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The editorial discusses regenerative agriculture, a farming approach that aims to enhance biodiversity, soil health, and ecosystem services while producing nutritious food profitably. It highlights the potential of regenerative agriculture to address social inequity and improve the resilience of rural communities. The research presented in the editorial emphasizes the need for a clearer definition of regenerative agriculture and its societal benefits, as well as the importance of integrating multiple practices to promote biodiversity and sustainability in farming systems. The authors stress the transformative potential of regenerative agriculture in improving the socio-ecological benefits of farming, provided it is not coopted for other agendas. [Extracted from the article]

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]

This article discusses the need for more research on transformability in pest management, specifically focusing on the management of the fall armyworm. The authors argue that current practices heavily reliant on synthetic pesticides are unsustainable and contribute to environmental degradation. The study reveals a lack of research that promotes ecological intensification and reduces reliance on chemical inputs. The authors emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and transformative research to shift towards resilient and pest-suppressive farming systems. The document also provides a list of references that cover various topics related to insect prevalence, synthetic chemicals, global food systems, and ecological intensification. [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]

The natural sciences are receiving increasing attention in the Global South. This timely development may help mitigate global change and quicken an envisioned food system transformation. Yet in order to resolve complex issues such as agrochemical pollution, science ideally proceeds along suitable trajectories within appropriate institutional contexts. Here, we employ a systematic literature review to map the nature of inquiry and institutional context of pest management science in 65 low- and middle-income countries published from 2010 to 2020. Despite large inter-country variability, any given country generates an average of 5.9 publications per annum (range 0–45.9) and individual nations such as Brazil, Kenya, Benin, Vietnam, and Turkey engage extensively in regional cooperation. International development partners are prominent scientific actors in West Africa but are commonly outpaced by national institutions and foreign academia in other regions. Transnational institutions such as the CGIAR represent a 1.4-fold higher share of studies on host plant resistance but lag in public interest science disciplines such as biological control. Despite high levels of scientific abstraction, research conducted jointly with development partners shows real yet marginal improvements in incorporating the multiple (social–ecological) layers of the farming system. Added emphasis on integrative system-level approaches and agroecological or biodiversity-driven measures can extend the reach of science to unlock transformative change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islands offer exclusive prisms for an experimental investigation of biodiversity x ecosystem function interplay. Given that species in upper trophic layers, e.g., arthropod predators, experience a comparative disadvantage on small, isolated islands, such settings can help to clarify how predation features within biotic resistance equations. Here, we use observational and manipulative studies on a chain of nine Indonesian islands to quantify predator-mediated biotic resistance against the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) and the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Across island settings, a diverse set of generalist lacewing, spider and ladybeetle predators aggregates on P. manihoti infested plants, attaining max. (field-level) abundance levels of 1.0, 8.0 and 3.2 individuals per plant, respectively. Though biotic resistance—as imperfectly defined by a predator/prey ratio index—exhibits no inter-island differences, P. manihoti population regulation is primarily provided through an introduced monophagous parasitoid. Meanwhile, resident predators, such as soil-dwelling ants, inflict apparent mortality rates up to 100% for various S. frugiperda life stages, which translates into a 13- to 800-fold lower S. frugiperda survivorship on small versus large islands. While biotic resistance against S. frugiperda is ubiquitous along the island chain, its magnitude differs between island contexts, seasons and ecological realms, i.e., plant canopy vs. soil surface. Hence, under our experimental context, generalist predators determine biotic resistance and exert important levels of mortality even in biodiversity-poor settings. Given the rapid pace of biodiversity