The story of a man in China who had to have his left eyeball removed because of an infection caused by him swatting an insect on his face has trended on social media.The man,surnamed Wu,from Shenzhen in the southern p...The story of a man in China who had to have his left eyeball removed because of an infection caused by him swatting an insect on his face has trended on social media.The man,surnamed Wu,from Shenzhen in the southern province of Guangdong,killed the fly that was buzzing around him after it landed on him,according to the report.展开更多
Background Insect meals have been identified as innovative and sustainable feedstuffs that could be used in ruminant nutrition.However,current research on the effects that their processing may have on rumen digestibil...Background Insect meals have been identified as innovative and sustainable feedstuffs that could be used in ruminant nutrition.However,current research on the effects that their processing may have on rumen digestibility and fatty acid(FA)biohydrogenation is scant.This trial aims to investigate the effects(i)of drying temperature of fullfat Hermetia illucens(HI)and Tenebrio molitor(TM)meals,and(ii)of residual ether extract(EE)content of defatted HI and TM meals,on their fermentation characteristics and FA of rumen digesta after 24-h in vitro rumen incubation.Methods The tested full-fat meals included four HI and four TM meals obtained applying drying temperatures ranging from 30℃ to 70℃,while the tested defatted meals consisted of five HI and two TM meals containing a residual EE content ranging from 4.7 to 19.7 g EE/100 g dry matter(DM).The applied statistical models(GLM ANOVA)tested the effects of insect species,drying temperature(full-fat meals)or EE content(defatted meals),and their interaction.Results Drying temperature had minor effects on in vitro ruminal digestibility and FA profile of rumen digesta.Irrespective of insect species,increasing the drying temperature led to a reduction of in vitro degradation of proteins from insect meals,as outlined by the significant decrease in ammonia production(-0.009 mmol/g DM and-0.126 g/100 g total N for each additional 1℃).Irrespective of insect species,defatting increased total gas,volatile fatty acids(VFA)and CH_(4) productions,and the proportions of total saturated and branched-chain FA in rumen digesta(+0.038 mmol/g DM,+0.063 mmol/g DM,+12.9μmol/g DM,+0.18 g/100 g FA,and+0.19 g/100 g FA for each reduced 1 g EE/100 g DM,respectively),and reduced the proportion of total PUFA(-0.12 g/100 g FA).Conclusions The applied drying temperatures of full-fat insect meals are too low to exert impactful effects on rumen digestibility and FA biohydrogenation.Fat lowered fermentation activity,probably because of an inhibitory effect on rumen microbiota.The increased ruminal digestibility of defatted insect meals suggests that they can be more suitable to be used in ruminant nutrition than full-fat ones.展开更多
The oral secretions of insect herbivores are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic solutes and enzymes that are deposited onto plant tissues during the feeding process.Some specific components of insect oral secre...The oral secretions of insect herbivores are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic solutes and enzymes that are deposited onto plant tissues during the feeding process.Some specific components of insect oral secretions have been shown to confer important functions in mediating plant–insect interactions at the molecular level.In this review,we examined the biochemical studies of insect oral secretions to summarize the current knowledge of their compositions.We then moved beyond the functional studies of components of oral secretions,and focused on the literature that pinpointed specific molecular targets of these compounds.Finally,we highlighted the investigations of oral secretion components in the context of insect physiology,which shed light on the potential evolutionary trajectory of these multi-functional molecules.展开更多
Background:The abundance of insects has decreased considerably during recent decades,resulting in current abundance showing 70-80%reductions in more than 15 studies across temperate climate zones.Dramatic reduc-tions ...Background:The abundance of insects has decreased considerably during recent decades,resulting in current abundance showing 70-80%reductions in more than 15 studies across temperate climate zones.Dramatic reduc-tions in the abundance of insects are likely to have consequences for other taxa at higher trophic levels such as preda-tors and parasites.Pesticides,fertilizers and agricultural land use are likely candidates accounting for such reductions in the abundance of insects.Methods:Here we surveyed the abundance of flying insects,and the reduction in the abundance of insects as a consequence of intensive reduction in agricultural practice linked to fertilizer use and pesticide use.Finally we dem-onstrated consistency in abundance of birds among study sites.Results:We demonstrated that the use of fertilizers and pesticides had reduced the abundance of insects,with consequences for the abundance of insectivorous bird species such as Barn Swallows(Hirundo rustica),House Martins(Delichon urbicum)and Swifts(Apus apus).Juvenile Barn Swallows were negatively affected by the reduced abundance of insects and hence the reproductive success of insectivorous bird species.These effects imply that the abundance of insects could be reduced by the availability of insect food.Conclusions:These effects of intensive agriculture on insect food abundance are likely to have negative impacts on populations of insects and their avian predators.This hypothesis was validated by a reduction in the abundance of insects,linked to an increase in the abundance of fertilizers and a general change in farming practice.展开更多
Insect-derived traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutes an essential component of TCM,with the earliest records found in“52 Bingfang”(Prescriptions of fifty-two diseases,which is one of the earliest Chinese medi...Insect-derived traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutes an essential component of TCM,with the earliest records found in“52 Bingfang”(Prescriptions of fifty-two diseases,which is one of the earliest Chinese medical prescriptions).展开更多
Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests....Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests. A trial was conducted during the 2020 and 2022 cropping seasons at the INRAN station in the Maradi region. A Fischer experimental design with 6 repetitions was used to compare 4 treatments: synthetic chemical pesticide;the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana;aqueous extracts of neem seeds, and control. Observations were carried out every three days. The cowpea pod-sucking bug, pod borer, and thrips were the main insect pests recorded. In terms of effectiveness, the synthetic pesticide was the best treatment. It reduced insect pest densities by 71.35% to 90.40% in 2020 and by 35.11% to 42.13% in 2022. Grain yields varied between treatments. Neem seed extract followed the synthetic pesticide and significantly reduced insect infestations in both years. The synthetic pesticide and neem seed extract resulted in yields 3 to 5 times higher than the control treatment in 2020. By contrast, B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract produced similar yields in 2022. Therefore, the results of this study showed that B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract have insecticidal potential and could be used as an ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.展开更多
Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is an economically important seed legume that helps combat food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel, particularly Niger. However, its yield remains low due to insect pest attacks...Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is an economically important seed legume that helps combat food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel, particularly Niger. However, its yield remains low due to insect pest attacks. This study was conducted at a station and in seven villages in the Maradi and Tahoua regions. It aimed to test the effectiveness of neem seed biopesticides [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] and sanitized human urine for integrated insect pest management. The cowpea variety UAM09 1055-6 was used for the experiments. The experimental trial was a Fisher block design consisting of five treatments: neem oil, neem seed extract (NSE), hygienized human urine (HHU), chemical pesticide, and a control, replicated five times at the station and twice in farmers’ environments. The study shows that Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål and Maruca vitrata Fabricius are the main insect pests. Plots treated with synthetic pesticides were the least infested by C. tomentosicollis. They were followed by neem seed extract and HHU treatments, which recorded an infestation level of 2.44 and 20.5 times lower than controls at the station and in farming environments. The density of thrips was 1.06 to 32.6 times lower in treated plots compared to controls. The proportion of pods damaged by M. vitrata was 1.95, 2.55, and 2.77 times lower in plots treated with HHU, NSE, and synthetic pesticide, respectively, compared to controls. Grain yields were 1.80 and 2.62 times higher in UHH and NSE treatments compared to control plots, both at the station and in farmers’ environments. A yield increase of 44.58% and 61.92% was noted for these treatments at the station and in farmers’ environments, respectively. These results may promote the dissemination of NSE and HHU biopesticide technologies in rural areas as an alternative method for integrated pest management of cowpeas.展开更多
Insects live in most places in the world,and there are billions of them.There are about 1.4 billion insects for every person on our planet!They are very important for nature.Bees and butterflies help plants grow by mo...Insects live in most places in the world,and there are billions of them.There are about 1.4 billion insects for every person on our planet!They are very important for nature.Bees and butterflies help plants grow by moving Dollen from one flower to another.Ants clean up by eating dead plants and animals.And butterflies are beautiful.They make us happy when we see them.Even though insects are small,they help keep the world healthy and full of life.展开更多
Chitin is an abundant natural biopolymer that plays a crucial role in insect growth and development as a fundamental structural component of the exoskeleton.The membrane-integralβ-glycosyltransferase,chitin synthase,...Chitin is an abundant natural biopolymer that plays a crucial role in insect growth and development as a fundamental structural component of the exoskeleton.The membrane-integralβ-glycosyltransferase,chitin synthase,has been identified as the central component in chitin biosynthesis.However,the precise roles of other proteins in facilitating chitin synthase in chitin biosynthesis remain unclear.In this study,we employed split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid(MYTH)and pull-down assays to demonstrate the physical interaction between Twinstar(Tsr),a small molecular protein in the actin-depolymerizing factor ADF/Cofilin protein family,and chitin synthase Krotzkopf verkehrt(Kkv)in Drosophila melanogaster in vitro.The RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated global knockdown of Tsr in D.melanogaster resulted in larval lethality.Furthermore,targeted suppression of Tsr in the tracheal and epidermal tissues also led to larval mortality,while knocking down Tsr in the wing tissues led to wrinkled wings.Additionally,silencing Tsr not only reduced the chitin content in the first longitudinal vein of the wings but also led to the absence of the chitin lamellar structure.To validate the functional conservation of Tsr in other insect orders,the two agricultural pests Ostrinia furnacalis and Tribolium castaneum,representing lepidoptera and coleoptera insects,respectively,were investigated.Knockdown experiments targeting the Drosophila Tsr orthologues OfTsr in O.furnacalis and TcTsr in T.castaneum produced abnormal larvae during molting or pupation in O.furnacalis and lethality in T.castaneum.Our findings not only improve ourknowledge of the chitin biosynthesis machinery in insect cuticles but also provide new potential targets for the control of major agricultural pests.展开更多
