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BACKGROUND: Gut bacteria are crucial in influencing insect development and even phenotypic plasticity. The yellow peach moth Conogethes punctiferalis, as a significant borer pest, has been the subject of limited reports regarding the structural and diversification changes in its gut microbiota during feeding, and their potential impacts on the growth and development of the host insects. RESULTS: This study, employing 16S rRNA sequencing, demonstrates distinct shifts in the larvae gut microbiome of C. punctiferalis between different feeding stages, highlighting a pronounced diversity in the early‐instar with Enterococcus as a predominant genus in laboratory populations. Through in vitro cultivation and sequencing, three bacterial strains – Micrococcus sp., Brevibacterium sp. and Enterococcus mundtii – were isolated and characterized. Bioassays revealed that E. mundtii‐infused corn significantly boosts early‐instar larval growth, enhancing both body length and weight. Quantitative PCR and spectrophotometry confirmed a higher abundance of E. mundtii in younger larvae, correlating with increased digestive enzyme activity and total protein levels. CONCLUSION: This study reveals the heightened gut microbiota diversity in early instars of C. punctiferalis larvae, highlighting that Enterococcus represent a predominant bacteria in laboratory populations. In vitro cultivation and bioassays unequivocally demonstrate the significant role of the cultivable gut bacteria E. mundtii in promoting the growth of early‐instar larva. These findings provide a solid theoretical foundation for advancing the comprehension of the intricate interactions between gut microbiota and insect hosts, as well as for the development of eco‐friendly pest control technologies based on targeted manipulation of insect gut microbial communities. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The shoot and fruit borer, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera), is a significant pest causing substantial economic losses across various crops. The need for alternative control methods has prompted the exploration of biological control using entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria. In this study, the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana , Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) against C. punctiferalis larvae and pupae was assessed through laboratory bioassays. Results Various concentrations of B. bassiana and M. rileyi spores, i.e. 1 × 102, 1 × 104, 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 spores/ml, were tested alongside controls. Additionally, five strains of Bt (IIOR Bt-145, Bt-154, Bt-171, Bt-172 and Bt-127) were evaluated at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/ml. The LC50 values for B. bassiana and M. rileyi were 7.9 × 105 spores/ml and 8.7 × 104 spores/ml, respectively, after 4 and 6 days of post-treatment using the spray method. In the larval dip method, the LC50 values were 4.8 × 103 spores/ml for B. bassiana and 2.0 × 104 spores/ml for M. rileyi after 5 and 6 days of treatment, respectively. For pupae, the LC50 values were 1.2 × 106 spores/ml for B. bassiana and 4.3 × 104 spores/ml for M. rileyi after 4 and 7 days of treatment, respectively. Similarly, the five strains of Bt were effective against C. punctiferalis. However, Bt-154 demonstrated the highest efficacy, with LC50 values of 0.66 mg/ml in the spray method and 0.79 mg/ml in the larval dip method after 5 days of post-treatment. Conclusion The potential of entomopathogenic isolates as biocontrol agents against C. punctiferalis provided a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides in pest management. The efficacy of B. bassiana, M. rileyi and Bt strains suggests their suitability for integrated pest management strategies, potentially reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizing the environmental impacts. Further field studies are warranted to validate the efficacy and practicality of these biocontrol agents in real-world agricultural settings.

Conogethes punctiferalis is a crop and fruit pest that has caused serious economic losses to agricultural production. This pest relies heavily on its sex pheromone to ensure sexual encounters and subsequent mating success. However, the molecular mechanism underlying sex pheromone biosynthesis in this species remains elusive. The present study investigated the detailed mechanism underlying PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis in C. punctiferalis by transcriptome sequencing of the C. punctiferalis pheromone glands (PGs) and subsequent functional identification of the target genes. The results showed that female mating started from the first scotophase, and peaked at the second to fifth scotophases in accordance with the release of sex pheromones. PBAN regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis by employing Ca2+ and cAMP as secondary messengers, as demonstrated by RNA interference (RNAi), pharmacological inhibitors, and behavioral assays. Further investigation revealed that calcineurin (CaN) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were activated by PBAN/Ca2+ signaling, and the RNAi-mediated knockdown of CaN and ACC transcripts significantly reduced sex pheromone production, ultimately leading to a significantly reduced ability of females to attract males. Importantly, hexokinase (HK) was found to regulate sex pheromone biosynthesis in response to the PBAN/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, as demonstrated by RNAi, enzyme activity, and pharmacological inhibitor assays. Furthermore, Far2 and Desaturase1 were found to participate in PBAN-regulated sex pheromone biosynthesis. Altogether, our findings revealed that PBAN regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis through the PBANR/Ca2+/CaN/ACC and PBANR/cAMP/PKA/HK pathways in C. punctiferalis, which enriches our comprehension of the details of sex pheromone biosynthesis in moths.

