damage to important food crops. The nematicidal and insecticidal effects of the essential oil and extract of the root and stem of different species of Eupatorium have been studied in several countries. We investigated the impact of root stems and leaves of the E. adenophorum on the second-stage juveniles (J2s) of M. incognita. Nematode mortality decreased by root-stem treatment and increasing temperature and time. Nematodes (J2) were more sensitive to root-stem treatment than leaf treatment at all tested conditions. For example, the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) root-stems at 35 °C was estimated as 10.3 mg/g and in the 8th week as 7.8 mg/g, while the maximal effective concentration (ECmax) in leaf treatment is 20.3 and 10.1 mg/g, respectively. The E. adenophorum 40 mg/g concentration of root stems also produced the highest height of the cucumber stem and the highest cucumber fresh weight in the greenhouse. (E)-beta-farnesene, α-pinene and D-limonene, as the main identified components in fumigant plants, increased the mortality rate of J2s in root-stems treatment. We conclude that E. adenophorum dried root stems added to the soil in greenhouses have the potential as a bio-fumigant for M. incognita management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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14 pages, 1943 KiB  
Article
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Bt Resistant and Susceptible Strains in Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
by Yaling Lin, Qing Gao, Yueqin Wang, Zhenying Wang, Kanglai He, Suqin Shang and Tiantao Zhang
Agriculture 2022, 12(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12020298 - 19 Feb 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2447
Abstract
The evolution of target pest population resistance to Bt toxins is the most relevant threat to the sustainability of Bt technology, thus it is necessary to clarify insect resistance mechanisms. Firstly, the resistance level of Asian corn borer was determined by bioassay. After [...] Read more.
The evolution of target pest population resistance to Bt toxins is the most relevant threat to the sustainability of Bt technology, thus it is necessary to clarify insect resistance mechanisms. Firstly, the resistance level of Asian corn borer was determined by bioassay. After 28 generations selection in the lab, the Cry1Ie-resistant strain (ACB-IeR) developed more than 862-fold resistance to Cry1Ie, and the Cry1F-resistant strain (ACB-FR) developed 961-fold resistance to Cry1F. The results show that long-term exposure to Bt toxins can lead to resistance. Then, we compared the differential expression genes (DEGs) of ACB-FR and ACB-IeR with susceptible strain (ACB-BtS), and analyzed GO function and KEGG pathway through transcriptome sequencing. The comparison showed that in Bt-resistant strains, many genes have a significant down-regulated trend. Several Bt-resistance candidate genes were differentially expressed in both resistant strains. Furthermore, the DEGs were verified by RT-qPCR and showed similar trend. These results provide candidate genes for further research on the Bt resistance mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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Review

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20 pages, 825 KiB  
Review
RNA-Interference-Mediated Aphid Control in Crop Plants: A Review
by Jiahui Zhang, Huiyuan Li, Xue Zhong, Jinfu Tian, Arnaud Segers, Lanqin Xia and Frédéric Francis
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2108; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122108 - 9 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4176
Abstract
Crop plants suffer severe yield losses due to the significant damages caused by aphids. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a versatile and environmentally friendly method for pest management in crop protection. Transgenic plants expressing siRNA/dsRNA and non-transformative methods such as spraying, microinjection, feeding, [...] Read more.
Crop plants suffer severe yield losses due to the significant damages caused by aphids. RNA interference (RNAi) technology is a versatile and environmentally friendly method for pest management in crop protection. Transgenic plants expressing siRNA/dsRNA and non-transformative methods such as spraying, microinjection, feeding, and a nanocarrier-delivery-mediated RNAi approach have been successfully applied for agricultural insect pest management. In this review, we summarize the application of host-induced gene silencing (HIGS)-mediated RNAi, spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS)-mediated RNAi, and other delivery-method-mediated RNAi methods for aphid control. We further discuss the challenges in RNAi application and propose potential solutions to enhance RNAi efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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12 pages, 568 KiB  
Review
Complementary Strategies for Biological Control of Aphids and Related Virus Transmission in Sugar Beet to Replace Neonicotinoids
by Frédéric Francis, Christiane Then, Adrien Francis, Yao Aime Constant Gbangbo, Lisa Iannello and Ibtissem Ben Fekih
Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101663 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4574
Abstract
Neonicotinoid-based real control of aphids in sugar beet permitted the effective management of associated phytoviruses. However, the prohibition on their usage has prompted an urgent search for viable replacements. The development of sugar beet varieties with aphid and/or virus resistance and/or tolerance has [...] Read more.
Neonicotinoid-based real control of aphids in sugar beet permitted the effective management of associated phytoviruses. However, the prohibition on their usage has prompted an urgent search for viable replacements. The development of sugar beet varieties with aphid and/or virus resistance and/or tolerance has a huge potential to reduce aphids and the harm caused by transmitted viruses. Semiochemicals also play a significant part in determining intra- and inter-specific interactions, which directly affect aphid fitness, feeding activity, and ultimately their capacity to spread viruses. Another method of aphid management involves the use of plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in conjunction with an attract and kill strategy. Entomopathogenic fungi could also be used to manage aphids without endangering helpful entomofauna. Finally, soil bacteria are particularly effective biocontrol agents because they induce systemic resistance (ISR) as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The sugar beet-aphid virus model would be a perfect place to test these microbial players. The adoption of complementing eco-compatible techniques in the sugar beet crop will be ensured by the application of a variety of biocontrol opportunities connected to creative aphid control strategies. This should make it possible to create technical itineraries for a comprehensive approach to controlling aphids and related viruses depending on the situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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18 pages, 806 KiB  
Review
Methyl Benzoate as a Promising, Environmentally Safe Insecticide: Current Status and Future Perspectives
by Md. Munir Mostafiz, Errol Hassan and Kyeong-Yeoll Lee
Agriculture 2022, 12(3), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12030378 - 8 Mar 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7811
Abstract
The widespread use of synthetic chemical pesticides beginning in the late 1930s has contributed to the development of insecticide resistance of many important species of pest insects and plants. Recent trends in pesticide development have emphasized the use of more environmentally benign control [...] Read more.
The widespread use of synthetic chemical pesticides beginning in the late 1930s has contributed to the development of insecticide resistance of many important species of pest insects and plants. Recent trends in pesticide development have emphasized the use of more environmentally benign control methods that take into consideration environmental, food safety, and human health. Biopesticides (e.g., naturally occurring pesticidal compounds) are alternative pest management tools that normally have no negative impact on human health or the environment. Here we review methyl benzoate, a relatively new botanical insecticide that occurs naturally as a metabolite in plants, and whose odor is an attractant to some insects. Since 2016, many studies have shown that methyl benzoate is an effective pesticide against a range of different agricultural, stored product, and urban insect pests. Methyl benzoate has several important modes of action, including as a contact toxicant, a fumigant, an ovicidal toxin, an oviposition deterrent, a repellent, and an attractant. In this review, we summarize various modes of action of methyl benzoate and its toxicity or control potential against various kinds of arthropods, including agricultural pests and their natural enemies, and pollinators. We conclude that methyl benzoate is a very promising candidate for use in integrated pest management under either greenhouse or field conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Pest Management in Agriculture)
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