loss and alien species accumulation globally, their active conservation in farmland settings (e.g., through pesticide phasedown) is pivotal to ensuring the overall resilience of production ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial insects provide pollination and biological control in natural and manmade settings. Those ecosystem services (ES) are especially important for highvalue fruits and vegetables, including those grown under greenhouse conditions. The hoverfly Eupeodes corollae (Diptera: Syrphidae) delivers both ES, given that its larvae prey upon aphid pests and its adults pollinate crops. In this study, we investigated this dual role of E. corollae in three insect-pollinated and aphidaffected horticultural crops i.e., tomato, melon and strawberry within greenhouses in Hebei province (China). Augmentative releases of E. corollae increased fruit set and fruit weight of all three crops, and affected population dynamics of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae). On melon and strawberry, E. corollae suppressed A. gossypii populations by 54-99% and 50-70% respectively. In tomato, weekly releases of 240 E. corollae individuals/100 m²led to 95% fruit set. Meanwhile, releases of 160 hoverfly individuals per 100 m²led to 100% fruit set in melon. Also, at hoverfly/aphid release rates of 1:500 in spring and 1:150 in autumn, aphid populations were reduced by more than 95% on melon. Lastly, on strawberry, optimum levels of pollination and aphid biological control were attained at E. corollae release rates of 640 individuals/100 m². Overall, our work shows how augmentative releases of laboratory-reared hoverflies E. corollae can enhance yields of multiple horticultural crops while securing effective, non-chemical control of resident aphid pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coconut black-headed caterpillar (BHC), Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae) is an important herbivore of palm trees that originates in South Asia. Over the past decades, O. arenosella has spread to several countries in Eastern and Southeast Asia. BHC larval feeding can cause severe defoliation and occasional plant death, resulting in direct production losses (e.g., for coconut) while degrading the aesthetic value of urban and rural landscapes. In this review paper, we systematically cover taxonomy, bio-ecology, invasion history and current management of O. arenosella throughout Asia. Given that O. arenosella is routinely controlled with insecticides, we equally explore options for more sustainable management through agroecological and biodiversity-based tactics e.g., cultural control or biological control. Also, recent advances in chemical ecology have unlocked lucrative opportunities for volatilemediated monitoring, mating disruption and mass-trapping. Substantial progress has been made in augmentation biological control, with scheduled releases of laboratory-reared parasitoids lowering BHC infestation pressure up to 95%. Equally, resident ants provide 75-98% mortality of BHC egg masses within the palm canopy. Biological control has been effectively paired with sanitary measures and good agronomy (i.e., proper fertilization, irrigation), and promoted through participatory farmer training programs. Our comprehensive listing of non-chemical preventative and curative tactics offer bright prospects for a more environmentally-sound, biodiversity-driven mitigation of a palm pest of regional allure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Habitat management such as field- or farm-level diversification can conserve arthropod natural enemies, enhance biological pest control and lower (or suspend) insecticide use in agricultural crops. These approaches however have been underexploited to manage the aphid Aphis gossypii in cotton cropping systems of Xinjiang, China. In this study, we investigated whether the presence of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) at the field edge benefits generalist predator abundance and aphid biological control in local cotton crops. RESULTS: Field trials during 2020 and 2021 showed that licorice strips enhanced the in-field abundance of generalist predators (primarily ladybeetles) 2.2–4.3 fold during early season, i.e. initial growth before A. gossypii peak infestation pressure. During peak outbreak conditions in July, treatment fields with licorice strips experienced a respective 17.5–61.2% lowered aphid density and 12.3–14.6-fold higher predator-to-aphid abundance ratio (PAR) than control fields. In late season (aphid decline phase) of either year, cotton fields with licorice strips also attained a respective 4.7–9.9 fold higher PAR. Exclusion cage assays quantitatively assessed predator-mediated A. gossypii biological control and the relative contribution of licorice strips. The biocontrol services index (BSI) was 2.8 times (2020) and 1.4 times (2021) higher at 5 m distances from the licorice strip as compared to control fields. CONCLUSION: