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Insects
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IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success
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IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Behavior and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2022) | Viewed by 22015

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ricardo A. Ramirez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322, USA
Interests: integrated pest management; insect ecology; plant–arthropod interactions
Dr. Douglas S. Richmond

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entomology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
Interests: plant–arthropod interactions; soil insect ecology; integrated pest management

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

The crypic nature of soil-dwelling arthropod pests creates unique challenges for pest management and the understanding of plant–arthropod and predator–prey interactions below ground. The advances in pest management above ground do not always transfer directly in the rhizosphere. Tasks as simple as pest monitoring become difficult when pests’ life stages are hidden in the soil; biocontrol and other managment strategies involve compatibility with both the host and the soil environment, and ecological interactions such as those involving chemical signaling among roots, pests, and predators are also entangled with the complexity of the rhizosphere. This Special Issue aims to highlight the diverse and innovative management approaches for rhizophagous pests, and pests with soil-dwelling life histories, as well as the tritrophic interactions occurring below ground. In addition, highlights on the challenges of investigating soil-dwelling arthropod pests and ways in which these challenges may be overcome are an important aim. Original research articles, review articles, and short communications are all welcome.

Dr. Ricardo A. Ramirez
Dr. Douglas S. Richmond
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. Insects 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

  • soil ecology
  • soil-dwelling
  • roots
  • herbivory
  • plant–arthropod interactions
  • predator–prey interactions
  • below ground
  • integrated pest management
  • insect ecology

