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The article in Entomologia Generalis calls for system-level integrated studies to enhance the adoption of 'green' Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tactics. It highlights the need for a more holistic and modern approach to IPM science, emphasizing the complexity of sustainable crop protection strategies. The authors propose a new theoretical framework, the Multidimensional Management of Multiple Pests (3MP), to improve the integration of various pest control tactics across multiple pests, promoting a holistic approach that considers systems thinking and multi-trophic interactions. The article underscores the importance of conducting interactive studies under real-world conditions to better understand how different IPM strategies can synergistically target multiple pests in agricultural systems. [Extracted from the article]

Plant-herbivore interactions dominate food web links in terrestrial settings, thereby shaping ecosystem structure and functioning. Within a given plant, both primary and secondary metabolites mediate the interplay between above- and below-ground herbivores. Here, we investigate how root feeding by larvae of the turnip moth Agrotis segetum (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) affects development and feeding behavior of an above-ground sap-feeder i.e., the large cotton aphid Acyrthosiphon gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on cotton. We further draw upon transcriptomics, metabolomics and in-vitro bioassays to elucidate how plant metabolites mediate these interactions. Root feeding reduces A. gossypii adult survival and fecundity by 35.1%. Aphids on A. segetum-infested cotton spend 7% longer probing cells than on un-infested plants. Root and stem herbivory by A. segetum larvae alters gene transcripts and metabolites in leaves, inducing biosynthesis of three flavonoids i.e., dihydromyricetin, phloridzin and dihydroquercetin. In-vitro bioassays show that the latter two compounds markedly decrease A. gossypii adult survival and fecundity. Below-ground herbivory thus elicits biosynthesis and systemic translocation of phloridzin and dihydroquercetin, with antagonistic effects on above-ground sap-feeders. Our study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of herbivore-triggered plant defenses in cotton and reveals the interplay between herbivore guilds across ecological realms. We discuss the implications of these findings for pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The integrated use of plant-derived volatile attractants and synthetic insecticides in attract-and-kill programs could provide a basis for selective and environmentally-acceptable pest management strategies with applicability for use against multiple pests. Ryanoid insecticide, chlorantraniliprole, has been found to present a potential for use in attract-and-kill strategies against the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, however lethal and sublethal effects on the adults have not been investigated yet. Results: Laboratory trials showed how chlorantraniliprole was active against H. armigera adults, with respective lethal concentration LC20 and LC50 values of 0.010 and 0.036 mg L-1. Following exposure to a low lethal concentration (LC20) and LC50, mating rate, fecundity and longevity of both H. armigera sexes were substantially reduced. Egg hatching was lowered 2- and 5-fold in LC20- and LC50-treated H. armigera pairs, respectively. When exposed to LC50 of chlorantraniliprole, the net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) were reduced when compared to control treatments. Significantly lower effects were observed on the subsequent development and growth of H. armigera in subsequent generations. Following adult exposure to the two concentrations tested, no effects were observed on detoxification enzymes i.e., carboxyl esterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) or mixed function oxidase (MFOs). Conclusions: Chlorantraniliprole concentrations could lower H. armigera adult survival and reproduction, and the LC50 showed high potential for being used to control H. armigera through attract-and-kill schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]