Micro aerial vehicles(MAVs)have flexibility and maneuverability,which can offer vast potential for applications in both civilian and military domains.Compared to Fixed-wing/Rotor-wing MAVs,Flapping Wing Micro Robots(F...Micro aerial vehicles(MAVs)have flexibility and maneuverability,which can offer vast potential for applications in both civilian and military domains.Compared to Fixed-wing/Rotor-wing MAVs,Flapping Wing Micro Robots(FWMRs)have garnered widespread attention among scientists due to their superior miniaturized aerodynamic theory,reduced noise,and enhanced resistance to disturbances in complex and diverse environments.Flying insects,it not only has remarkable flapping flight ability(wings),but also takeoff and landing habitat ability(legs).If the various functions of flying insects can be imitated,efficient biomimetic FWMRs can be produced.This paper provides a review of the flight kinematics,aerodynamics,and wing structural parameters of insects.Then,the traditional wings and folding wings of insect-inspired FWMRs were compared.The research progress in takeoff and landing of FWMRs was also summarized,and the future developments and challenges for insect-inspired FWMRs were discussed.展开更多
With the development of international trade and frequent personnel exchanges,biological invasion is showing a rapidly growing trend worldwide.Insects are ectothermic animals,so their geographical distribution is due l...With the development of international trade and frequent personnel exchanges,biological invasion is showing a rapidly growing trend worldwide.Insects are ectothermic animals,so their geographical distribution is due largely to their high and low temperature tolerances.To study the temperature response mechanisms of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean cryptic species(MED),miRNA-seq technology was used to unravel the miRNA library of B.tabaci MED in three field populations(TP,HB,and HK)from cities with different environmental temperatures.We identified 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in response to temperature stress,and Bta-miR-998 and Bta-miR-129 were shown to be associated with temperature tolerance.In addition,we predicted and verified the target genes associated with the temperature tolerance imparted by Bta-miR-998 and Bta-miR-129.The results showed that the down-regulated target gene of Bta-miR-129,BtMGAT3,significantly reduced the heat tolerance and another downregulated target gene,BtRGS7,affected the cold tolerance of B.tabaci MED.These results indicate that gene expression regulated by miRNAs is an important temperature response mechanism in B.tabaci MED.This study reveals the important regulatory role of miRNA in insect temperature adaptation and provides a new avenue for studying the regulation of insect gene expression by miRNA.展开更多
Tool use-once considered rare in insects-has been documented in a crafty predator.Researchers from China Agricultural University,and two institutions under the Chinese Academy of Sciences-the Xishuangbanna Tropical Bo...Tool use-once considered rare in insects-has been documented in a crafty predator.Researchers from China Agricultural University,and two institutions under the Chinese Academy of Sciences-the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden(XTBG)and the Institute of Zoology-revealed that the assassin bug Pahabengkakia piliceps weaponizes resin from stingless bee nests to trick its prey.展开更多
RNA interference(RNAi)has been used for agricultural insect pest control based on silencing of targeted insect genes.However,the effectiveness of RNAi and its applications in insect pest control remain challenging.Her...RNA interference(RNAi)has been used for agricultural insect pest control based on silencing of targeted insect genes.However,the effectiveness of RNAi and its applications in insect pest control remain challenging.Here we review factors that may affect the effectiveness of RNAi application,including the variability in RNAi efficacy among different insect species,a limited understanding of double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)uptake and systemic RNAi mechanisms,and the effective delivery of dsRNA in field conditions.Furthermore,we summarize recent progress in RNAi strategies for crop protection,discuss the advantages and disadvantages of RNAi-based insect control,and propose potential strategies to increase the effectiveness of RNAi in insect control.展开更多
Since its discovery in the 1980s,the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system(IC-BEVS)has been widely used in biomedical applications,such as recombinant protein expression,drug screening,vaccine development,g...Since its discovery in the 1980s,the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system(IC-BEVS)has been widely used in biomedical applications,such as recombinant protein expression,drug screening,vaccine development,gene therapy and so on[1].As a eukaryotic system,IC-BEVS has great development prospects due to its advantages such as high safety,simple operation,simultaneous expression of multi-subunit proteins,and suitability for large-scale cultivation[2].展开更多
Insects respond to changes in microhabitat caused by canopy disturbance, and thus can be used to examine the ecological impacts of harvesting. Single-tree selection harvesting is the most common silvicultural system u...Insects respond to changes in microhabitat caused by canopy disturbance, and thus can be used to examine the ecological impacts of harvesting. Single-tree selection harvesting is the most common silvicultural system used to emulate local small-scale natural disturbance and maintain uneven-aged forest structure in temperate forests. Here, we test for differences in richness, abundance, and composition of hymenopteran and saproxylic insect assemblages at four different taxon levels （selected insect orders; and all hymenopteran families, and braconid subfamilies and morphospecies） between the canopy and understory of unharvested and single-tree selection harvested sites in a northern temperate forest from central Canada. Harvesting had no effect on insect assemblage richness, composition or abundance at the three highest taxon levels （order, family and subfamily）. Similarly, richness and abundance at the lowest-taxon level （braconid morphospecies） were similar, although composition differed slightly between unharvested and harvested stands. Insect assemblages were vertically stratified, with generally higher abundance （for Diptera, Hymenoptera, some hymenopteran families and braconid subfamilies） and richness （for braconid morphospecies） in the understory than the canopy. In particular, composition of the braconid morphospecies assemblage showed relatively low similarity between the understory and canopy. Single-tree selection harvesting appears to influence wood-associated insect taxa only subtly through small changes in community composition at the lowest taxon level, and thus is recommended as a conservative approach for managing these northern temperate forests.展开更多