Background: The shoot and fruit borer, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Crambidae: Lepidoptera), is a significant pest causing substantial economic losses across various crops. The need for alternative control methods has prompted the exploration of biological control using entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria. In this study, the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium (Nomuraea) rileyi and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) against C. punctiferalis larvae and pupae was assessed through laboratory bioassays. Results: Various concentrations of B. bassiana and M. rileyi spores, i.e. 1 × 102, 1 × 104, 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 spores/ml, were tested alongside controls. Additionally, five strains of Bt (IIOR Bt-145, Bt-154, Bt-171, Bt-172 and Bt-127) were evaluated at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mg/ml. The LC50 values for B. bassiana and M. rileyi were 7.9 × 105 spores/ml and 8.7 × 104 spores/ml, respectively, after 4 and 6 days of post-treatment using the spray method. In the larval dip method, the LC50 values were 4.8 × 103 spores/ml for B. bassiana and 2.0 × 104 spores/ml for M. rileyi after 5 and 6 days of treatment, respectively. For pupae, the LC50 values were 1.2 × 106 spores/ml for B. bassiana and 4.3 × 104 spores/ml for M. rileyi after 4 and 7 days of treatment, respectively. Similarly, the five strains of Bt were effective against C. punctiferalis. However, Bt-154 demonstrated the highest efficacy, with LC50 values of 0.66 mg/ml in the spray method and 0.79 mg/ml in the larval dip method after 5 days of post-treatment. Conclusion: The potential of entomopathogenic isolates as biocontrol agents against C. punctiferalis provided a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides in pest management. The efficacy of B. bassiana, M. rileyi and Bt strains suggests their suitability for integrated pest management strategies, potentially reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizing the environmental impacts. Further field studies are warranted to validate the efficacy and practicality of these biocontrol agents in real-world agricultural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The study assessed a pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) for the control of Conogethes punctiferalis in Korean chestnut orchards. Over two years, field trials showed that MD effectively reduced male C. punctiferalis numbers, with male catch inhibition (MCI) ranging from 70.5% to 95.1%. MD treatments, including single-dosage (TS) and double-concentration (TD) or two-application (TT) methods, significantly reduced fruit damage. In 2022, TS achieved 63.9–73.6% efficacy, while in 2023, TD and TT showed variable but notable reductions in pest numbers and fruit damage. The study confirms the MD's efficacy in mitigating C. punctiferalis damage in chestnut orchards, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly pest management strategy in agroforestry systems. Chestnuts (Castanea crenata Siebold and Zucc.) are one of the major agroforestry products in Korea, and Conogethes punctiferalis is a major pest of the chestnut fruit. Pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce population levels and ultimately mitigate fruit damage. Field trials were conducted over two years (2022–2023) in two commercial chestnut orchards in Central Korea that were infested with C. punctiferalis. Compared with the control treatment, the MD treatment effectively reduced the number of male C. punctiferalis captured in the MD treatment plots. Male catch inhibition (MCI) rates ranged from 70.5% to 82.7% in 2022 and from 87.8% to 95.1% in 2023. The MD efficacy (%) was calculated based on the total number of chestnut fruits collected and the number of fruits damaged by C. punctiferalis. In 2022, the MD efficacy of the single-dosage treatment (TS, 50 g/ha) was 63.9% in Orchard A and 73.6% in Orchard B. In 2023, the MD efficacies of the double-dosage treatment (TD, 100 g/ha) and the two-application treatment (TT, 50 g/ha in June and August) were 60.2% and 77.9% in Orchard A and 50.9% and 64.8% in Orchard B, respectively. This study confirms the efficacy of pheromone-based MD in reducing the C. punctiferalis numbers in chestnut orchards and damage to chestnut fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chestnuts (Castanea crenata Siebold and Zucc.) are one of the major agroforestry products in Korea, and Conogethes punctiferalis is a major pest of the chestnut fruit. Pheromone-based mating disruption (MD) has emerged as a promising eco-friendly approach to reduce population levels and ultimately mitigate fruit damage. Field trials were conducted over two years (2022–2023) in two commercial chestnut orchards in Central Korea that were infested with C. punctiferalis. Compared with the control treatment, the MD treatment effectively reduced the number of male C. punctiferalis captured in the MD treatment plots. Male catch inhibition (MCI) rates ranged from 70.5% to 82.7% in 2022 and from 87.8% to 95.1% in 2023. The MD efficacy (%) was calculated based on the total number of chestnut fruits collected and the number of fruits damaged by C. punctiferalis. In 2022, the MD efficacy of the single-dosage treatment (TS, 50 g/ha) was 63.9% in Orchard A and 73.6% in Orchard B. In 2023, the MD efficacies of the double-dosage treatment (TD, 100 g/ha) and the two-application treatment (TT, 50 g/ha in June and August) were 60.2% and 77.9% in Orchard A and 50.9% and 64.8% in Orchard B, respectively. This study confirms the efficacy of pheromone-based MD in reducing the C. punctiferalis numbers in chestnut orchards and damage to chestnut fruits.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the roles of two com borers, Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostriniafurnacalis and yellow peach moth (YPM), Conogethes punctiferalis, in Fusarium verticillioides infection using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker. Effects of insect injury, manual injury, and insecticide application on fumonisin production also were assessed. In this study, third instars of ACB and YPM significantly increased GFP-tagged F. verticillioides infection compared with the control, regardless of the fungal inoculation method. Besides acquiring F. verticillioides spores from leaf surfaces and transmitting them to ears, larvae of the ACB and YPM also injure maize ears, which allows F. verticillioides from leaves or silk to infect ears more easily. This suggests that ACB and YPM larvae are vectors of F. verticillioides, which can increase the occurrence of ear rot. Manual injuries significantly increased GFP-tagged F. verticillioides infection of ears, while effective insect control significantly reduced F. verticillioides infection of ears. Insecticide control of borers also significantly reduced fumonisin content in kernels. Larval infestations significantly increased fumonisins in kernels to levels higher than or very close to the European Union threshold (4,000 pg kg-1). Significant and high correlations among corn borer attack, F. verticillioides severity, and kernel fumonisin levels were discovered, confirming the important role of ACB and YPM activity in F. verticillioides infection and kernel fumonisin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Insect cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genes play important roles in the detoxification and metabolism of xenobiotics, such as plant allelochemicals, mycotoxins and pesticides. The polyphagous Conogethes punctiferalis is a serious economic pest of fruit trees and agricultural crops, and it shows high adaptability to different living environments. Methods: The two novel P450 genes CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 were identified and characterized. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) technology was used to study the expression patterns of the two target genes in different larval developmental stages and tissues of C. punctiferalis. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to study the potential functions of the two P450 genes by treating RNAi-silenced larvae with three commonly used pesticides. Results: The CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 genes were expressed throughout various C. punctiferalis larval stages and in different tissues. Their expression levels increased along with larval development, and expression levels of the two target genes in the midgut were significantly higher than in other tissues. The toxicity bioassay results showed that the LC50 values of chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin on C. punctiferalis larvae were 0.2028 µg/g, 0.0683 µg/g and 0.6110 mg/L, respectively. After treating with different concentrations of chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin (LC10, LC30, LC50), independently, the relative expressions of the two genes CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 were significantly induced. After the dsRNA injection, the expression profiles of the two CYP genes were reduced 72.91% and 70.94%, respectively, and the mortality rates of the larvae significantly increased when treated with the three insecticides independently at LC10 values. Discussion: In the summary, after interfering with the CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 in C. punctiferalis, respectively, the sensitivity of C. punctiferalis to chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin was significantly increased, indicating that the two CYP6 genes were responsible for the adaptability of C. punctiferalis to the three chemical insecticides in C. punctiferalis. The results from this study demonstrated that CYP6CV1 and CYP6AB51 in C. punctiferalis play crucial roles in the detoxification of chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate and lambda-cyhalothrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Conogethes pinicolalis has been thought as a Pinaceae-feeding variant of the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis. The divergence of C. pinicolalis from the fruit-feeding moth C. punctiferalis has been reported in terms of morphology, ecology, and genetics, however there is a lack of detailed molecular data. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the divergence of C. pinicolalis from C. punctiferalis from the aspects of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics. Results The expression of 74,611 mRNA in transcriptome, 142 proteins in proteome and 218 metabolites in metabolome presented significantly differences between the two species, while the KEGG results showed the data were mainly closely related to metabolism and redox. Moreover, based on integrating system-omics data, we found that the α-amylase and CYP6AE76 genes were mutated between the two species. Mutations in the α-amylase and CYP6AE76 genes may influence the efficiency of enzyme preference for a certain substrate, resulting in differences in metabolic or detoxifying ability in both species. The qPCR and enzyme activity test also confirmed the relevant gene expression. Conclusions These findings of two related species and integrated networks provide beneficial information for further exploring the divergence in specific genes, metabolism, and redox mechanism. Most importantly, it will give novel insight on species adaptation to various diets, such as from monophagous to polyphagous.

Recently, insufficient attractiveness of Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée adult males to sex pheromone, (E)-10-hexadecenal and (Z)-10-hexadecenal, has been reported. To identify the other essential components of sex pheromone, male and female body extracts were analyzed. Two hydrocarbon components, (Z)-9-heptacosene (Z9–27:HC) and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene (Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC), were identified from only female body extract. There was a significant difference in the electroantennogram (EAG) response of male antennae to Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC and Z9–27:HC at all test concentrations compared to the response to the hexane control. In field attraction testing, the addition of Z9–27:HC and Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC to binary aldehyde pheromones significantly increased trap catches of C. punctiferalis male adults. Based on the female and male body extract analysis and field attraction test, Z9-27:HC and Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC were determined to be other essential sex pheromone components of the Korean C. punctiferalis population. No significant difference was observed in the number of male captures between the bucket trap and delta trap. Pheromone traps with a color close to yellow shade attracted more male adults than traps with a color close to blue shade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionPlant-associated microbes critically shape the dynamics of plant-and insect-associated communities. In previous studies, we reported that the yellow peach moth Conogethes punctiferalis (YPM) preferred to Penicillium digitatum-infected apples (PDA) for oviposition. However, the underlying mechanisms remains unclear.MethodsIn the present study, the behavioral and physiological experiments were conducted to determine how P. digitatum affects the oviposition selection of mated YPM females via altering host plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs).ResultsMated YPM females were attracted to and laid more eggs on PDA than on non-infected apples (NIA), mechanically damaged apples (MDA), and P. digitatum in potato dextrose agar medium (PPD) in the oviposition selection experiments. Four-arm olfactometer assays further confirmed that odors in PDA were responsible for the attractiveness of mated YPM females. Further analyses showed that 38 VOCs were collected and identified from all treatments by GC-MS, with five specific VOCs (methyl 2-methylbutyrate, styrene, methyl caproate, butyl caprylate, and n-tetradecane) emitting from PDA. A principal component analysis (PCA) based on the absolute contents of 38 VOCs revealed a clear separation of PDA from NIA, MDA, and PPD. Moreover, when P. digitatum-induced specific VOCs were added to apples in individual or synthetic blends, there was a significantly higher percentage of mated YPM females to apples with individual or synthetic blends consisting of methyl 2-methylbutyrate, butyl caprylate, or n-tetradecane in Y-tube olfactometer experiments, suggesting that these three specific VOCs acted as predominant olfactory signals for mated YPM females to PDA.DiscussionTaken together, the microbe P. digitatum was an important driver of the interactions between YPMs and host plants by altering plant volatiles. These findings may form the basis for developing attractant baits for field trapping YPMs in the future.

