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Agronomy
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Semiochemicals in Pest Management
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Semiochemicals in Pest Management

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Pest and Disease Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 20800

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Patrick Pageat

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Ecology, IRSEA (Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), Apt, France
Interests: semiochemistry, chemical ecology; ethology; behavioral medicine; biological indicators; stress; emotion; domestication
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andrea Liliana Clavijo McCormick

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Interests: insect pheromones; plant volatiles; insect chemoreception and behaviour; plant-insect interactions; invasive species ecology; biological control; conservation biology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chemical communication is the oldest way to communicate, shared by all living species. This mode of communication, mediated by semiochemicals, plays a significant role in the interactions between species (allelochemicals) and within individuals belonging to the same species (pheromones). During the last 30 years, a better understanding of the composition of semiochemicals and their modes of action offers promising alternatives for the sustainable management of challenging species (pests). This special issue will cover different approaches to the use of semiochemistry in agricultural systems. We invite review or research papers on the identification of new insect pheromones, the development of synthetic pheromone blends, and the use of pheromones for early detection, monitoring, mass trapping or mating disruption. We also invite articles on allelochemicals, such as plant volatiles, essential oils, root exudates, predator- or disease-related chemical cues, involving their characterization and use in pest management (e.g., through “landscapes of disgust” or as natural enemy attractants).

We look forward to your valuable contributions.

Prof. Dr. Patrick Pageat
Dr. Andrea Liliana Clavijo McCormick
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Pheromones
  • Allomones
  • Kairomones
  • Plant-insect interactions
  • Multitrophic interactions
  • Plant volatiles
  • Essential oils
  • Root exudates
  • Predator detection cues
  • Landscapes of disgust
  • Metabolomics
  • Chemoreception