[Objective] The aim of the research was to analyze the resistance of binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca.[Method]In this experiment, resistance analysis of the stabilized binary insect-re...[Objective] The aim of the research was to analyze the resistance of binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca.[Method]In this experiment, resistance analysis of the stabilized binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca was conducted in lab and in field conditions.[Result] The results indicated that the leaves of insect-resistant transgenic soybeans T5-150 and T5-195 showed lighter damage than those of non-transgenic soybeans. Meanwhile, the Heliothis viriplaca larvae fed on leaves of these two transgenic soybeans were characterized by less leaf consumption, shortening survival day, slower development and less pupation.[Conclusion]It was concluded that insect-resistance of transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca was increased dramatically and the research provided a reference for selecting binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca.展开更多
Partially modified Bt Cry1Ac gene and the arrowhead proteinase inhibitor (API) gene were used to construct a plant transformation vector pBtiA and this construct was transferred into the genome of the hybrid popla...Partially modified Bt Cry1Ac gene and the arrowhead proteinase inhibitor (API) gene were used to construct a plant transformation vector pBtiA and this construct was transferred into the genome of the hybrid poplar 741 [ Populus alba L.×( P. davidiana Dode+ P. simonii Carr.)× P. tomentosa Carr.] by Agrobacterium _ mediated transformation. Ten kanamycin resistant plants have been regenerated. Upon insect bioassay using Clostera anachoreta (Fabricius), three of the examined plants were demonstrated to be highly resistant to the testing insects. The mortality of insect larvae on one plant was higher than 90% in 6 days after infestation and the growth of the survival larvae were seriously inhibited. Results of PCR and Southern blot analysis indicated that both Bt Cry1Ac gene and API gene were integrated as a single copy into the genomes of these three plants when Cry1Ac gene fragment was used as the probe. Protein dot blot immunoassay and ELISA analysis revealed that at least the Cry1Ac protein was produced in these three transgenic plants and the expression levels were estimated to be approximately 0.015% of the leaf total soluble protein. This is the first report on insect resistant transgenic hybrid poplar 741 that expresses two insecticidal protein genes.展开更多
Insects are a valuable biological resource on Earth,known for their high biodiversity,ease of cultivation,and large populations.In China,the utilization of insects has a long history and has produced significant econo...Insects are a valuable biological resource on Earth,known for their high biodiversity,ease of cultivation,and large populations.In China,the utilization of insects has a long history and has produced significant economic and social benefits.Insect products such as silkworms,silk,and bees are already familiar to the public and have continuously promoted the global economy.Recently,in some ethnic minority areas of China,insect industries have become the main source of fiscal revenue and an essential industrial support for rural revitalization.This has laid a strong foundation for research and development in the insect industry throughout China.It is urgent to utilize national resources to focus on strategic issues related to the high effective development of the insect industry.By gathering related resources for insect research,breakthroughs are expected in the discovery and development of innovative materials,drugs,and proteins based on insect resources.Such advancements will create significant value for human society.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua （Hbner）. [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK1...[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua （Hbner）. [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK12 and SGK321 were used to feed S. exigua neonates respectively. Survival larvae and dead ones were counted on the 3rd,the 7th,the 10th,the 16th and the 19th day; meanwhile,the pupae amount was recorded,and the pupae weight was measured at the 24th h after pupation. [Result] The survival curves,pupation rates and pupae weights of S. exigua feeding on different tissues of transgenic cotton were not significantly different from those of S. exigua feeding on the corresponding tissues of conventional cotton; pupation rate of S. exigua feeding on different leaves of the same cotton variety were not significantly different from each other,but all higher than that of S. exigua feeding on the flowers of that cotton; and there were no differences among pupation weights of S. exigua feeding on different leaves or flowers of the same cotton variety. [Conclusion] Transgenic cotton showed weak resistance to S. exigua. Hence,in the transgenic cotton fields,more attention should be paid to occurrence trend of S. exigua and its control.展开更多
文摘The story of a man in China who had to have his left eyeball removed because of an infection caused by him swatting an insect on his face has trended on social media.The man,surnamed Wu,from Shenzhen in the southern province of Guangdong,killed the fly that was buzzing around him after it landed on him,according to the report.