Licorice strips in the immediate vicinity of cotton fields benefit generalist arthropod predators and improve aphid biological control throughout the cotton cropping season. These findings help to integrate habitat management within integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks in the biggest cotton production region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: China is the world's second‐largest maize producer and consumer. In recent years, the invasive fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) has adversely affected maize productivity and compromised food security. To mitigate pest‐inflicted food shortages, China's Government issued biosafety certificates for two genetically modified (GM) Bt maize hybrids, Bt‐Cry1Ab DBN9936 and Bt‐Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj Ruifeng 125, in 2019. Here, we quantitatively assess the impact of both Bt maize hybrids on pest feeding damage, crop yield and food safety throughout China's maize belt. Without a need to resort to synthetic insecticides, Bt maize could mitigate lepidopteran pest pressure by 61.9–97.3%, avoid yield loss by 16.4–21.3% (range −11.9–99.2%) and lower mycotoxin contamination by 85.5–95.5% as compared to the prevailing non‐Bt hybrids. Yield loss avoidance varied considerably between experimental sites and years, as mediated by on‐site infestation pressure and pest identity. For either seed mixtures or block refuge arrangements, pest pressure was kept below established thresholds at 90% Bt maize coverage in Yunnan (where S. frugiperda was the dominant species) and 70% Bt maize coverage in other sites dominated by Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). Drawing on experiences from other crop/pest systems, Bt maize in se can provide area‐wide pest management and thus, contribute to a progressive phase‐down of chemical pesticide use. Hence, when consciously paired with agroecological and biodiversity‐based measures, GM insecticidal crops can ensure food and nutrition security, contribute to the sustainable intensification of China's agriculture and reduce food systems' environmental footprint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Natural habitats are essential providers of biological conservation services. The crucial role of the Gobi Desert, a dominant landscape of desert-oasis ecosystems in natural predator conservation is poorly understood, especially in southern Xinjiang, China's Tarim Basin, where the Gobi Desert is directly adjacent to farmland and characterized by extremely sparse vegetation and more severe climatic conditions. In this context, we investigated the floral composition of the Gobi Desert and gauged the identity, relative abundance, and temporal dynamics of predatory insects associated with the prevailing plant species. We also explored whether certain plant traits and herbivore abundance are related to either natural enemy identity or relative abundance. Our results demonstrate that perennial flowering plants, such as Apocynum pictum (Apocynaceae), Phragmites communis (Poaceae), Karelinia caspia (Asteraceae), and Tamarix ramosissima (Tamaricaceae), are the dominant species of vegetation community in the Gobi Desert, and could sustain diversified arthropod predators, i.e., ladybeetles, spiders, and other natural enemies. This work not only informs sustainable pest management initiatives, but also shows how non-crop habitats at the periphery of agricultural fields underpin ecological resilience under adverse climatic conditions. Natural habitats play crucial roles in biodiversity conservation and shape the delivery of ecosystem services in farming landscapes. By providing diverse resources to foraging natural enemies, they can equally enhance biological pest control. In this study, we described the plant community and foliage-dwelling invertebrate predators within non-crop habitats of the Gobi Desert oases in southern Xinjiang, China. We assessed whether plant-related variables (i.e., species identity, flowering status) and herbivore abundance affect natural enemy identity and abundance. A total of 18 plant species belonging to 18 genera and 10 families were commonly encountered, with Apocynum pictum (Apocynaceae), Phragmites communis (Poaceae), Karelinia caspia (Asteraceae), and Tamarix ramosissima (Tamaricaceae) as the dominant species. Certain plant species (P. communis) primarily provide shelter, while others offer (floral, non-floral) food resources or alternative prey. Predatory ladybeetles and spiders were routinely associated with these plants and foraged extensively within adjacent field crops. Plant traits and herbivore abundance explained up to 44% (3%–44%) variation in natural enemy community and exhibited consistent, year-round effects. Among all plant species, A. pictum consistently had a significantly higher abundance of resident natural enemies, except for August 2019. Our study underlines how perennial flowering plants, such as