Simple Summary: Corn is one of the most important food crops in the world and comprises a large proportion of crops in China. Pests are one of the important factors affecting corn yield. Conogethes punctiferalis, Ostrinia furnacalis and Helicoverpa armigera are three main pests in the ear stages of corn, which significantly affect the yield and quality of corn. The three co-occurring lepidopteran pests at the ear stage occur frequently. Recently, the amount of Conogethes punctiferalis increased, even becoming the most serious pest in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer corn region of China, which is the second-largest corn producing area in China. Gut bacteria play important roles in insect adaptation to various environments. This study aimed to compare the diversity and function of the intestinal bacteria in three co-occurring lepidopteran pests, and to explore the reason for their prevalence. The results might provide insight into the prevalence of corn earworm larvae from the perspective of gut microbiota and function prediction. Insects, as the most abundant animal group on earth, and their symbionts help their hosts to adapt to various environments. Conogethes punctiferalis, Ostrinia furnacalis and Helicoverpa armigera are three main pests co-occurring in the ear stage of corn, which significantly affect the yield and quality of corn. The purpose of this study was to compare the diversity and function of the intestinal bacteria of the three co-occurring lepidopteran pests, C. punctiferalis, O. furnacalis and H. armigera, and to explore the reason of their prevalence from the microbiota's view. Our results showed the difference of diversity and abundance of the gut bacteria of three co-occurring lepidopteran pests at the ear stage. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla, and the Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae were the dominant families in the three pests. Compared with the other two pests, Bacteroidetes was found much more in C. punctiferalis. In addition, C. punctiferalis showed more correlation and similarity in bacteria composition with corn endophytic bacteria, as well as had obvious advantages in metabolic, environmental information processing, cellular processes and organic systems function pathways. Our findings may provide insight into the prevalence of corn earworm larvae from the perspective of gut microbiota and function prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus thuringiensis Cry and Vip proteins are highly effective at controlling agricultural pests and could be used in pyramided transgenic crops. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 synergistic interaction has never been investigated at the molecular level in Yellow peach moth (YPM) Conogethes punctiferalis. Binding affinity and synergism of Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 proteins with ABC transporter subfamily C receptors ABCC1, ABCC2 and ABCC3 proteins from the midgut of YPM larva by using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and pull-down assays. Both assays revealed that Cry1Ah could interact with ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC3, whereas Vip3Aa19 only interacts with ABCC1 and ABCC3, but not with ABCC2. Hence, when compared to the Vip3Aa19 protein, Cry1Ah had a higher binding affinity for ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC3. Furthermore, competitive binding assay between Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 protein with ABC transporter subfamily C receptors resulted in the final eluted protein samples displaying vibrant blue bands of Cry1Ah and very faint bands of Vip3Aa19. Suggesting that Cry and Vip proteins could deliver a synergistic effect after cleaving the midgut proteases. Therefore, this finding indicated that the Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 do not compete for interacting with midgut receptors and thus provide strong synergism against YPM. SPR and pull-down results revealed that Cry1Ah could interact with ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC3, whereas Vip3Aa19 only interacts with ABCC1 and ABCC3, but not with ABCC2. The competitive binding assay indicated that Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 do not compete for interacting with midgut receptors and thus provide strong synergism against YPM. [Display omitted] • Cry1Ah had a higher binding affinity for ABCC1, ABCC2, and ABCC3 than Vip3Aa19. • Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 does not compete for interacting with midgut receptors of Conogethes punctiferalis. • Cry1Ah and Vip3Aa19 combination provides strong synergism against C. punctiferalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Conogethes pinicolalis has been thought as a Pinaceae-feeding variant of the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis. The divergence of C. pinicolalis from the fruit-feeding moth C. punctiferalis has been reported in terms of morphology, ecology, and genetics, however there is a lack of detailed molecular data. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the divergence of C. pinicolalis from C. punctiferalis from the aspects of transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics. Results: The expression of 74,611 mRNA in transcriptome, 142 proteins in proteome and 218 metabolites in metabolome presented significantly differences between the two species, while the KEGG results showed the data were mainly closely related to metabolism and redox. Moreover, based on integrating system-omics data, we found that the α-amylase and CYP6AE76 genes were mutated between the two species. Mutations in the α-amylase and CYP6AE76 genes may influence the efficiency of enzyme preference for a certain substrate, resulting in differences in metabolic or detoxifying ability in both species. The qPCR and enzyme activity test also confirmed the relevant gene expression. Conclusions: These findings of two related species and integrated networks provide beneficial information for further exploring the divergence in specific genes, metabolism, and redox mechanism. Most importantly, it will give novel insight on species adaptation to various diets, such as from monophagous to polyphagous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (yellow peach moth, YPM) and Atrijuglans hetaohei (Yang) (walnut lift moth, WLM), both boring insects of walnut (Juglans regia), exhibit a competitive relationship due to occupying the same ecological niche. However, the effects of climate change, agricultural management, and irrational pesticide use on the damage caused by these insects remains unknown. Long-term field monitoring in this study revealed that populations of YPM have surpassed those of WLM on walnut since 2018, indicating that YPM, previously considered a minor pest, is now becoming a major pest. Furthermore, field survey results showed that the primary pest can complete its life