基金partially granted by the Hi-Ga project,which is part of the programme of the Green ERA-Hub that has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No.101056828self-financed by the DINAMIC team of the UMR Herbivores(INRAE,VetAgro Sup,Saint-Genès-Champanelle,France)。
文摘Background Insect meals have been identified as innovative and sustainable feedstuffs that could be used in ruminant nutrition.However,current research on the effects that their processing may have on rumen digestibility and fatty acid(FA)biohydrogenation is scant.This trial aims to investigate the effects(i)of drying temperature of fullfat Hermetia illucens(HI)and Tenebrio molitor(TM)meals,and(ii)of residual ether extract(EE)content of defatted HI and TM meals,on their fermentation characteristics and FA of rumen digesta after 24-h in vitro rumen incubation.Methods The tested full-fat meals included four HI and four TM meals obtained applying drying temperatures ranging from 30℃ to 70℃,while the tested defatted meals consisted of five HI and two TM meals containing a residual EE content ranging from 4.7 to 19.7 g EE/100 g dry matter(DM).The applied statistical models(GLM ANOVA)tested the effects of insect species,drying temperature(full-fat meals)or EE content(defatted meals),and their interaction.Results Drying temperature had minor effects on in vitro ruminal digestibility and FA profile of rumen digesta.Irrespective of insect species,increasing the drying temperature led to a reduction of in vitro degradation of proteins from insect meals,as outlined by the significant decrease in ammonia production(-0.009 mmol/g DM and-0.126 g/100 g total N for each additional 1℃).Irrespective of insect species,defatting increased total gas,volatile fatty acids(VFA)and CH_(4) productions,and the proportions of total saturated and branched-chain FA in rumen digesta(+0.038 mmol/g DM,+0.063 mmol/g DM,+12.9μmol/g DM,+0.18 g/100 g FA,and+0.19 g/100 g FA for each reduced 1 g EE/100 g DM,respectively),and reduced the proportion of total PUFA(-0.12 g/100 g FA).Conclusions The applied drying temperatures of full-fat insect meals are too low to exert impactful effects on rumen digestibility and FA biohydrogenation.Fat lowered fermentation activity,probably because of an inhibitory effect on rumen microbiota.The increased ruminal digestibility of defatted insect meals suggests that they can be more suitable to be used in ruminant nutrition than full-fat ones.
基金received financial support from the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program,China(KQTD20180411143628272)the special funds for Science Technology Innovation and Industrial Development of Shenzhen Dapeng New District,China(PT202101-02)。
文摘The oral secretions of insect herbivores are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic solutes and enzymes that are deposited onto plant tissues during the feeding process.Some specific components of insect oral secretions have been shown to confer important functions in mediating plant–insect interactions at the molecular level.In this review,we examined the biochemical studies of insect oral secretions to summarize the current knowledge of their compositions.We then moved beyond the functional studies of components of oral secretions,and focused on the literature that pinpointed specific molecular targets of these compounds.Finally,we highlighted the investigations of oral secretion components in the context of insect physiology,which shed light on the potential evolutionary trajectory of these multi-functional molecules.
基金supported by the Latvian Council of Science (grants lzp-2018/2-00057 and lzp-2020/2-0271)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 31772453 and 31970427)
文摘Background:The abundance of insects has decreased considerably during recent decades,resulting in current abundance showing 70-80%reductions in more than 15 studies across temperate climate zones.Dramatic reduc-tions in the abundance of insects are likely to have consequences for other taxa at higher trophic levels such as preda-tors and parasites.Pesticides,fertilizers and agricultural land use are likely candidates accounting for such reductions in the abundance of insects.Methods:Here we surveyed the abundance of flying insects,and the reduction in the abundance of insects as a consequence of intensive reduction in agricultural practice linked to fertilizer use and pesticide use.Finally we dem-onstrated consistency in abundance of birds among study sites.Results:We demonstrated that the use of fertilizers and pesticides had reduced the abundance of insects,with consequences for the abundance of insectivorous bird species such as Barn Swallows(Hirundo rustica),House Martins(Delichon urbicum)and Swifts(Apus apus).Juvenile Barn Swallows were negatively affected by the reduced abundance of insects and hence the reproductive success of insectivorous bird species.These effects imply that the abundance of insects could be reduced by the availability of insect food.Conclusions:These effects of intensive agriculture on insect food abundance are likely to have negative impacts on populations of insects and their avian predators.This hypothesis was validated by a reduction in the abundance of insects,linked to an increase in the abundance of fertilizers and a general change in farming practice.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:82222068,82070423,82270348,and 82173779)the Innovation Team and Talents Cultivation Pro-gram of National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,China(Grant No:ZYYCXTD-D-202206)+1 种基金Fujian Province Science and Technology Project,China(Grant Nos.:2021J01420479,2021J02058,2022J011374,and 2022J02057)Fundamental Research Funds for the Chinese Central Universities,China(Grant No.:20720230070).