A. pictum, are essential to sustain natural enemy communities and related ecosystem services in arid settings. This work not only informs sustainable pest management initiatives but also shows how non-crop habitats at the periphery of agricultural fields underpin ecological resilience under adverse climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: As poikilotherms, insects are sensitive to ambient environmental conditions; therefore, it is important to gauge how heat stress affects their survival and fitness. The ladybeetles Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and Propylaea quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus) are key natural enemies within cotton fields in Xinjiang Province, China. This study investigated the effects of different temperatures (i.e., 32, 35, and 38 °C) on the survival, reproduction, predation, and antioxidant capacity of adult ladybugs. Laboratory assays showed that elevated temperatures (i.e., 35 and 38 °C) impacted P. quatuordecimpunctata survival and reproduction to a greater extent than that of H. variegata. At all experimental temperatures, H. variegata's predation rate on aphid prey surpassed that of P. quatuordecimpunctata. Yet, prey consumption rates of H. variegata were highest at 35 °C, while those of P. quatuordecimpunctata gradually decreased with higher temperatures. Lastly, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidases (POD), glutathione-s-transferases (GSTs), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and protein content in both ladybugs were significantly affected by ambient temperature. By assessing the thermal biology of individual ladybug species, laboratory assays can thus explain their spatiotemporal distribution and inform strategies to enhance biological control under conditions of global warming or extreme weather events. In cotton-growing regions of northwestern China, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) and Propylaea quatuordecimpunctata (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are key natural enemies of hemipteran pests. As only H. variegata can be encountered in hot, arid production areas, the thermal responses and climatic adaptability of both species likely differ substantially. In this study, we assessed the survival, longevity, fecundity, prey consumption rate, and antioxidant capacity of both species under laboratory conditions at 32–38 °C. The (negative) impacts of elevated temperatures (i.e., 35 and 38 °C) on adult survival and reproduction were more pronounced for P. quatuordecimpunctata than for H. variegata. Similarly, high temperatures exhibited the strongest negative impacts on the prey consumption rates of P. quatuordecimpunctata. At elevated temperatures, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity increased, while glutathione-S-transferases activity decreased for both species. However, for P. quatuordecimpunctata, peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity progressively declined. Antioxidant responses thus constitute a key physiological adaptation of ladybugs to heat stress, reflecting a superior thermal tolerance of H. variegata. Our work emphasizes how laboratory assays can explain spatiotemporal distribution patterns of individual ladybugs and inform strategies to bolster their ensuing biological control under conditions of global warming or extreme weather events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Genetically‐modified crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins have been widely cultivated, permitting an effective non‐chemical control of major agricultural pests. While their establishment can enable an area‐wide suppression of polyphagous herbivores, no information is available on the impact of Bt crop abandonment in entire landscape matrices. Here, we detail a resurgence of the cosmopolitan bollworm Helicoverpa armigera following a contraction of Bt cotton area in dynamic agro‐landscapes over 2007–2019 in North China Plain. An 80% reduction in Bt cotton was mirrored in a 1.9‐fold increase of ambient H. armigera population levels, culminating in 1.5–2.1‐fold higher yield loss and a 2.0–4.4‐fold increase in pesticide use frequency in non‐Bt crops (i.e. maize, peanut, soybean). Our work unveils the fate of herbivorous insect populations following a progressive dis‐use of insecticidal crop cultivars, and hints at how tactically deployed Bt crops could be paired with agro‐ecological measures to mitigate the environmental footprint of crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use change and agricultural intensification concurrently impact natural enemy (e.g., parasitoid) communities and their associated ecosystem services (ESs), i.e., biological pest control. However, the extent to which (on-farm) parasitoid diversity and food webs mediate landscape-level influences on biological control remains poorly understood. Here, drawing upon a 3-year study of quantitative parasitoid-hyperparasitoid