history in the walnut orchard and overwinter inside fallen fruit, allowing four generations every year. Our results provide a theoretical basis for controlling YPM, currently a major pest of walnut fruit in North China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The influence of different dates of sowing and various weather variables was studied on some major insect pests attacking the economically important castor crop. The susceptible castor hybrid DCH 177 was cultivated on six different dates of sowing at fortnightly interval during May–August, 2018. Crop sown during late May and first fortnight of June (i.e., the "very early sowing" and the "the early sowing") were found to be least infested by Empoasca flavescens but severely infested with S. litura larvae and the capsule damage by Conogethes punctiferalis was also very high in these two sowing dates as compared to crop sown at other dates. Maximum incidence of E. flavescens and Achaea janata was noticed in late sowings. Correlation analysis revealed that the evening relative humidity influenced the leafhopper nymphal population significantly whereas, the capsule damage by C. punctiferalis was significantly influenced by the minimum temperature and wind velocity. The influence of weather parameters on larval population of A. janata and Spodoptera litura was found statistically non-significant. The study highlights the significance of sowing date in the insect pest management scenario by defining the ultimate degree of infestation levels of insect pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GOBP2 protein has a unique function in the yellow peach moth (Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée)). Several general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) have been identified in various lepidopteran species, but the functional difference between GOBP1 and GOBP2 in recognition of host plant odorants is still unknown. The functions of GOBP1 and GOBP2 in the yellow peach moth were evaluated in this study by using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The results revealed the importance of GOBP2 in the olfaction mechanism in the yellow peach moth. The perception of the GOBP1-knockout larvae toward feeding decreased but did not reach a significant level while knocking out the GOBP2 and GOBP1/2 genes resulted in huge differences. On the other hand, electroantennograms (EAGs) and wind tunnel tests showed that the sensitivity of GOBP2 knockout adults to odorants decreased more than that of GOBP1 knockout individuals. The results of STRING database text mining grabbed our attention in protein-protein interaction studies. In this research, we first proved the existence of physical interactions between GOBPs and chemosensory proteins (CSPs) through the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) methods. Interestingly, GOBP1 and GOBP2 could not interact with each other, but they could interact with CSPs. The interaction results indicated that GOBP2 could physically interact with CSP15, CSP5, and OBP17, whereas GOBP1 could bind only with CSP5 and CSP10, and its association constant (k a) was also more substantial than that of GOBP1. These results strongly suggest the importance of the function of GOBP2 in the perception of host plant odorants by the yellow peach moth. [Display omitted] • The GOBP2 protein has a unique perception function in C. punctiferalis. • We proved the existence of physical macromolecular interactions between GOBPs and chemosensory proteins. • The GOBP2 protein can physically interact with CSPs with a lower disassociation constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We sequenced complete mitogenomes of Conogethes pinicolalis and C. punctiferalis. • We compared to each other and to 54 available mitogenomes of Pyraloidea. • The two congeneric species showed substantial sequence divergence (mean 5.92%). • Phylogenetic tree provided strong supports for lower groups within Pyraloidea. Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée, 1854 (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious polyphagous pest that attacks more than one hundred species of plants. Previously, C. punctiferalis was determined to be composed of two ecotypes; later, Conogethes pinicolalis , was described as a separate species. Due to the prolonged negligence of C. pinicolalis as an independent species, the genetic perspective of the two species is limited. Thus, in this study, 15,332 and 15,336 bp-long complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the two species were sequenced and compared to each other and to 54 available mitogenomes of Pyraloidea. The comparison of each protein-coding gene (PCG) and rRNA gene of the two congeneric species showed substantial sequence divergence, ranging from 3.13% (ATP8) to 8.3% (COIII), with an average of 5.92%. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated sequences of 13 PCGs and 2 rRNAs (12,458 bp including gaps), both by maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods, consistently supported the monophyly of each family (Crambidae and Pyralidae) and subfamily, generally with the highest nodal supports. The subfamilial relationships of ((((Acentropinae + Schoenobiinae) + (Scopariinae + Crambinae)) + Evergestinae) + (Spilomelinae + Pyraustinae)) in Crambidae and the subfamilial relationships of ((((Pyralinae + Epipaschiinae) + Phycitinae) + Galleriilinae)) in Pyralidae were obtained in both analyses. However, nodal supports were substantially low in this study, mainly due to limited taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Conogethes pinicolalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is similar to Conogethes punctiferalis (yellow peach moth) and its host plant is gymnosperms, especially for masson pine. So far, less literature was reported on this pest. In the present study, we sequenced and characterized the antennal transcriptomes of male and female C. pinicolalis for the first time. Results Totally, 26 odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes, 19 chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, 55 odorant receptor (OR) genes and 20 ionotropic receptor (IR) genes were identified from the C. pinicolalis antennae transcriptome and amino sequences were annotated against homologs of C. punctiferalis. The neighbor-joining tree indicated that the amino acid sequence of olfactory related genes is highly homologous with C. punctiferalis. Furthermore, the reference genes were selected, and we recommended the phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH) or ribosomal protein 49 gene (RP49) to verify the target gene expression during larval development stages and RP49 or ribosomal protein L13 gene (RPL13) for adult tissues. Conclusions Our study provides a starting point on the molecular level characterization between C. pinicolalis and C. punctiferalis, which might be supportive for pest management studies in future.

The yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) has become a major insect pest in Huang-Huai-Hai summer corn region of China in recent years. Larvae directly threatens the yield and quality of corn by boring into corn ear and feeding. Currently, there are few studies to use the parasitoids, Trichogramma, to control the pest C. punctiferalis, so this study firstly evaluated the parasitism, suitability and oviposition behaviour of Trichogramma on C. punctiferalis eggs at different ages in laboratory. We found that C. punctiferalis eggs at different ages could be parasitised by four Trichogramma strains, but the number of parasitised eggs gradually decreased with egg age. Among them, the Xd strain of T. dendrolimi exhibited a better acceptance to old age eggs, which parasitised 12.8 host eggs within 24 h. The percentage of female progeny of Xd strain was the highest among the four strains when young eggs were provided. Parasitoids took more drilling time on old eggs than that on young ones, however, the Xd strain took 37.07s, 36.60s and 44.27s on young, middle and old eggs, respectively, and with no significant difference. The current study has shown that the Xd strain of T. dendrolimi performed better on the parasitism, the acceptance to old age eggs, the host handing time and the suitability of progeny than other strains, indicating that this strain may be a potential biocontrol agent for C. punctiferalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects, as the most abundant animal group on earth, and their symbionts help their hosts to adapt to various environments. Conogethes punctiferalis, Ostrinia furnacalis and Helicoverpa armigera are three main pests co-occurring in the ear stage of corn, which significantly affect the yield and quality of corn. The purpose of this study was to compare the diversity and function of the intestinal bacteria of the three co-occurring lepidopteran pests, C. punctiferalis, O. furnacalis and H. armigera, and to explore the reason of their prevalence from the microbiota’s view. Our results showed the difference of diversity and abundance of the gut bacteria of three co-occurring lepidopteran pests at the ear stage. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla, and the Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae were the dominant families in the three pests. Compared with the other two pests, Bacteroidetes was found much more in C. punctiferalis. In addition, C. punctiferalis showed more correlation and similarity in bacteria composition with corn endophytic bacteria, as well as had obvious advantages in metabolic, environmental information processing, cellular processes and organic systems function pathways. Our findings may provide insight into the prevalence of corn earworm larvae from the perspective of gut microbiota and function prediction.

Yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is a very destructive fruit borer in Eastern Asia and Australia. A successful artificial diet and rearing protocol are urgently needed for its biological control and research. In this study, we developed and assessed four artificial diets: AD‐1, AD‐2, AD‐3 and AD‐4, for rearing yellow peach moth larvae. AD‐1 is effective supplements, leading to the larval survival rate of 82.05%, percentage of pupation 79.48%, mean pupa weight of 76.53 mg, emergence rate of 95.25%, and an adult fecundity rate of 121 eggs/female. Using it to feed can shorten the whole generation developmental period to 33 days. Based on this diet AD‐1, we also develop a suitable mass rearing method. During the larval stages providing three‐ to four‐time fresh diet can keep a healthy larval colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects are behaviorally and physiologically affected by different light conditions, including photoperiod, light intensity, and spectrum. Light at night has important influences on nocturnal insects, including most moth species. Moth copulation and mating usually occur at night. Although a few studies examine changes in insect mating under artificial light at night, detailed influences of light, such as that of monochromatic light, on moth mating remain largely unknown. In this study, on the basis of long-term insects rearing experience, dim red light (spectrum range: 610–710nm, with a peak at 660nm; 2.0 Lux) during scotophase was hypothesized to enhance mating in the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis. To test the hypothesis, the mating of moths under dim red, blue, and white lights during scotophase was observed. Under the dim red light, the enhancement of mating in C. punctiferalis was observed. In addition, the electroantennografic response of males against the female sex pheromone increased with red light treatment during scotophase. In an analysis of the differentially expressed genes in the antennae of males under red light and dark conditions, the expression levels of two odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes, CpunOBP2 and CpunPBP5, were up-regulated. Two genes were then expressed in Escherichia coli, and the recombinant proteins showed strong binding to female pheromone components in fluorescence-binding assays. Thus, the results of this study indicated that dim red light at night enhanced the mating of C. punctiferalis. One of the mechanisms for the enhancement was probably an increase in the antennal sensitivity of males to the female sex pheromone under red light that was caused by increases in the expression levels of pheromone-binding protein genes in male antennae.

Insects are behaviorally and physiologically affected by different light conditions, including photoperiod, light intensity, and spectrum. Light at night has important influences on nocturnal insects, including most moth species. Moth copulation and mating usually occur at night. Although a few studies examine changes in insect mating under artificial light at night, detailed influences of light, such as that of monochromatic light, on moth mating remain largely unknown. In this study, on the basis of long-term insects rearing experience, dim red light (spectrum range: 610–710nm, with a peak at 660nm; 2.0 Lux) during scotophase was hypothesized to enhance mating in the yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis. To test the hypothesis, the mating of moths under dim red, blue, and white lights during scotophase was observed. Under the dim red light, the enhancement of mating in C. punctiferalis was observed. In addition, the electroantennografic response of males against the female sex pheromone increased with red light treatment during scotophase. In an analysis of the differentially expressed genes in the antennae of males under red light and dark conditions, the expression levels of two odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes, CpunOBP2 and CpunPBP5 , were up-regulated. Two genes were then expressed in Escherichia coli , and the recombinant proteins showed strong binding to female pheromone components in fluorescence-binding assays. Thus, the results of this study indicated that dim red light at night enhanced the mating of C. punctiferalis. One of the mechanisms for the enhancement was probably an increase in the antennal sensitivity of males to the female sex pheromone under red light that was caused by increases in the expression levels of pheromone-binding protein genes in male antennae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic microorganisms can impact the behavior and physiology of herbivores by direct or indirect means. This study demonstrated that yellow peach moth Conogethes punctiferalis larvae feeding on Penicillium -infected apples exhibited significantly longer body length and weight parameters compared to the control group. The sequencing of gut 16S rRNA showed a significant increase in the diversity and abundance of bacteria in the larvae feeding on Penicillium -infected apples. Additionally, transcriptomic sequencing of the larval gut indicated significant upregulation of genes related to digestion and cuticle formation after consuming Penicillium -infected apples. Furthermore, enzyme activity assays revealed notable changes in the trypsin and lipase activity. Consequently, these alterations in gut microbiota structure, diversity, and gene expression levels may underlie the observed growth and developmental variations in C. punctiferalis larvae mediated by pathogenic microorganisms. This study holds theoretical significance for a deeper understanding of the tripartite interaction among microorganisms, insects, and plants as well as for the development of novel pest control measures based on gut microbiota.