文摘Insect-derived traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitutes an essential component of TCM,with the earliest records found in“52 Bingfang”(Prescriptions of fifty-two diseases,which is one of the earliest Chinese medical prescriptions).
文摘Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata L. Walp, is an important food grain legume in Niger facing production losses due to insect pests. This study aims to determine the efficiency of non-chemical methods for managing these pests. A trial was conducted during the 2020 and 2022 cropping seasons at the INRAN station in the Maradi region. A Fischer experimental design with 6 repetitions was used to compare 4 treatments: synthetic chemical pesticide;the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana;aqueous extracts of neem seeds, and control. Observations were carried out every three days. The cowpea pod-sucking bug, pod borer, and thrips were the main insect pests recorded. In terms of effectiveness, the synthetic pesticide was the best treatment. It reduced insect pest densities by 71.35% to 90.40% in 2020 and by 35.11% to 42.13% in 2022. Grain yields varied between treatments. Neem seed extract followed the synthetic pesticide and significantly reduced insect infestations in both years. The synthetic pesticide and neem seed extract resulted in yields 3 to 5 times higher than the control treatment in 2020. By contrast, B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract produced similar yields in 2022. Therefore, the results of this study showed that B. bassiana 115 and neem seed extract have insecticidal potential and could be used as an ecological alternative for managing cowpea insect pests in the Sahel.
文摘Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is an economically important seed legume that helps combat food and nutrition insecurity in the Sahel, particularly Niger. However, its yield remains low due to insect pest attacks. This study was conducted at a station and in seven villages in the Maradi and Tahoua regions. It aimed to test the effectiveness of neem seed biopesticides [Azadirachta indica A. Juss] and sanitized human urine for integrated insect pest management. The cowpea variety UAM09 1055-6 was used for the experiments. The experimental trial was a Fisher block design consisting of five treatments: neem oil, neem seed extract (NSE), hygienized human urine (HHU), chemical pesticide, and a control, replicated five times at the station and twice in farmers’ environments. The study shows that Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom, Clavigralla tomentosicollis Stål and Maruca vitrata Fabricius are the main insect pests. Plots treated with synthetic pesticides were the least infested by C. tomentosicollis. They were followed by neem seed extract and HHU treatments, which recorded an infestation level of 2.44 and 20.5 times lower than controls at the station and in farming environments. The density of thrips was 1.06 to 32.6 times lower in treated plots compared to controls. The proportion of pods damaged by M. vitrata was 1.95, 2.55, and 2.77 times lower in plots treated with HHU, NSE, and synthetic pesticide, respectively, compared to controls. Grain yields were 1.80 and 2.62 times higher in UHH and NSE treatments compared to control plots, both at the station and in farmers’ environments. A yield increase of 44.58% and 61.92% was noted for these treatments at the station and in farmers’ environments, respectively. These results may promote the dissemination of NSE and HHU biopesticide technologies in rural areas as an alternative method for integrated pest management of cowpeas.
文摘Insects live in most places in the world,and there are billions of them.There are about 1.4 billion insects for every person on our planet!They are very important for nature.Bees and butterflies help plants grow by moving Dollen from one flower to another.Ants clean up by eating dead plants and animals.And butterflies are beautiful.They make us happy when we see them.Even though insects are small,they help keep the world healthy and full of life.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32161133010)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1700200)+2 种基金the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-CSCB-202302)the Shenzhen Science and Technology Program,China(KQTD20180411143628272)the Special Funds for Science Technology Innovation and Industrial Development of Shenzhen Dapeng New District,China(PT202101-02).
文摘Chitin is an abundant natural biopolymer that plays a crucial role in insect growth and development as a fundamental structural component of the exoskeleton.The membrane-integralβ-glycosyltransferase,chitin synthase,has been identified as the central component in chitin biosynthesis.However,the precise roles of other proteins in facilitating chitin synthase in chitin biosynthesis remain unclear.In this study,we employed split-ubiquitin membrane yeast two-hybrid(MYTH)and pull-down assays to demonstrate the physical interaction between Twinstar(Tsr),a small molecular protein in the actin-depolymerizing factor ADF/Cofilin protein family,and chitin synthase Krotzkopf verkehrt(Kkv)in Drosophila melanogaster in vitro.The RNA interference(RNAi)-mediated global knockdown of Tsr in D.melanogaster resulted in larval lethality.Furthermore,targeted suppression of Tsr in the tracheal and epidermal tissues also led to larval mortality,while knocking down Tsr in the wing tissues led to wrinkled wings.Additionally,silencing Tsr not only reduced the chitin content in the first longitudinal vein of the wings but also led to the absence of the chitin lamellar structure.To validate the functional conservation of Tsr in other insect orders,the two agricultural pests Ostrinia furnacalis and Tribolium castaneum,representing lepidoptera and coleoptera insects,respectively,were investigated.Knockdown experiments targeting the Drosophila Tsr orthologues OfTsr in O.furnacalis and TcTsr in T.castaneum produced abnormal larvae during molting or pupation in O.furnacalis and lethality in T.castaneum.Our findings not only improve ourknowledge of the chitin biosynthesis machinery in insect cuticles but also provide new potential targets for the control of major agricultural pests.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant numbers 52305321 and 62273246)The Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20230496)+3 种基金China Postdoctoral Science Foundation Funded Project(2023M732536 and 2024T170630)Jiangsu Province Excellence Postdoctoral Program(2023ZB218)The National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFB4702202)The Jiangsu Provincial Key Technology R&D Program(BE2021009-02).