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1318 KiB  
Article
Exploiting Thrips Aggregation Pheromones to Develop a Lure-and-Kill Strategy for the Management of the Bean Flower Thrips
by David K. Mfuti, Amanuel Tamiru, William D. J. Kirk, Adeyemi O. Akinyemi, Heather Campbell, Matthew O’Brien, Falko P. Drijfhout, Tom W. Pope, Saliou Niassy and Sevgan Subramanian
Agronomy 2021, 11(7), 1269; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11071269 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3602
Abstract
The potential of semiochemicals to lure insect pests to a trap where they can be killed with biopesticides has been demonstrated as an eco-friendly pest management alternative. In this study, we tested two recently characterized male-produced aggregation pheromones of the bean flower thrips [...] Read more.
The potential of semiochemicals to lure insect pests to a trap where they can be killed with biopesticides has been demonstrated as an eco-friendly pest management alternative. In this study, we tested two recently characterized male-produced aggregation pheromones of the bean flower thrips Megalurothrips sjostedti (Trybom), namely (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate (major) and (R)-lavandulol (minor), for their field efficacy. Moreover, compatibility of these pheromones and two other thrips attractants, Lurem-TR and neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, with the entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 69 has been determined. Our study revealed that the M. sjostedti aggregation pheromones have dose-dependent antifungal effects on the EPF viability, but showed no fungistatic effect at a field-realistic dose for attraction of thrips. (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate had similar antifungal effects as neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate 8 days after exposure; whereas, Lurem-TR had a stronger antifungal effect than other thrips attractants. In the semi-field experiments, all autoinoculation devices maintained at least 86% viability of M. anisopliae conidia after 12 days of exposure. Field trials demonstrated for the first time that (R)-lavandulyl 3-methylbutanoate increases trap catches. Our findings pave a way for designing a lure-and-kill thrips management strategy to control bean flower thrips using autoinoculation devices or spot spray application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiochemicals in Pest Management)
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16 pages, 2737 KiB  
Article
Dispensing a Synthetic Green Leaf Volatile to Two Plant Species in a Common Garden Differentially Alters Physiological Responses and Herbivory
by Grace E. Freundlich, Maria Shields and Christopher J. Frost
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050958 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3421
Abstract
Herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV)-mediated eavesdropping by plants is a well-documented, inducible phenomenon that has practical agronomic applications for enhancing plant defense and pest management. However, as with any inducible phenomenon, responding to volatile cues may incur physiological and ecological costs that limit plant [...] Read more.
Herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV)-mediated eavesdropping by plants is a well-documented, inducible phenomenon that has practical agronomic applications for enhancing plant defense and pest management. However, as with any inducible phenomenon, responding to volatile cues may incur physiological and ecological costs that limit plant productivity. In a common garden experiment, we tested the hypothesis that exposure to a single HIPV would decrease herbivore damage at the cost of reduced plant growth and reproduction. Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants were exposed to a persistent, low dose (~10 ng/h) of the green leaf volatile cis-3-hexenyl acetate (z3HAC), which is a HIPV and damage-associated volatile. z3HAC-treated pepper plants were shorter, had less aboveground and belowground biomass, and produced fewer flowers and fruits relative to controls, while z3HAC-treated lima bean plants were taller and produced more leaves and flowers than did controls. Natural herbivory was reduced in z3HAC-exposed lima bean plants, but not in pepper. Cyanogenic potential, a putative direct defense mechanism in lima bean, was lower in young z3HAC-exposed leaves, suggesting a growth–defense tradeoff from z3HAC exposure alone. Plant species-specific responses to an identical volatile cue have important implications for agronomic costs and benefits of volatile-mediated interplant communication under field conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiochemicals in Pest Management)
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9 pages, 604 KiB  
Article
Olfactory Response of Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant, 1909) (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) to Volatile Aqueous Extracts of Plant Origin Applied to Elephant Grass Plants (Pennisetum purpureum Schum)
by Vinícius Ferraz Nascimento, Alexander Machado Auad and Tiago Teixeira de Resende
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 856; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050856 - 28 Apr 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2469
Abstract
In this study, we evaluate the olfactory responses of Mahanarva spectabilis adults to aqueous extracts from the following non-host plants for the pest insect: garlic (Allium sativum L.), rue (Ruta graveolens L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus [...] Read more.
In this study, we evaluate the olfactory responses of Mahanarva spectabilis adults to aqueous extracts from the following non-host plants for the pest insect: garlic (Allium sativum L.), rue (Ruta graveolens L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) applied to the host plant, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.). The bioassays were performed using a Y olfactometer, and the combinations of the plant extracts applied to the host plant were tested against fresh air and against the host plant without the extract. The results show that the extracts of tobacco and star anise were non-attractive to M. spectabilis adults. The extracts from the remaining plants did not alter the response of M. spectabilis to the host plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiochemicals in Pest Management)
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12 pages, 1061 KiB  
Article
Semiochemical-Based Attractant for the Ambrosia Pinhole Borer Euplatypus parallelus