Background: Conogethes pinicolalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), is similar to Conogethes punctiferalis (yellow peach moth) and its host plant is gymnosperms, especially for masson pine. So far, less literature was reported on this pest. In the present study, we sequenced and characterized the antennal transcriptomes of male and female C. pinicolalis for the first time. Results: Totally, 26 odorant-binding protein (OBP) genes, 19 chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, 55 odorant receptor (OR) genes and 20 ionotropic receptor (IR) genes were identified from the C. pinicolalis antennae transcriptome and amino sequences were annotated against homologs of C. punctiferalis. The neighbor-joining tree indicated that the amino acid sequence of olfactory related genes is highly homologous with C. punctiferalis. Furthermore, the reference genes were selected, and we recommended the phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GAPDH) or ribosomal protein 49 gene (RP49) to verify the target gene expression during larval development stages and RP49 or ribosomal protein L13 gene (RPL13) for adult tissues. Conclusions: Our study provides a starting point on the molecular level characterization between C. pinicolalis and C. punctiferalis, which might be supportive for pest management studies in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Conogethes pinicolalis has long been considered as a Pinaceae-feeding type of the yellow peach moth, C. punctiferalis, in Korea. In this study, the divergence of C. pinicolalis from the fruit-feeding moth C. punctiferalis was analyzed in terms of morphology, ecology, and genetics. C. pinicolalis differs from C. punctiferalis in several morphological features. Through field observation, we confirmed that pine trees are the host plants for the first generation of C. pinicolalis larvae, in contrast to fruit-feeding C. punctiferalis larvae. We successfully reared C. pinicolalis larvae to adults by providing them pine needles as a diet. From a genetic perspective, the sequences of mitochondrial COI of these two species substantially diverged by an average of 5.46%; moreover, phylogenetic analysis clearly assigned each species to an independent clade. On the other hand, nuclear EF1α showed a lower sequence divergence (2.10%) than COI. Overall, EF1α-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed each species as an independent clade, but a few haplotypes of EF1α indicated incomplete lineage sorting between these two species. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that C. pinicolalis is an independent species according to general taxonomic criteria; however, analysis of the EF1α sequence revealed a short divergence time.

Yellow Peach Moth (YPM), Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée), is one of the most destructive maize pests in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize region of China. Transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize provides an effective means to control this insect pest in field trials. However, the establishment of Bt resistance to target pests is endangering the continued success of Bt crops. To use Bt maize against YPM, the baseline susceptibility of the local populations in the targeted areas needs to be verified. Diet-overlay bioassay results showed that all the fourteen YPM populations in China are highly susceptible to Cry1Ab. The LC50 values ranged from 0.35 to 2.38 ng/cm2 over the two years of the collection, and the difference between the most susceptible and most tolerant populations was sevenfold. The upper limit of the LC99 estimates of six pooled populations produced >99% larval mortality for representative eight populations collected in 2020 and was designated as diagnostic concentrations for monitoring susceptibility in YPM populations in China. Hence, we evaluated the laboratory selection of resistance in YPM to Cry1Ab using the diet-overlay bioassay method. Although the resistant ratio was generally low, YPM potentially could evolve resistance to Cry1Ab. The potential developmentof resistance by target pests points out the necessity to implement resistance management strategies for delaying the establishment of pest resistance to Bt crops.

Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in olfaction of insects by transporting sex pheromones across the sensillum lymph to odorant receptors. To obtain a better understanding of the molecular basis between PBPs and semiochemicals, we have cloned, expressed, and purified two PBPs (CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5) from the antennae of Conogethes punctiferalis. Fluorescence competitive binding assays were used to investigate binding affinities of CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 to sex pheromone and volatiles. Results indicate both CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 bind sex pheromones E10-16:Ald, Z10-16:Ald and hexadecanal with higher affinities. In addition, CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 also could bind some odorants, such as 1-tetradecanol, trans-caryopyllene, farnesene, and β-farnesene. Homology modeling to predict 3D structure and molecular docking to predict key binding sites were used, to better understand interactions of CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 with sex pheromones E10-16:Ald and Z10-16:Ald. According to the results, Phe9, Phe33, Ser53, and Phe115 were key binding sites predicted for CpunPBP2, as were Ser9, Phe12, Val115, and Arg120 for CpunPBP5. Binding affinities of four mutants of CpunPBP2 and four mutants of CpunPBP5 with the two sex pheromones were investigated by fluorescence competitive binding assays. Results indicate that single nucleotides mutation may affect interactions between PBPs and sex pheromones. Expression levels of CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 in different tissues were evaluated using qPCR. Results show that CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 were largely amplified in the antennae, with low expression levels in other tissues. CpunPBP2 was expressed mainly in male antennae, whereas CpunPBP5 was expressed mainly in female antennae. These results provide new insights into understanding the recognition between PBPs and ligands.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the roles of two corn borers, Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis and yellow peach moth (YPM), Conogethes punctiferalis, in Fusarium verticillioides infection using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a marker. Effects of insect injury, manual injury, and insecticide application on fumonisin production also were assessed. In this study, third instars of ACB and YPM significantly increased GFP-tagged F. verticillioides infection compared with the control, regardless of the fungal inoculation method. Besides acquiring F. verticillioides spores from leaf surfaces and transmitting them to ears, larvae of the ACB and YPM also injure maize ears, which allows F. verticillioides from leaves or silk to infect ears more easily. This suggests that ACB and YPM larvae are vectors of F. verticillioide s, which can increase the occurrence of ear rot. Manual injuries significantly increased GFP-tagged F. verticillioides infection of ears, while effective insect control significantly reduced F. verticillioides infection of ears. Insecticide control of borers also significantly reduced fumonisin content in kernels. Larval infestations significantly increased fumonisins in kernels to levels higher than or very close to the European Union threshold (4,000 μg kg -1 ). Significant and high correlations among corn borer attack, F. verticillioides severity, and kernel fumonisin levels were discovered, confirming the important role of ACB and YPM activity in F. verticillioides infection and kernel fumonisin production., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