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1349 KiB  
Article
Pollen Feeding Reduces Predation of Northern Corn Rootworm Eggs (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Diabrotica barberi) by a Soil-Dwelling Mite (Acari: Laelapidae: Stratiolaelaps scimitus)
by Deirdre A. Prischmann-Voldseth, Stephanie J. Swenson and Robert Brenner
Insects 2021, 12(11), 979; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12110979 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2218
Abstract
Landscape diversification with flowering plants can benefit pollinators and natural enemies, although insect pests can also use floral resources for nutrition and chemoprotection. Corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Diabrotica spp.) are major pests of corn (Zea mays L.), and while subterranean larvae primarily [...] Read more.
Landscape diversification with flowering plants can benefit pollinators and natural enemies, although insect pests can also use floral resources for nutrition and chemoprotection. Corn rootworms (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae, Diabrotica spp.) are major pests of corn (Zea mays L.), and while subterranean larvae primarily feed on corn roots, adult rootworms commonly consume floral resources from other plant species. We quantified the species, density, and sex of adult corn Diabroticite rootworm beetles on wild and cultivated sunflower, corn, and squash, quantified pollen within the bodies of adult northern corn rootworms [NCR, D. barberi (Smith & Lawrence)], and investigated how consumption of sunflower and corn pollen by NCR adults impacted predation of their eggs by two soil-dwelling mites with different feeding specialization. NCR were the most common Diabroticite species on sunflower inflorescences and western corn rootworm (WCR, D. v. virgifera LeConte) were more abundant in corn and squash blossoms. Pollen feeding by NCR adults did not impact egg predation by omnivorous Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Acari: Sarcoptiformes, Acaridae), but predatory Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Womersley) (Acari: Mesostigmata, Laelapidae) ate eggs less frequently and took longer to feed on eggs from NCR females that had fed on sunflower pollen. This research suggests pollen feeding by adult NCR can impact predation of their eggs. While increasing plant diversity can benefit natural enemies and pest control within agroecosystems, it is important to consider how floral resources alter dietary preferences of biocontrol agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success)
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20 pages, 3372 KiB  
Article
Characterizing Billbug (Sphenophorus spp.) Seasonal Biology Using DNA Barcodes and a Simple Morphometric Analysis
by Marian M. Rodriguez-Soto, Douglas S. Richmond, Ricardo A. Ramirez, Xi Xiong and Laramy S. Enders
Insects 2021, 12(10), 930; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100930 - 13 Oct 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2451
Abstract
Billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.) are a complex of grass-feeding weevil species that reduce the aesthetic and functional qualities of turfgrass. Effective billbug monitoring and management programs rely on a clear understanding of their seasonal biology. However, our limited understanding of regional variation in [...] Read more.
Billbugs (Sphenophorus spp.) are a complex of grass-feeding weevil species that reduce the aesthetic and functional qualities of turfgrass. Effective billbug monitoring and management programs rely on a clear understanding of their seasonal biology. However, our limited understanding of regional variation in the species compositions and seasonal biology of billbugs, stemming primarily from our inability to identify the damaging larval stage to species level, has hindered efforts to articulate efficient IPM strategies to growers. We used a combination of DNA barcoding methods and morphometric measures to begin filling critical gaps in our understanding of the seasonal biology of the billbug species complex across a broad geographic range. First, we developed a DNA barcoding reference library using cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) sequences from morphologically identified adult billbugs collected across Indiana, Missouri, Utah and Arizona. Next, we used our reference library for comparison and identification of unknown larval specimens collected across the growing season in Utah and Indiana. Finally, we combined our DNA barcoding approach with larval head capsule diameter, a proxy for developmental instar, to develop larval phenology charts. Adult COI sequences varied among billbug species, but variation was not influenced by geography, indicating that this locus alone was useful for resolving larval species identity. Overlaid with head capsule diameter data from specimens collected across the growing season, a better visualization of billbug species composition and seasonal biology emerged. This approach will provide researchers with the tools necessary to fill critical gaps in our understanding of billbug biology and facilitate the development of turfgrass pest management programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success)
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13 pages, 2090 KiB  
Article
Seeking Alfalfa Resistance to a Rhizophagous Pest, the Clover Root Curculio (Sitona hispidulus F.)
by Kaitlin Rim, Jamie Crawford, Steven J. Price, Donald R. Viands and Ricardo A. Ramirez
Insects 2021, 12(10), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100906 - 5 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1813
Abstract
Since the cancellation of broad-spectrum soil-active insecticides in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production, clover root curculio (Sitona hispidulus F.) (CRC) larval root damage has increased. Current CRC management practices are limited in their ability to suppress larval feeding belowground. First, we [...] Read more.
Since the cancellation of broad-spectrum soil-active insecticides in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production, clover root curculio (Sitona hispidulus F.) (CRC) larval root damage has increased. Current CRC management practices are limited in their ability to suppress larval feeding belowground. First, we field screened developmental alfalfa populations for CRC damage. Subsequently, we developed a soil-less arena to observe nodule feeding and development (head capsule width) of larvae in the lab. This method was used to evaluate five alfalfa populations (two CRC-susceptible (control) and three CRC-resistant populations) against larvae. Further, one CRC-resistant population paired with its genetically similar susceptible population were tested against adult leaf consumption and oviposition in the greenhouse. Field screening revealed that the alfalfa populations selected for little or no larval root feeding damage were more resistant to CRC larval feeding than their corresponding unselected cultivars and significantly more resistant than populations selected for susceptibility. The development of a soil-less arena provided a useful method for evaluation of root-larva interactions. Although larval development was similar across susceptible and resistant alfalfa populations, one CRC-resistant population (NY1713) displayed overall increased nodulation and, thus, had a significantly lower proportion of nodules consumed by larvae. Adult feeding and oviposition aboveground were similar across all populations tested. These results provide possible candidates and screening method for the development and evaluation of alfalfa cultivars that may reduce the impacts of larval feeding and that offer an additional option for CRC management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success)
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13 pages, 2042 KiB  
Article
Microbial Control Agents for Fungus Gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae: Lycoriella) Affecting the Production of Oyster Mushrooms, Pleurotus spp.
by Valerie M. Anderson, Grace F. H. Sward, Christopher M. Ranger, Michael E. Reding and Luis Canas
Insects 2021, 12(9), 786; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12090786 - 3 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5240
Abstract
Infestations of fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) can reduce the production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) grown as food crops within controlled environments. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Steinernema [...] Read more.
Infestations of fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) can reduce the production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) grown as food crops within controlled environments. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Steinernema feltiae against fungus gnat larvae. A bioassay was developed, whereby pasteurized straw was inoculated with Pleurotus columbinus and treated with Bti (Gnatrol®), S. feltiae (Nemashield®), or water. Fungus gnats (Lycoriella sp.) were released into each bioassay container for ovipositing onto the straw, thereby exposing the F1 larvae to treated or untreated substrate. Sticky cards within the containers entrapped fungus gnats emerging from the substrate as an indicator of larval survivorship. Following three bioassays, fewer fungus gnats emerged from straw treated with Bti compared to S. feltiae and the water control. Three additional bioassays using Pleurotus ostreatus also demonstrated that fewer fungus gnats emerged from straw treated with Bti compared to S. feltiae and the untreated control. Steinernema feltiae was generally ineffective. Monitoring substrate weight in the bioassay containers over time indicated that Bti and S. feltiae did not impede colonization by P. ostreatus. Incorporating Bti into straw substrate is a promising approach for managing fungus gnats infesting Pleurotus spp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success)
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14 pages, 3074 KiB  
Article
Spatial Distribution of Hunting Billbugs (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Sod Farms
by Midhula Gireesh, Jhalendra P. Rijal and Shimat V. Joseph
Insects 2021, 12(5), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12050402 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2882
Abstract
The hunting billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an important turfgrass pest, especially in sod farms. S. venatus vestitus larvae feed on the stems and roots of turfgrass. Damaged turfgrass is loosely held together and poses a challenge for machine harvesting. [...] Read more.
The hunting billbug, Sphenophorus venatus vestitus Chittenden (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is an important turfgrass pest, especially in sod farms. S. venatus vestitus larvae feed on the stems and roots of turfgrass. Damaged turfgrass is loosely held together and poses a challenge for machine harvesting. Additionally, the normal growth of turfgrass is affected, especially after winter dormancy. Because S. venatus vestitus larvae are hidden inside the stems or under the soil, larval management is challenging. To improve sampling and management, the spatial distribution patterns of S. venatus vestitus larvae and adults were assessed at four sod farm sites with a history of S. venatus vestitus infestation in central Georgia (USA). The larvae were sampled by soil cores using a hole cutter, whereas adults were collected using pitfall traps for 7 d. The spatial distributions of larvae and adults was analyzed using SADIE and variograms. The SADIE and variogram analyses revealed a significant aggregation pattern for adults, whereas aggregated distributions were detected for larvae with variogram analyses. The average ranges of spatial dependence for larval and adult samples were 3.9 m and 5.4 m, respectively. Interpolated distribution maps were created to visually depict S. venatus vestitus infestation hotspots within the sod farms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success)
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Review