文摘Micro aerial vehicles(MAVs)have flexibility and maneuverability,which can offer vast potential for applications in both civilian and military domains.Compared to Fixed-wing/Rotor-wing MAVs,Flapping Wing Micro Robots(FWMRs)have garnered widespread attention among scientists due to their superior miniaturized aerodynamic theory,reduced noise,and enhanced resistance to disturbances in complex and diverse environments.Flying insects,it not only has remarkable flapping flight ability(wings),but also takeoff and landing habitat ability(legs).If the various functions of flying insects can be imitated,efficient biomimetic FWMRs can be produced.This paper provides a review of the flight kinematics,aerodynamics,and wing structural parameters of insects.Then,the traditional wings and folding wings of insect-inspired FWMRs were compared.The research progress in takeoff and landing of FWMRs was also summarized,and the future developments and challenges for insect-inspired FWMRs were discussed.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32072494)the Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province,China(202203021212165)the Shanxi Province Higher Education Technology Innovation Project,China(2022L363)。
文摘With the development of international trade and frequent personnel exchanges,biological invasion is showing a rapidly growing trend worldwide.Insects are ectothermic animals,so their geographical distribution is due largely to their high and low temperature tolerances.To study the temperature response mechanisms of Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean cryptic species(MED),miRNA-seq technology was used to unravel the miRNA library of B.tabaci MED in three field populations(TP,HB,and HK)from cities with different environmental temperatures.We identified 12 differentially expressed miRNAs in response to temperature stress,and Bta-miR-998 and Bta-miR-129 were shown to be associated with temperature tolerance.In addition,we predicted and verified the target genes associated with the temperature tolerance imparted by Bta-miR-998 and Bta-miR-129.The results showed that the down-regulated target gene of Bta-miR-129,BtMGAT3,significantly reduced the heat tolerance and another downregulated target gene,BtRGS7,affected the cold tolerance of B.tabaci MED.These results indicate that gene expression regulated by miRNAs is an important temperature response mechanism in B.tabaci MED.This study reveals the important regulatory role of miRNA in insect temperature adaptation and provides a new avenue for studying the regulation of insect gene expression by miRNA.
文摘Tool use-once considered rare in insects-has been documented in a crafty predator.Researchers from China Agricultural University,and two institutions under the Chinese Academy of Sciences-the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden(XTBG)and the Institute of Zoology-revealed that the assassin bug Pahabengkakia piliceps weaponizes resin from stingless bee nests to trick its prey.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32188102 to Lanqin Xia)Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars of Jiangxi province(20212ACB215001 to Xiudao Yu)+1 种基金supported by the China Scholarship Council(202303250062)the GSCAAS-ULg Joint PhD Program。
文摘RNA interference(RNAi)has been used for agricultural insect pest control based on silencing of targeted insect genes.However,the effectiveness of RNAi and its applications in insect pest control remain challenging.Here we review factors that may affect the effectiveness of RNAi application,including the variability in RNAi efficacy among different insect species,a limited understanding of double-stranded RNA(dsRNA)uptake and systemic RNAi mechanisms,and the effective delivery of dsRNA in field conditions.Furthermore,we summarize recent progress in RNAi strategies for crop protection,discuss the advantages and disadvantages of RNAi-based insect control,and propose potential strategies to increase the effectiveness of RNAi in insect control.
文摘Since its discovery in the 1980s,the insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system(IC-BEVS)has been widely used in biomedical applications,such as recombinant protein expression,drug screening,vaccine development,gene therapy and so on[1].As a eukaryotic system,IC-BEVS has great development prospects due to its advantages such as high safety,simple operation,simultaneous expression of multi-subunit proteins,and suitability for large-scale cultivation[2].