A mermithid nematode parasitic to larvae of Conogethes punctiferalis, a serious pest of ginger and turmeric was recorded under field conditions during 2015 at Peruvannamuzhi (Kerala, India). The infection reached epizootic levels during July to September 2015 exceeding 50% mortality in host insect populations and the parasitism ranged from 18.2 to 80.6% and 17.9 to 66.7% in C. punctiferalis collected from ginger and turmeric, respectively. The level of host parasitism by the mermithid was positively correlated with rainfall and negatively influenced by maximum temperature. Molecular analysis of the partial 18S small ribosomal subunit gene region and phylogenetic analysis with other mermithid sequences available in the GenBank indicated that the present nematode clustered with other nematodes belonging to different genera and hence could not be attributed to a specific genus. The pairwise Kimura 2‐parameter (K2P) distance revealed that the closest taxon to the study nematode was an undescribed mermithid species reported to infect slugs with a K2P distance of 0.009. The epizootics caused by this mermithid nematode in the natural populations of C. punctiferalis suggest its potential as a biocontrol agent against a polyphagous pest of international importance. The results of our studies provide a basis for using this nematode as a biocontrol agent for developing integrated pest management strategies against C. punctiferalis. A mermithid nematode parasitic to larvae of Conogethes punctiferalis, a serious pest of ginger and turmeric was recorded under field conditions. The level of host parasitism by the mermithid was positively correlated with rainfall and negatively influenced by maximum temperature. The epizootics caused by this mermithid nematode in the natural populations of C. punctiferalis suggest its potential as a biocontrol agent against a polyphagous pest of international importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development, survival, and fecundity data of Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) reared on chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume), maize (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge), and apple (Malus domestica Miller) were collected at 25 ± 1°C and 70 ± 5% RH. Raw data were analyzed and compared by using the age-stage, two-sex life table. The mean fecundity (F) was the highest (282.3 eggs per female) when larvae were reared on chestnut. The lowest mean fecundity (19.2 eggs per female) occurred on apple. The net reproductive rates (R 0) were 134.52, 106.77, 30.29, 27.61, and 8.63 offspring on chestnut, maize, sunflower, hawthorn, and apple, respectively. The intrinsic rates of increase (r) were 0.1359, 0.1326, 0.0807, 0.0811, and 0.0448 d−1 on chestnut, maize, sunflower, hawthorn, and apple, respectively. Computer projections based on the age-stage, two-sex life table revealed the stage structure and variability of the population growth of C. punctiferalis. Our results demonstrated that although chestnut and maize were the most suitable host plants for C. punctiferalis, the moths were also able to develop and reproduce on sunflower, hawthorn, and apple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) play an important role in olfaction of insects by transporting sex pheromones across the sensillum lymph to odorant receptors. To obtain a better understanding of the molecular basis between PBPs and semiochemicals, we have cloned, expressed, and purified two PBPs (CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5) from the antennae of Conogethes punctiferalis. Fluorescence competitive binding assays were used to investigate binding affinities of CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 to sex pheromone and volatiles. Results indicate both CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 bind sex pheromones E10-16:Ald, Z10-16:Ald and hexadecanal with higher affinities. In addition, CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 also could bind some odorants, such as 1-tetradecanol, trans-caryopyllene, farnesene, and β-farnesene. Homology modeling to predict 3D structure and molecular docking to predict key binding sites were used, to better understand interactions of CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 with sex pheromones E10-16:Ald and Z10-16:Ald. According to the results, Phe9, Phe33, Ser53, and Phe115 were key binding sites predicted for CpunPBP2, as were Ser9, Phe12, Val115, and Arg120 for CpunPBP5. Binding affinities of four mutants of CpunPBP2 and four mutants of CpunPBP5 with the two sex pheromones were investigated by fluorescence competitive binding assays. Results indicate that single nucleotides mutation may affect interactions between PBPs and sex pheromones. Expression levels of CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 in different tissues were evaluated using qPCR. Results show that CpunPBP2 and CpunPBP5 were largely amplified in the antennae, with low expression levels in other tissues. CpunPBP2 was expressed mainly in male antennae, whereas CpunPBP5 was expressed mainly in female antennae. These results provide new insights into understanding the recognition between PBPs and ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine insecticides and a natural product were evaluated for their efficacy against shoot borer (Conogethes punctiferalis), a serious insect pest of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for two years. Pooled analysis of two years data indicated that chlorantraniliprole 0.01% was the best treatment with a mean pseudostem damage of 2.6% which was on par with flubendiamide 0.02% (4.1%), spinosad 0.0225% (6.5%) and cyantraniliprole 0.005% (8.8%), when sprayed at 15 day intervals during the second fortnight of July to the first fortnight of November. The trials indicated that that these low-risk insecticides and the natural product can be utilized for the management of C. punctiferalis in ginger with reduced risk to the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]