by Hugo L. Rainho, Weliton D. Silva and José Maurício S. Bento
Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020266 - 31 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3805
Abstract
A semiochemical-based attractant for Euplatypus parallelus was identified and field-tested. Analyses of headspace volatile extracts of conspecific males revealed the presence of 1-hexanol along with lesser amounts of 3-methyl-1-butanol, hexyl acetate, 1-octanol and trans-geraniol, which were not found in equivalent extracts from [...] Read more.
A semiochemical-based attractant for Euplatypus parallelus was identified and field-tested. Analyses of headspace volatile extracts of conspecific males revealed the presence of 1-hexanol along with lesser amounts of 3-methyl-1-butanol, hexyl acetate, 1-octanol and trans-geraniol, which were not found in equivalent extracts from females. Emission of 1-hexanol coincided with the emergence of adults of both sexes during afternoon hours. A synthetic blend of these compounds, with and without ethanol, was tested in the field. The blend alone attracted a small number of females and no males. Ethanol alone attracted a small number of females (not significantly different from the blend alone) but significantly more males than the blend alone. More females were caught with the blend combined with ethanol than the combined catch of either attractant alone, suggesting a synergistic interaction. Attraction of males appeared to be a response to ethanol alone. During the trials, two potential natural enemies of E. parallelus were caught, indicating that they might be eavesdropping on the semiochemical channels of their prey. Traps containing the male-specific volatile compounds combined with ethanol could be applied as an effective attractant for detection and monitoring of E. parallelus as well as for recruitment of its natural enemies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiochemicals in Pest Management)
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16 pages, 3460 KiB  
Article
Volatile Profiling of Fifteen Willow Species and Hybrids and Their Responses to Giant Willow Aphid Infestation
by Kyaw Min Tun, Maria Minor, Trevor Jones and Andrea Clavijo McCormick
Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091404 - 16 Sep 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3183
Abstract
The giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) is a large stem-feeding insect which forms dense colonies on infested plants. Since T. salignus is a new invasive species in New Zealand, we have a poor understanding of the plant chemical responses to aphid [...] Read more.
The giant willow aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) is a large stem-feeding insect which forms dense colonies on infested plants. Since T. salignus is a new invasive species in New Zealand, we have a poor understanding of the plant chemical responses to aphid infestation. This study aimed to characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions of fifteen different willow species and hybrids growing in New Zealand, and to evaluate changes in response to T. salignus attack in a field trial. Volatiles were collected using a headspace sampling technique and analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found high variability in the volatile profiles of different species and hybrids, with (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and (E)-β-ocimene being the only common components to all blends. Taxonomically related plants showed an overlapping pattern of VOC emission, and there seemed to be a clear separation between shrub and tree willows. Responses to aphid infestation were variable, with only four species/hybrids showing changes in their total VOC emission, or that of at least one class of VOCs. A weak positive correlation between aphid population estimates and VOC emissions suggests that responses are species-specific and not infestation-dependent. These results reveal useful information about the interaction between T. salignus and its potential host plants for biological control and pest management purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiochemicals in Pest Management)
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14 pages, 2173 KiB  
Article
Effects of Sublethal Doses of Methyl Benzoate on the Life History Traits and Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Activity of Aphis gossypii
by Md Munir Mostafiz, Md Badrul Alam, Hsin Chi, Errol Hassan, Jae-Kyoung Shim and Kyeong-Yeoll Lee
Agronomy 2020, 10(9), 1313; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10091313 - 2 Sep 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 3246
Abstract
Safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides are essential for sustainable agriculture. Methyl benzoate (MB) is a volatile essential oil found in several plants. Recent reports of the toxicity of MB to arthropod pests suggest that MB may be a useful alternative insecticide. The present [...] Read more.
Safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides are essential for sustainable agriculture. Methyl benzoate (MB) is a volatile essential oil found in several plants. Recent reports of the toxicity of MB to arthropod pests suggest that MB may be a useful alternative insecticide. The present study assessed the effects of a sublethal concentration of MB (LC30, 0.22%) on the life history and reproductive characteristics of the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, in both a treated parental generation (F0) and untreated progeny (F1). MB treatment significantly decreased longevity and fecundity in both the F0 and F1 generations, and prolonged the developmental duration of each immature instar of the F1 generations, compared with controls. The intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (R0) of the F1 generation were significantly reduced, compared to controls. The mode of action of MB is not known, but in aphids treated with LC30 MB, the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) decreased by more than 65%, compared with untreated controls. AChE activity was rapidly inhibited within 1 h, and remained inhibited for 6 h after in vivo exposure to MB. Moreover, molecular docking analysis revealed that MB had a strong affinity with the catalytic site of AChE, with a binding energy value of −6.2 kcal/mole. Our results suggest that MB targets AChE, and that a sublethal dose of MB can have adverse transgenerational effects on cotton aphids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiochemicals in Pest Management)
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