trophic networks from 25 different agro-landscapes, we assess the cascading effects of landscape composition, species diversity and trophic network structure on ecosystem functionality (i.e., parasitism, hyperparasitism). Path analysis further reveals cascaded effects leading to biological control of a resident crop pest, i.e., Aphis gossypii. Functionality is dictated by (hyper)parasitoid diversity, with its effects modulated by food web generality and vulnerability. Non-crop habitat cover directly benefits biological control, whereas secondary crop cover indirectly lowers hyperparasitism. Our work underscores a need to simultaneously account for on-farm biodiversity and trophic interactions when investigating ESs within dynamic agro-landscapes. Yang, Liu, Zhu et al. analyzed a dataset of 3-year parasitoid-hyperparasitoid trophic networks from 25 different agro-landscapes. Using path analysis, they uncover how species diversity and food web structure shape ecosystem functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anthropocene is characterised by pervasive human‐inflicted impacts on a broad range of biota, including insects. In 2019, we reviewed scientific literature quantifying the prevalence and magnitude of insect declines in recent time. Here, drawing upon 40 additional long‐term studies, we add evidence that is consistent with our earlier review and some other reviews on the fate of insect populations globally. New data for Greenland, northern Africa, South America, eastern Asia and Australia complement studies from Europe and North America. Temporal trends in insect populations are now derived from 100 long‐term studies and refer mainly to the past three or four decades (median 33 years). Data from the 10 major insect taxonomic orders indicate that an average 37% of species are declining in numbers, while populations of 18% species are increasing; the latter taxa mainly involve agricultural herbivores and nuisance pests. Population changes are more pronounced among aquatic insect communities, where 42% of species are declining and 29% increasing. Such changes result in a decrease in biomass across taxa, except for Heteroptera. Changes in species richness and diversity indices are inconsistent and do not reflect intraspecific population changes over time. These trends are observed irrespective of taxon, geography or methodological approach, although a lack of long‐term monitoring records prevents a proper assessment for tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The plant bug Lygus pratensis Linnaeus is a widely distributed polyphagous herbivore that increasingly attains outbreak population levels on cotton in northwestern China. Although the sex pheromone of L. pratensis from the United Kingdom has been identified as hexyl butyrate, (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal, at a ratio of 100:25:24, this volatile blend does not prove attractive to Chinese field populations. RESULTS: In this study, we identified and optimized the sex pheromone of L. pratensis strains from northwestern China. In coupled gas chromatography and electro‐antennogram detection (GC–EAD) assays, three compounds within whole‐body extracts of virgin L. pratensis females elicited antennal responses: hexyl butyrate, (E)‐2‐hexenyl butyrate and (E)‐4‐oxo‐2‐hexenal. In field trials, a 20:1:30 ratio blend was the most attractive to L. pratensis males. CONCLUSION: Traps baited with this synthetic pheromone blend present considerable advantages over traditional sweep‐net sampling for L. pratensis population monitoring. It can readily be incorporated into monitoring schemes and integrated pest management packages. [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]

Many lepidopteran species rely upon active flight to migrate over long distances, thus pursuing ephemeral resources, colonizing new habitats, or escaping adverse meteorological conditions. Though their biology and ecology are often well studied, there is only scant information on their wingbeat frequency (WBF), a key aerodynamic determinant of insect flight. In this study, we assessed interspecific and seasonal variability in WBF for 85 different migratory species of Lepidoptera (11 families) under the laboratory conditions of 25 ± 1°C and 75 ± 5% RH. WBF of migrant individuals ranged between 6.7 and 84.5 Hz and substantial interspecific differences were recorded, with members of the Bombycidae exhibiting the highest mean WBFs (i.e. 55.1 ± 1.0 Hz) and Saturniidae the lowest (8.5 ± 0.2 Hz). At a species level, seasonal variation was observed in WBF for Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Scotogramma trifolii Rottemberg (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Our findings add to the scientific knowledge on flight biology of migratory insects, facilitate (automatic) monitoring and population forecasting, and can have broader implications for insect pest management or biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]