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24 pages, 3926 KiB  
Review
Integrated Pest Management of Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) and the Rhizosphere in Agroecosystems
by Atoosa Nikoukar and Arash Rashed
Insects 2022, 13(9), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13090769 - 25 Aug 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5410
Abstract
The rhizosphere is where plant roots, physical soil, and subterranean organisms interact to contribute to soil fertility and plant growth. In agroecosystems, the nature of the ecological interactions within the rhizosphere is highly dynamic due to constant disruptions from agricultural practices. The concept [...] Read more.
The rhizosphere is where plant roots, physical soil, and subterranean organisms interact to contribute to soil fertility and plant growth. In agroecosystems, the nature of the ecological interactions within the rhizosphere is highly dynamic due to constant disruptions from agricultural practices. The concept of integrated pest management (IPM) was developed in order to promote an approach which is complementary to the environment and non-target organisms, including natural enemies, by reducing the sole reliance on synthetic pesticides to control pests. However, some of the implemented integrated cultural and biological control practices may impact the rhizosphere, especially when targeting subterranean pests. Wireworms, the larval stage of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae), are generalist herbivores and a voracious group of pests that are difficult to control. This paper introduces some existing challenges in wireworm IPM, and discusses the potential impacts of various control methods on the rhizosphere. The awareness of the potential implications of different pest management approaches on the rhizosphere will assist in decision-making and the selection of the control tactics with the least long-term adverse effects on the rhizosphere. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue IPM in the Rhizosphere: Challenges, Discovery and Success)
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