基金funded by the Richard Ivey Foundationthe Haliburton ForestWild Life Reserve
文摘Insects respond to changes in microhabitat caused by canopy disturbance, and thus can be used to examine the ecological impacts of harvesting. Single-tree selection harvesting is the most common silvicultural system used to emulate local small-scale natural disturbance and maintain uneven-aged forest structure in temperate forests. Here, we test for differences in richness, abundance, and composition of hymenopteran and saproxylic insect assemblages at four different taxon levels （selected insect orders; and all hymenopteran families, and braconid subfamilies and morphospecies） between the canopy and understory of unharvested and single-tree selection harvested sites in a northern temperate forest from central Canada. Harvesting had no effect on insect assemblage richness, composition or abundance at the three highest taxon levels （order, family and subfamily）. Similarly, richness and abundance at the lowest-taxon level （braconid morphospecies） were similar, although composition differed slightly between unharvested and harvested stands. Insect assemblages were vertically stratified, with generally higher abundance （for Diptera, Hymenoptera, some hymenopteran families and braconid subfamilies） and richness （for braconid morphospecies） in the understory than the canopy. In particular, composition of the braconid morphospecies assemblage showed relatively low similarity between the understory and canopy. Single-tree selection harvesting appears to influence wood-associated insect taxa only subtly through small changes in community composition at the lowest taxon level, and thus is recommended as a conservative approach for managing these northern temperate forests.
文摘[Objective] The aim of the research was to analyze the resistance of binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca.[Method]In this experiment, resistance analysis of the stabilized binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca was conducted in lab and in field conditions.[Result] The results indicated that the leaves of insect-resistant transgenic soybeans T5-150 and T5-195 showed lighter damage than those of non-transgenic soybeans. Meanwhile, the Heliothis viriplaca larvae fed on leaves of these two transgenic soybeans were characterized by less leaf consumption, shortening survival day, slower development and less pupation.[Conclusion]It was concluded that insect-resistance of transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca was increased dramatically and the research provided a reference for selecting binary insect-resistant transgenic soybean to Heliothis viriplaca.
基金ThePresidentialFoundationofTheChineseAcademyofSciences NaturalScienceFoundationofHebeiProvince China
文摘Partially modified Bt Cry1Ac gene and the arrowhead proteinase inhibitor (API) gene were used to construct a plant transformation vector pBtiA and this construct was transferred into the genome of the hybrid poplar 741 [ Populus alba L.×( P. davidiana Dode+ P. simonii Carr.)× P. tomentosa Carr.] by Agrobacterium _ mediated transformation. Ten kanamycin resistant plants have been regenerated. Upon insect bioassay using Clostera anachoreta (Fabricius), three of the examined plants were demonstrated to be highly resistant to the testing insects. The mortality of insect larvae on one plant was higher than 90% in 6 days after infestation and the growth of the survival larvae were seriously inhibited. Results of PCR and Southern blot analysis indicated that both Bt Cry1Ac gene and API gene were integrated as a single copy into the genomes of these three plants when Cry1Ac gene fragment was used as the probe. Protein dot blot immunoassay and ELISA analysis revealed that at least the Cry1Ac protein was produced in these three transgenic plants and the expression levels were estimated to be approximately 0.015% of the leaf total soluble protein. This is the first report on insect resistant transgenic hybrid poplar 741 that expresses two insecticidal protein genes.
基金This research is grateful for the financial support provided by the Fundamental Research Funds of the Chinese Academy of Forestry(CAFYBB2020QA003)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31772542).
文摘Insects are a valuable biological resource on Earth,known for their high biodiversity,ease of cultivation,and large populations.In China,the utilization of insects has a long history and has produced significant economic and social benefits.Insect products such as silkworms,silk,and bees are already familiar to the public and have continuously promoted the global economy.Recently,in some ethnic minority areas of China,insect industries have become the main source of fiscal revenue and an essential industrial support for rural revitalization.This has laid a strong foundation for research and development in the insect industry throughout China.It is urgent to utilize national resources to focus on strategic issues related to the high effective development of the insect industry.By gathering related resources for insect research,breakthroughs are expected in the discovery and development of innovative materials,drugs,and proteins based on insect resources.Such advancements will create significant value for human society.
基金Supported by National Transgenic Major Project ( Safe Monitoring Technique of Transgenic Organism 2008ZX08012-004)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to learn the resistance of different tissues and organs of transgenic cotton to Spodoptera exigua （Hbner）. [Method] Flowers,the 1st,the 3rd,the 6th and the 14th leaves from the top of 33B,GK12 and SGK321 were used to feed S. exigua neonates respectively. Survival larvae and dead ones were counted on the 3rd,the 7th,the 10th,the 16th and the 19th day; meanwhile,the pupae amount was recorded,and the pupae weight was measured at the 24th h after pupation. [Result] The survival curves,pupation rates and pupae weights of S. exigua feeding on different tissues of transgenic cotton were not significantly different from those of S. exigua feeding on the corresponding tissues of conventional cotton; pupation rate of S. exigua feeding on different leaves of the same cotton variety were not significantly different from each other,but all higher than that of S. exigua feeding on the flowers of that cotton; and there were no differences among pupation weights of S. exigua feeding on different leaves or flowers of the same cotton variety. [Conclusion] Transgenic cotton showed weak resistance to S. exigua. Hence,in the transgenic cotton fields,more attention should be paid to occurrence trend of S. exigua and its control.
